Obviously there is a lot at stake when selecting the latest technology to assist in achievement of mine planning goals – after all, there is a lot of capital tied up in the purchase and implementation of sophisticated software systems.

Software is an important element of the mine planning process but according to mining software specialist Runge, operations must remember that “software is still a tool”.

“It is the work processes and the workflow which provide the backbone for effective use of tools. The same amount of emphasis needs to be placed on ensuring that mine planning workflow is understood and properly resourced,” Runge said.

“Management needs to be committed to understanding the nuances of the long-term mine plans as well as being able to quickly evaluate the impact of short-term planning issues.”

This thinking has led Runge to pioneer the development and application of cost and margin ranking in underground coal operations as part of Runge’s systematic mine planning methodology.

The purpose for undertaking a cost and margin ranking study was to generate an "economic mud map" of an underground coal deposit. The resultant mappings graphically show the relative variation in costs and margins as the mine planning engineer moves across the deposit clearly highlighting areas of high and low cash operating margins.

“By using margin ranking to map the inherent economic characteristics of the deposit, the mine planning engineer can now develop mine plans and schedules to more reliably optimise the company's business objectives,” Runge said.

Not content to rest, Runge has continued its developments in innovative new capability in its software systems.

A further new development from Runge is the software tool for the simulation of longwall face operations from the face to the surface.

In collaboration with John Davis from JDS Mining, Runge has initially compiled tools to simulate the longwall face cutting cycle based on individual equipment parameters.

As a second phase of development, the capacity of the conveyor network from the face to the surface will be simulated to provide a total mine production capacity.

This new software module – facets – is planned to operate as both a stand-alone system or interfaced within XPAC. As an integrated XPAC tool, this module will add significant value by providing a dynamic simulation of the total mine capacity as the mine expands and changes over time.

“Technology has certainly progressed to a point where collaboration and knowledge sharing is more easily facilitated,” Runge said.

“Runge’s software systems are certainly well down this path of sharing expertise and technology to provide solutions. It is possible for mine planners to manage their tasks in the context of a clearer, and more available, big picture.”