Production Forecasting

SGS Minerals Services has extensive experience using geometallurgical technology for production forecasting applications. The application of geometallurgical technology to production forecasting results in a more rigorous and reliable forecast. Geometallurgical production forecasts consider geological, metallurgical, mineralogical and chemical influences on recovery, instead of simply relying on chemical assays.

Data is entered into Process Access, an electronic data platform, and then cross linked with processing models such as CEET® (Comminution Economic Evaluation Tool) and FLEET® (Flotation Economic Evaluation Tool).

The orebody is then virtually mined in a block-by-block fashion using the computer models. The data highlights times of smooth operation and periods when production will experience challenges, giving operational staff time to address these challenges and minimize the effects on productivity and profitability.

Since 1999, SGS has completed over 300 CEET® comminution benchmarking projects. CEET® is an internet-based software tool that enables accurate design and forecasting of plant throughputs, operating costs and grind quality. Capital investment and production planning decisions can thus be based on well-defined representative data sets representing the block model. CEET® links the grinding circuit design model with the mine resource block model to:

• Ensure throughput tonnage targets are consistently achieved
• Determine best circuit design for the ore body and mine plan
• Improve revenue-stream predictions for both budgeting and metal sales
• Optimize the mine plan for throughput and grind quality
• Minimize capital investment & operating costs for desired production rates
• Trade off capital investment with variance in throughput
• Quantify uncertainty arising from throughput predictions.