SHORT COURSES

Level: Introductory

Facilitator: Abani Samal, Principal, GeoGlobal LLC

Mining is an integrated operation that includes exploration, mining (extraction), processing, and metallurgy where metals are extracted. A mining plan of operation forecasts the amount of ore to be mined and/or metal to be produced at the beginning of the year. Success in annual production may be due to many reasons such as a good mine plan based on a nearly robust resource/ reserve model; execution of mine-plan in the operation supported by reliable laboratory services and disciplined work-culture led by a competent workforce. Productivity of an operation is a comparison of the amount of ore mined or metals extracted vs. planned. A model-mine-mill (M3) reconciliation process helps to gain knowledge on the actual reasons for achieving the planned production or, not.

In reality, when properly implemented, a detailed model-mine-mill (M3) reconciliation process leads to finding out the areas for further improvements leading to substantial improvements in productivity. A successful mining operation conducts the reconciliation at regular time intervals.

The following topics will be covered:

1.         Reconciliation: An introduction to the concept
2.         Various types and nodes of reconciliation in a mining project
3.         Factors in reconciliation
4.         Best practices

The workshop will have two to three small exercises to provide the participants a unique learning experience. Typically the exercise will follow the lecture/ presentation and right before a break.

Short Course Objectives:

This program is designed to provide a forum for constructive discussion and learning on how model-mine-mill reconciliation can be helpful in improving the productivity of the mining operation. The participants will gain knowledge on the reasons for successfully meeting the production targets or, not. They will also realize that this is a multidisciplinary task where every discipline (geology, mining, processing, etc.) plays a role.

Target Audience:

The topic is very relevant to mining engineers, geologists, and others in a producing mine or those who are involved in financing mining operations. The program is good for professionals in their early to mid-level careers in the industry.

About the instructor:

Dr. Abani Samal is the owner and Principal of GeoGlobal, LLC, Salt Lake City, Utah. He is in the mining industry since 1996. He has worked worldwide on various projects. Dr. Samal is well recognized in the industry for his expertise in advanced geostatistics, mineral resource estimation, mine-to-mill reconciliation, and strategic advice for mineral resource development. Currently, he is providing advisory services to mining projects worldwide on various commodities including copper, gold-silver, iron-ore, nickel, bauxite, uranium, REE deposits, and diamond. He also serves as an industry expert (consultant) to the World Bank providing advisory services for the development of the mineral industry in Africa. Dr. Samal has conducted many model-mine-mill reconciliation projects on several products (copper, gold, iron-ore and Uranium) worldwide. Dr. Abani R Samal holds a Ph.D. from SIU, Carbondale, USA. DIC & MS from Imperial College, London and M.Tech. degree from IIT (ISM), Dhanbad. India. Dr. Samal is a very active member of major national and international professional associations such as SME (Fellow), Society of Economic Geology (Fellow), AIPG (CPG), CIM, and IAMG. He serves in various committees of the SME, GSA & SEG. He served as an honorary representative of CRIRSCO in India from 2015 to 2019. Under his leadership, India became a member of the CRIRSCO. He serves as a member of the Editorial board of various international scientific journals including MMEX.