IMC Mining, in conjunction with the client, developed a holistic model that tracked the flow of material through the entire process from pit to port and could make dynamic decisions to drive value. The model was developed using linear and nonlinear programming optimisation software that was multi-mine and multi-destination and considered all revenue streams and cost centres.
Over a thousand individual modelling scenarios run to ensure all possible permutations were analysed. IMC was able to demonstrate to the client the most value-adding options for increasing concentration capacity on-site, while balancing the mines output with other sites owned by the client in the same region.
Recommendations of focus areas were provided for key downstream smelting and refining processes could become bottlenecking in the future to improve overall business value.