Mine design and planning

The mining industry is evolving. As demand for metals rises, mines are being located in more remote areas and deposit quality is declining. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors are also becoming increasingly important. While the mining sector relies on tried-and-tested traditional methods, adapting to new advancements is crucial to remaining competitive and accelerating the energy transition.

In this evolving landscape, mine design and planning play a key role. By optimizing resource use and integrating automation, artificial intelligence and electrification technologies, the industry can meet both current and future challenges.

Mine design and planning

  1. YOUR CHALLENGES

    • Mining design and planning 1

      Your challenges are complex and interconnected, making a comprehensive approach essential

      Operating in a sector with complex and often interconnected challenges such as aging mining infrastructure, technical constraints and a competitive market, you need to adapt your operations. However, given your operational reality, this transformation must be gradual— more evolution than revolution.

      Some of your key challenges include:

      • Shortages of specialized workers in remote regions
      • Integrating digital solutions and autonomous systems
      • Decarbonizing your mining operations
      • Managing operational and financial risks
      • Strengthening team cohesion and coordinating multi-site operations
      • Building relationships with local communities and meeting ESG criteria

      Adopting an integrated approach with sustainable, cost-effective solutions will help you navigate market fluctuations, remain competitive and ensure long-term regulatory compliance.

  2. OUR EXPERTISE

    • Mining design and planning 2

      Mobilizing the right expertise from the start to optimize your mining project

      With over 45 years of experience in the industrial sector, BBA leverages a multidisciplinary team to deliver optimized solutions for every phase of your mining project life cycle. By integrating emerging technologies, such as automation, modular systems and artificial intelligence, BBA can offer innovative and flexible solutions. Our approach focuses on innovation and sustainability to address the current and future challenges of the mining industry.

      Strategic planning and integrated mine design

      • Open-pit and underground mine design: sizing and specifying mining infrastructure using 3D modelling; geomechanical and geotechnical analyses
      • Integrated mine plans: developing solutions that harmonize technical, environmental and economic factors, while optimizing the mining life cycle by incorporating the latest technological innovations
      • Financial strategies for mining projects: developing financial models to facilitate access to capital and ensure long-term economic viability

      Optimizing mining reserves and production

      • Reserve estimation and optimization: using advanced techniques to evaluate resources, reduce dilution and maximize recovery
      • Technical analysis and reporting: ensuring compliance with international standards (NI 43-101, JORC) and production reconciliation for transparent management
      • Due diligence: offering an independent technical review of reports that validates compliance with international standards, identifies technical risks and ensures transparency in the management of mining projects

      Productivity and cost optimization solutions

      • Operations automation: designing autonomous systems to reduce reliance on labour, improve productivity and incorporate artificial intelligence technologies for real-time process optimization
      • Integrated remote operations centre: establishing centralized control centres to manage multi-site and/or remote mining operations in real time, while integrating digital technologies, autonomous systems and data analysis to boost productivity, safety and decision-making.
      • Operating cost modelling: optimizing equipment life cycle costs, integrating solutions such as fleet electrification and energy efficiency, to reduce the carbon footprint of projects while maximizing profitability

      Drilling, blasting and rock mechanics

      • Optimizing the drilling and blasting process: tailor-made solutions to maximize efficiency, profitability and safety while reducing environmental impacts and optimizing the use of natural resources
      • Rock mechanics: assessing rock masses, optimizing excavation designs and implementing stabilization solutions to ensure the safety and efficiency of infrastructures in mining projects

      Fleet electrification and decarbonization

      • Fleet electrification: introducing electric vehicles and alternative fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency and help decarbonize operations
      • Decarbonization strategies: incorporating renewable energy, thermal power and storage solutions to ensure reliable and sustainable energy supply, even in remote environments

      Compliance with environmental and ESG standards

      • Environmental and ESG strategies: developing strategies that comply with environmental regulations and incorporate ESG criteria to align projects with sustainable best practices
      • Mine water and tailings management: developing sustainable water and tailings management practices to minimize the impact on local ecosystems

      Technical support and team training

      • Custom training and ongoing support: training programs that promote team cohesion, ensure the successful integration of new technologies, optimize mine planning and use existing systems
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