The strategic planning of open pit mining projects that span several decades is critical to achieving maximum project value.

To address this issue, BHP Billiton Global Technology has developed a mine planning optimisation software tool called Blasor™. By using optimal mine planning software, strategic planners can now determine ultimate pit sizes and pit development plans that deliver maximum value over the life of the mine.

Apart from their straightforward safety and logistical advantage, mine plans allow optimal use of the in-ground resource in the downstream process plants, resulting in higher recoveries and less process plant waste for disposal. Optimal mine planning practices also improves environmental and community outcomes.

Improvements are achieved not by spending more money, but by using mathematics (optimisation) to operate existing infrastructure more smoothly and efficiently. The mathematics has been encoded into software and is used at mine sites around the world.

For more information: BHP Billiton,

Carolyn Steere, Tel: +61 3 9609 3670,

Carolyn.Steere@BHPBilliton.com