3rd Edition

Open Pit Mine Planning and Design, Two Volume Set & CD-ROM Pack

    1308 Pages
    by CRC Press

    Building on the success of its 2006 predecessor, this 3rd edition of Open Pit Mine Planning and Design has been both updated and extended, ensuring that it remains the most complete and authoritative account of modern open pit mining available. Five new chapters on unit operations have been added, the revenues and costs chapter has been substantially revised and updated, and the references have been brought fully up to date. In addition, the pack now also includes a fully working version of the MicroMODEL mine planning software package.

    Volume 1 deals with the fundamental concepts involved in the planning and design of open pit mines. Subjects covered are mine planning, mining revenues and costs, orebody description, geometrical considerations, pit limits, production planning, mineral resources and ore reserves, responsible mining, rock blasting, rotary drilling, shovel loading, haulage trucks and machine availability and utilization.

    Volume 2 includes CSMine and MicroMODEL, user-friendly mine planning and design software packages developed specifically to illustrate the practical application of the involved principles. It also comprises the CSMine and MicroMODEL tutorials and user’s manuals and eight orebody case examples, including drillhole data sets for performing a complete open pit mine evaluation.

    Open Pit Mine Planning and Design is an excellent textbook for courses in surface mine design, open pit design, geological and excavation engineering, and in advanced open pit mine planning and design. The principles described apply worldwide. In addition, the work can be used as a practical reference by professionals. The step-by-step approach to mine design and planning offers a fast-path approach to the material for both undergraduate and graduate students. The outstanding software guides the student through the planning and design steps, and the eight drillhole data sets allow the student to practice the described principles on different mining properties (three copper properties, three iron properties and two gold properties). The well-written text, the large number of illustrative examples and case studies, the included software, the review questions and exercises and the reference lists included at the end of each chapter provide the student with all the material needed to effectively learn the theory and application of open pit mine planning and design.

    1 MINE PLANNING

    1.1 Introduction
    1.1.1 The meaning of ore
    1.1.2 Some important definitions
    1.2 Mine development phases
    1.3 An initial data collection checklist
    1.4 The planning phase
    1.4.1 Introduction
    1.4.2 The content of an intermediate valuation report
    1.4.3 The content of the feasibility report
    1.5 Planning costs
    1.6 Accuracy of estimates
    1.6.1 Tonnage and grade
    1.6.2 Performance
    1.6.3 Costs
    1.6.4 Price and revenue
    1.7 Feasibility study preparation
    1.8 Critical path representation
    1.9 Mine reclamation
    1.9.1 Introduction
    1.9.2 Multiple-use management
    1.9.3 Reclamation plan purpose
    1.9.4 Reclamation plan content
    1.9.5 Reclamation standards
    1.9.6 Surface and ground water management
    1.9.7 Mine waste management
    1.9.8 Tailings and slime ponds
    1.9.9 Cyanide heap and vat leach systems
    1.9.10 Landform reclamation
    1.10 Environmental planning procedures
    1.10.1 Initial project evaluation
    1.10.2 The strategic plan
    1.10.3 The environmental planning team
    1.11 A sample list of project permits and approvals
    References and bibliography
    Review questions and exercises


    2 MINING REVENUES AND COSTS

    2.1 Introduction
    2.2 Economic concepts including cash flow
    2.2.1 Future worth
    2.2.2 Present value
    2.2.3 Present value of a series of uniform contributions
    2.2.4 Payback period
    2.2.5 Rate of return on an investment
    2.2.6 Cash flow (CF)
    2.2.7 Discounted cash flow (DCF)
    2.2.8 Discounted cash flow rate of return (DCFROR)
    2.2.9 Cash flows, DCF and DCFROR including depreciation
    2.2.10 Depletion
    2.2.11 Cash flows, including depletion
    2.3 Estimating revenues
    2.3.1 Current mineral prices
    2.3.2 Historical price data
    2.3.3 Trend analysis
    2.3.4 Econometric models
    2.3.5 Net smelter return
    2.3.6 Price-cost relationships
    2.4 Estimating costs
    2.4.1 Types of costs
    2.4.2 Costs from actual operations
    2.4.3 Escalation of older costs
    2.4.4 The original O’Hara cost estimator
    2.4.5 The updated O’Hara cost estimator
    2.4.6 Detailed cost calculations
    2.4.7 Quick-and-dirty mining cost estimates
    2.4.8 Current equipment, supplies and labor costs
    References and bibliography
    Review questions and exercises


    3 OREBODY DESCRIPTION

    3.1 Introduction
    3.2 Mine maps
    3.3 Geologic information
    3.4 Compositing and tonnage factor calculations
    3.4.1 Compositing
    3.4.2 Tonnage factors
    3.5 Method of vertical sections
    3.5.1 Introduction
    3.5.2 Procedures
    3.5.3 Construction of a cross-section
    3.5.4 Calculation of tonnage and average grade for a pit
    3.6 Method of vertical sections (grade contours)
    3.7 The method of horizontal sections
    3.7.1 Introduction
    3.7.2 Triangles
    3.7.3 Polygons
    3.8 Block models
    3.8.1 Introduction
    3.8.2 Rule-of-nearest points
    3.8.3 Constant distance weighting techniques
    3.9 Statistical basis for grade assignment
    3.9.1 Some statistics on the orebody
    3.9.2 Range of sample influence
    3.9.3 Illustrative example
    3.9.4 Describing variograms by mathematical models
    3.9.5 Quantification of a deposit through variograms
    3.10 Kriging
    3.10.1 Introduction
    3.10.2 Concept development
    3.10.3 Kriging example
    3.10.4 Example of estimation for a level
    3.10.5 Block kriging
    3.10.6 Common problems associated with the use of the kriging technique
    3.10.7 Comparison of results using several techniques
    References and bibliography
    Review questions and exercises


    4 GEOMETRICAL CONSIDERATIONS

    4.1 Introduction
    4.2 Basic bench geometry
    4.3 Ore access
    4.4 The pit expansion process
    4.4.1 Introduction
    4.4.2 Frontal cuts
    4.4.3 Drive-by cuts
    4.4.4 Parallel cuts
    4.4.5 Minimum required operating room for parallel cuts
    4.4.6 Cut sequencing
    4.5 Pit slope geometry
    4.6 Final pit slope angles
    4.6.1 Introduction
    4.6.2 Geomechanical background
    4.6.3 Planar failure
    4.6.4 Circular failure
    4.6.5 Stability of curved wall sections
    4.6.6 Slope stability data presentation
    4.6.7 Slope analysis example
    4.6.8 Economic aspects of final slope angles
    4.7 Plan representation of bench geometry
    4.8 Addition of a road
    4.8.1 Introduction
    4.8.2 Design of a spiral road – inside the wall
    4.8.3 Design of a spiral ramp – outside the wall
    4.8.4 Design of a switchback
    4.8.5 The volume represented by a road
    4.9 Road construction
    4.9.1 Introduction
    4.9.2 Road section design
    4.9.3 Straight segment design
    4.9.4 Curve design
    4.9.5 Conventional parallel berm design
    4.9.6 Median berm design
    4.9.7 Haulage road gradients
    4.9.8 Practical road building and maintenance tips
    4.10 Stripping ratios
    4.11 Geometric sequencing
    4.12 Summary
    References and bibliography
    Review questions and exercises


    5 PIT LIMITS

    5.1 Introduction
    5.2 Hand methods
    5.2.1 The basic concept
    5.2.2 The net value calculation
    5.2.3 Location of pit limits – pit bottom in waste
    5.2.4 Location of pit limits – pit bottom in ore
    5.2.5 Location of pit limits – one side plus pit bottom in ore
    5.2.6 Radial sections
    5.2.7 Generating a final pit outline
    5.2.8 Destinations for in-pit materials
    5.3 Economic block models
    5.4 The floating cone technique
    5.5 The Lerchs-Grossmann 2-D algorithm
    5.6 Modification of the Lerchs-Grossmann 2-D algorithm to a 2½-D algorithm
    5.7 The Lerchs-Grossmann 3-D algorithm
    5.7.1 Introduction
    5.7.2 Definition of some important terms and concepts
    5.7.3 Two approaches to tree construction
    5.7.4 The arbitrary tree approach (Approach 1)
    5.7.5 The all root connection approach (Approach 2)
    5.7.6 The tree ‘cutting’ process
    5.7.7 A more complicated example
    5.8 Computer assisted methods
    5.8.1 The RTZ open-pit generator
    5.8.2 Computer assisted pit design based upon sections
    References and bibliography
    Review questions and exercises


    6 PRODUCTION PLANNING

    6.1 Introduction
    6.2 Some basic mine life – plant size concepts
    6.3 Taylor’s mine life rule
    6.4 Sequencing by nested pits
    6.5 Cash flow calculations
    6.6 Mine and mill plant sizing
    6.6.1 Ore reserves supporting the plant size decision
    6.6.2 Incremental financial analysis principles
    6.6.3 Plant sizing example
    6.7 Lane’s algorithm
    6.7.1 Introduction
    6.7.2 Model definition
    6.7.3 The basic equations
    6.7.4 An illustrative example
    6.7.5 Cutoff grade for maximum profit
    6.7.6 Net present value maximization
    6.8 Material destination considerations
    6.8.1 Introduction
    6.8.2 The leach dump alternative
    6.8.3 The stockpile alternative
    6.9 Production scheduling
    6.9.1 Introduction
    6.9.2 Phase scheduling
    6.9.3 Block sequencing using set dynamic programming
    6.9.4 Some scheduling examples
    6.10 Push back design
    6.10.1 Introduction
    6.10.2 The basic manual steps
    6.10.3 Manual push back design example
    6.10.4 Time period plans
    6.10.5 Equipment fleet requirements
    6.10.6 Other planning considerations
    6.11 The mine planning and design process – summary and closing remarks
    References and bibliography
    Review questions and exercises


    7 REPORTING OF MINERAL RESOURCES AND ORE RESERVES

    7.1 Introduction
    7.2 The JORC code – 2004 edition
    7.2.1 Preamble
    7.2.2 Foreword
    7.2.3 Introduction
    7.2.4 Scope
    7.2.5 Competence and responsibility
    7.2.6 Reporting terminology
    7.2.7 Reporting – General
    7.2.8 Reporting of exploration results
    7.2.9 Reporting of mineral resources
    7.2.10 Reporting of ore reserves
    7.2.11 Reporting of mineralized stope fill, stockpiles, remnants, pillars, low grade mineralization and tailings
    7.3 The CIM best practice guidelines for the estimation of mineral resources and mineral reserves – general guidelines
    7.3.1 Preamble
    7.3.2 Foreword
    7.3.3 The resource database
    7.3.4 Geological interpretation and modeling
    7.3.5 Mineral resource estimation
    7.3.6 Quantifying elements to convert a Mineral Resource to a Mineral Reserve
    7.3.7 Mineral reserve estimation
    7.3.8 Reporting
    7.3.9 Reconciliation of mineral reserves
    7.3.10 Selected references
    References and bibliography
    Review questions and exercises


    8 RESPONSIBLE MINING

    8.1 Introduction
    8.2 The 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment
    8.3 TheWorld Conservation Strategy (WCS) – 1980
    8.4 World Commission on Environment and Development (1987)
    8.5 The ‘Earth Summit’
    8.5.1 The Rio Declaration
    8.5.2 Agenda 21
    8.6 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD)
    8.7 Mining industry and mining industry-related initiatives
    8.7.1 Introduction
    8.7.2 The Global Mining Initiative (GMI)
    8.7.3 International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)
    8.7.4 Mining, Minerals, and Sustainable Development (MMSD)
    8.7.5 The U.S. Government and federal land management
    8.7.6 The position of the U.S. National Mining Association (NMA)
    8.7.7 The view of one mining company executive
    8.8 ‘Responsible Mining’ – the way forward is good engineering
    8.8.1 Introduction
    8.8.2 The Milos Statement
    8.9 Concluding remarks
    References and bibliography
    Review questions and exercises


    9 ROCK BLASTING

    9.1 General introduction to mining unit operations
    9.2 Rock blasting
    9.2.1 Rock fragmentation
    9.2.2 Blast design flowsheet
    9.2.3 Explosives as a source of fragmentation energy
    9.2.4 Pressure-volume curves
    9.2.5 Explosive strength
    9.2.6 Energy use
    9.2.7 Preliminary blast layout guidelines
    9.2.8 Blast design rationale
    9.2.9 Ratios for initial design
    9.2.10 Ratio based blast design example
    9.2.11 Determination of KB
    9.2.12 Energy coverage
    9.2.13 Concluding remarks
    References and bibliography
    Review questions and exercises


    10 ROTARY DRILLING

    10.1 Brief history of rotary drill bits
    10.2 Rock removal action
    10.3 Rock bit components
    10.4 Roller bit nomenclature
    10.5 The rotary blasthole drill machine
    10.6 The drill selection process
    10.7 The drill string
    10.8 Penetration rate – early fundamental studies
    10.9 Penetration rate – field experience
    10.10 Pulldown force
    10.11 Rotation rate
    10.12 Bit life estimates
    10.13 Technical tips for best bit performance
    10.14 Cuttings removal and bearing cooling
    10.15 Production time factors
    10.16 Cost calculations
    10.17 Drill automation
    References and bibliography
    Review questions and exercises


    11 SHOVEL LOADING

    11.1 Introduction
    11.2 Operational practices
    11.3 Dipper capacity
    11.4 Some typical shovel dimensions, layouts and specifications
    11.5 Ballast/counterbalance requirements
    11.6 Shovel production per cycle
    11.7 Cycle time
    11.8 Cycles per shift
    11.9 Shovel productivity example
    11.10 Design guidance from regulations
    References and bibliography
    Review questions and exercises


    12 HAULAGE TRUCKS

    12.1 Introduction
    12.2 Sizing the container
    12.3 Powering the container
    12.4 Propeling the container – mechanical drive systems
    12.4.1 Introduction
    12.4.2 Performance curves
    12.4.3 Rimpull utilization
    12.4.4 Retardation systems
    12.4.5 Specifications for a modern mechanical drive truck
    12.4.6 Braking systems
    12.5 Propelling the container – electrical drive systems
    12.5.1 Introduction
    12.5.2 Application of the AC-drive option to a large mining truck
    12.5.3 Specifications of a large AC-drive mining truck
    12.5.4 Calculation of truck travel time
    12.6 Propelling the container – trolley assist
    12.6.1 Introduction
    12.6.2 Trolley-equipped Komatsu 860E truck
    12.6.3 Cycle time calculation for the Komatsu 860E truck with trolley assist
    12.7 Calculation of truck travel time – hand methods
    12.7.1 Introduction
    12.7.2 Approach 1 – Equation of motion method
    12.7.3 Approach 2 – Speed factor method
    12.8 Calculation of truck travel time – computer methods
    12.8.1 Caterpillar haulage simulator
    12.8.2 Speed-factor based simulator
    12.9 Autonomous haulage
    References and bibliography
    Review questions and exercises


    13 MACHINE AVAILABILITY AND UTILIZATION

    13.1 Introduction
    13.2 Time flow
    13.3 Availability – node 1
    13.4 Utilization – node 2
    13.5 Working efficiency – node 3
    13.6 Job efficiency – node 4
    13.7 Maintenance efficiency – node 5
    13.8 Estimating annual operating time and production capacity
    13.9 Estimating shift operating time and production capacity
    13.10 Annual time flow in rotary drilling
    13.11 Application in prefeasibility work
    References and bibliography
    Review questions and exercises


    14 THE CSMine TUTORIAL

    14.1 Getting started
    14.1.1 Hardware requirements
    14.1.2 Installing CSMine
    14.1.3 Running CSMine
    14.2 The Arizona Copper property description
    14.3 Steps needed to create a block model
    14.4 Data files required for creating a block model
    14.5 CSMine program design overview
    14.6 Executing commands with CSMine
    14.7 Starting the tutorial
    14.8 The drill hole mode
    14.8.1 Reading the drill hole file
    14.8.2 Defining the block grid
    14.8.3 Creating a drill hole plan map
    14.8.4 Creating a drill hole section map
    14.9 The composite mode
    14.9.1 Calculating composites
    14.9.2 Storing and loading composite files
    14.9.3 Drill hole section plots with composites
    14.10 The block mode
    14.10.1 Calculating block grades
    14.10.2 Creating block value plots
    14.10.3 Creating contour maps
    14.10.4 Assigning economic values to the blocks
    14.10.5 The Restrictions command
    14.10.6 Pit plots
    14.10.7 The Slopes command
    14.10.8 The Save and Print commands
    14.11 Conclusion
    14.12 Suggested exercises


    15 CSMine USER’S GUIDE

    15.1 Basics
    15.1.1 File types
    15.1.2 The project file
    15.1.3 Changing modes
    15.1.4 Formatting the data screen
    15.1.5 Sorting data
    15.1.6 Printing data
    15.1.7 Coordinate system description
    15.2 Drill hole mode
    15.2.1 Drill hole data file description
    15.2.2 Reading a drill hole file
    15.2.3 Plotting a drill hole plan map
    15.2.4 Plotting a drill hole section map
    15.3 Composite mode
    15.3.1 How composites are calculated
    15.3.2 Creating composites
    15.3.3 Saving composite files
    15.3.4 Reading composite files
    15.3.5 Composite file description
    15.4 Block model mode
    15.4.1 Defining the block model grid
    15.4.2 Surface topography
    15.4.3 Assigning block values
    15.4.4 Creating a block model
    15.4.5 Saving a block file
    15.4.6 Reading a block file
    15.4.7 Block file description
    15.5 Economic block values
    15.5.1 How economic values are calculated
    15.5.2 Evaluation of the default formulas
    15.5.3 Creating an economic block model
    15.6 Pit modeling
    15.6.1 Surface topography restrictions
    15.6.2 Geometric pit limit restriction and pit slopes
    15.6.3 Positive apexed cone limits
    15.6.4 Three-dimensional floating cone
    15.6.5 Entering pit slopes
    15.6.6 Turning pit restrictions on and off
    15.7 Block plots
    15.7.1 The Configure command
    15.7.2 The Next command
    15.7.3 The Previous command
    15.7.4 The Return command
    15.7.5 Controlling which blocks are plotted
    15.8 Contour plot
    15.8.1 The Configure command
    15.8.2 The Next command
    15.8.3 The Previous command
    15.8.4 The Return command
    15.9 Plotting pit profiles
    15.9.1 The Configure command
    15.9.2 The Surface command
    15.9.3 The Geometric command
    15.9.4 The Outer_Economic command
    15.9.5 The Floating_Cone command
    15.9.6 The Return command
    15.10 Block reports
    15.10.1 The Restrictions command
    15.10.2 The Configure command
    15.10.3 The Return command
    15.11 Summary statistics
    15.11.1 The EX1.CMP data set
    15.11.2 The EX2.CMP data set
    15.11.3 Summary statistics description
    15.11.4 Is a distribution normal?
    15.11.5 Is a distribution lognormal?
    15.11.6 The Transform command
    15.11.7 The Statistics command
    15.12 Variogram modeling
    15.12.1 Introduction
    15.12.2 Experimental variogram modeling
    15.12.3 Anisotropy
    15.12.4 The Variogram command
    Reference


    16 THE MicroMODEL V8.1 MINE DESIGN SOFTWARE

    16.1 Introduction
    16.2 Program overview
    16.2.1 Introduction
    16.2.2 Data Entry Module overview
    16.2.3 Surface Modeling Module overview
    16.2.4 Rock Modeling Module overview
    16.2.5 Drill Hole Compositing Module overview
    16.2.6 Grade Modeling Module overview
    16.2.7 Pit Generation and Reserves Evaluation Module overview
    16.3 Data Entry Tutorial
    16.3.1 Introduction
    16.3.2 Some notes on input files
    16.3.3 Getting started
    16.3.4 Starting a demo project
    16.3.5 Some special considerations
    16.3.6 Constructing the Ariz_Cu model
    16.4 Pit Generation tutorial
    16.4.1 Introduction
    16.4.2 Surface topography
    16.4.3 Rock modeling
    16.4.4 Compositing
    16.4.5 Grade modeling
    16.4.6 Pit creation
    16.4.7 File manager
    16.4.8 Happy times
    16.5 Other data sets – Continuation


    17 Orebody case examples

    17.1 Introduction
    17.2 The Arizona Copper property
    17.2.1 Introduction
    17.2.2 Historical background
    17.2.3 Property topography
    17.2.4 Geologic description
    17.2.5 Mineralization
    17.2.6 Drill hole data
    17.2.7 Mining considerations
    17.3 The Minnesota Natural Iron property
    17.3.1 Introduction
    17.3.2 Access
    17.3.3 Climatic conditions
    17.3.4 Historical background
    17.3.5 Topography
    17.3.6 General geologic setting
    17.3.7 Mine-specific geology
    17.3.8 An initial hand design
    17.3.9 Economic basis
    17.4 The Utah Iron property
    17.4.1 Background
    17.4.2 Mining history of the district
    17.4.3 Property topography and surface vegetation
    17.4.4 Climate
    17.4.5 General geology
    17.4.6 Mineralization
    17.4.7 Mineral processing
    17.4.8 Pit slopes
    17.4.9 Initial cost estimates
    17.4.10 Other considerations
    17.5 The Minnesota Taconite property
    17.5.1 Introduction
    17.5.2 Location
    17.5.3 History
    17.5.4 Topography and surface conditions
    17.5.5 General geology
    17.5.6 Structural data
    17.5.7 Mining data
    17.5.8 Ore processing
    17.6 The Kennecott Barneys Canyon Gold property
    17.6.1 Introduction
    17.6.2 Geologic setting
    17.6.3 Resource definition
    17.6.4 Geotechnical data
    17.6.5 Topography and surface conditions
    17.6.6 Climate
    17.6.7 Ore processing
    17.6.8 Mining data
    17.7 The Newmont Gold property
    17.7.1 Introduction
    17.7.2 Property location
    17.7.3 General geologic setting
    17.7.4 Deposit mineralization
    17.7.5 Topography and surface conditions
    17.7.6 Local climatic conditions
    17.7.7 Initial pit modeling parameters
    17.8 The Codelco Andina Copper property
    17.8.1 Introduction
    17.8.2 Background information
    17.8.3 Geology
    17.8.4 Structural geology
    17.8.5 Geotechnical slope analysis and design
    17.8.6 Unit operations and initial costs for generating a pit
    17.9 The Codelco Norte Copper property
    17.9.1 Introduction
    17.9.2 Location and access
    17.9.3 Geology
    17.9.4 Geotechnical information
    17.9.5 Open pit geometry
    17.9.6 Material handling systems
    17.9.7 Metallurgical testing/process development
    17.9.8 Leach pad design and operation
    17.9.9 Mine design and plan
    17.9.10 Unit operations and manpower
    17.9.11 Economic analysis

    References
    Index

    Biography

    William Hustrulid studied Minerals Engineering at the University of Minnesota. After obtaining his Ph.D. degree in 1968, his career has included responsible roles in both mining academia and in the mining business itself. He has served as Professor of Mining Engineering at the University of Utah and at the Colorado School of Mines and as a Guest Professor at theTechnical University in Luleå, Sweden. In addition, he has held mining R&D positions for companies in the USA, Sweden, and the former Republic of Zaire. He is a Member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and a Foreign Member of the Swedish Royal Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA). He currently holds the rank of Professor Emeritus at the University of Utah and manages Hustrulid Mining Services in Spokane,Washington.

    Mark Kuchta studied Mining Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines and received his Ph.D. degree from the Technical University in Luleå, Sweden. He has had a wide-ranging career in the mining business. This has included working as a contract miner in the uranium mines of western Colorado and 10 years of experience in various positions with LKAB in northern Sweden. At present, Mark is an Associate Professor of Mining Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. He is actively involved in the education of future mining engineers at both undergraduate and graduate levels and conducts a very active research program. His professional interests include the use of high-pressure waterjets for rock scaling applications in underground mines, strategic mine planning, advanced mine production scheduling and the development of user-friendly mine software.

    Randall K. “Randy” Martin studied Metallurgical Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines and later received a Master of Science in Mineral Economics from Mines. He has over thirty years of experience as a geologic modeler and mine planner, having worked for Amax Mining, Pincock, Allen & Holt, and Tetratech. Currently he serves as President of R.K. Martin and Associates, Inc. His company performs consulting services, and also markets and supports a variety of software packages which are used in the mining industry. He is the principal author of the MicroMODEL® software included with this textbook.

    The two volumes [...] make up a comprehensive guidebook of all aspects related to mine planning and design and are an excellent reference for aspects such as the economic evaluation of ‘surface’ ore deposits, statistical analysis of mineralization data, open-pit mining procedures and issues such as sustainability. Each chapter ends with a detailed list of hundreds of references and bibliography, followed by a series of ‘Review combined questions and exercises’ that would assist any mining engineering lecturer in setting assignments, tests and examinations. As a handbook for any aspiring mining engineer, there is no doubt that this is a very valuable document and package.

    Phil Paige-Green, Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, Vol. 48, 2015, pp. 264

    Appropriate for diverse audiences, this book is an outstanding technical reference that provides the reader with an understanding of the fundamental principles associated with the design and planning of modern surface open-pit mines. The book is well-written and addresses topical subjects in a manner highly conducive for use in undergraduate and graduate education, as well as by a wide range of professionals interested in the subject. The text emphasizes the influence of economic and environmental considerations in mine design and planning, where applied engineering principles and approaches are effectively introduced through numerous examples and exercises. While the book is ideally suited for students in mineral related disciplines, seasoned professionals will also find it extremely useful as a technical reference. Overall, it is an excellent book that successfully introduces the interdisciplinary aspects of surface design and planning in a straight-forward, easy to understand manner that challenges the reader to think in a broader context about the subject.

    Hugh B. Miller, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Mining Engineering Department, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, USA

    Over the years, attempts have been made to capture the essence of open pit engineering. Past volumes have been organized by assembling papers and chapters written by experts and practitioners. These works contain valuable information but often digress into specialized areas and frequently repeat introductory material. Students who are trying to put all this information into a practical context find the repetition tedious and often are overwhelmed by esoteric subtopics. In this two-volume treatise, Dr.Hustrulid and his coauthors have captured the essence of ore body modeling, open pit planning, unit operations, and responsible mining in an organized and succinct manner. This work is especially valuable for mining students who are eager to learn about open pit mining and for the faculty tasked to teach the topic. The software included with the volumes provides an excellent introduction to computerized planning and a logical transition to more complicated programs.

    M. K. McCarter, Ph.D., P.E., Professor of Mining Engineering, Malcolm N. McKinnon Endowed Chair, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA

    Open Pit Mine Planning and Design is an ideal textbook for courses in surface mine design, open pit design, geological and excavation engineering, and in advanced open pit mine planning and design, and can also be a priceless reference resource for active professionals around the world.

    Australian Journal of Mining, October 30, 2014