The DumpSolver Solution

DumpSolver is a solution, which requires a close partnership with each client.  Our work is done only when our clients have received results with which they are entirely satisfied.  Our objective is to provide a meaningful and practical waste dump solution, which minimises costs but takes full account of each client’s specific requirements within appropriate safety and environmental guidelines.  This is achieved by adopting our SPRINT approach to consulting.  SPRINT is an acronym of :
Site visit, Planning, Reporting and ImpleNTation.

The DumpSolver project is initiated with a visit to the mine site.  Discussions are held with mine management to define dumping parameters and constraints.  To minimise the burden of data gathering, we provide a checklist, which will walk each client through data that are essential to complete the project successfully.  Where assumptions are required, these issues can be highlighted and agreed upon at the outset.  DumpSolver's knowledgebase can be an invaluable asset in such circumstances.

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The project scope, schedule and cost are prepared and are signed off.  As part of the scope, dump parameters, constraints and constraint combinations are defined in detail.  Overhaul costs or truck efficiency, if not readily available, can be determined with a TALPAC haulage simulation.   An economic evaluation can also be carried out using DumpSolver on an existing waste dump design to define an economic benchmark for the study.

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DumpSolver is executed for primary and secondary constraint combinations.  The reports for each option are collated and a preliminary study document submitted to the client for review and comment.  The study document will include conceptual dump plans (akin to Whittle Four-X pit shells) and economic analyses for each option.  Dump outlines can be supplied in 3-dimensional digital format if required.

Each secondary constraint combination is effectively a “what-if” scenario.  The client has an opportunity to assess the physical and economic characteristics of each combination and is able to select a favoured option.  In the unlikely event that there were no secondary dumping constraints defined in the scope, only one option will be presented.

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Once the client’s comments and favoured option have been returned to us, we can develop detailed stage plans for each dump phase.  Alternatively, the client may wish to carry this task out in-house.  A final report will be submitted and, where appropriate, will include an onsite presentation to mine management.

Stage plans will be supplied in 3-dimensional digital format together with the Microsoft Access database. 

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We are confident that DumpSolver has the potential to deliver every open pit operation substantial cost savings.  Large projects can potentially save millions of dollars.  Smaller projects will not achieve such spectacular savings but expressed as a percentage of expenditure, the results will still be significant.

The project will be carried out for an agreed price, unless a change in scope is sought and both parties agree to a variation.

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