7
the optimal planning option, and the results generated by
the calculation tool form the basis for the company’s invest-
ment decisions on this project. Through its application to
a real project, the approach for creating an automated cal-
culation tool for underground mines has been successfully
validated. [8 pp. 101–132]
Verification at an Operating Underground Mine in
Germany
The validation at the Großsteinberg mine project has
already demonstrated that the tool can calculate reliable
data for an underground mine. To assess the accuracy of
the results generated by the tool, it was adapted to another
already-operating mine in Germany with comparable pro-
duction capacity, similar technology, and the same mining
method. A comparison was then conducted between the
tool’s calculated figures for the 2020 mining operations and
the actual costs incurred by the operation in 2020.
As part of the verification, real operating performance
data (such as the loading capacity of a wheel loader, truck
cycle times and speeds, drilling times, etc.) were collected,
allowing for a detailed validation and comprehensive
optimization of the technological process calculations.
The results showed that the assumptions and calculations
underlying the tool accurately represent real mining opera-
tions. The individual cost categories showed deviations
of no more than 8%, while total underground mining
costs achieved a precision of 4% compared to actual costs
incurred. [19]
Discussion—Limitations and Constraints of the Tool
The requirements set for the development of a new plan-
ning tool were fully implemented with the creation of the
automated calculation tool. Its applicability to real mining
planning was demonstrated through its application in a real
planning project, and the accuracy of the results was veri-
fied. However, while using the tool for project-related plan-
ning, several limitations have emerged, which are outlined
below:
• The tool must initially be adapted to a specific mine
with the given conditions by a specialist familiar with
the tool it cannot be used universally for any mine.
• Fundamental planning parameters, such as mining
method or production capacity, determine the initial
adjustment of the tool. If these fundamental param-
eters are not directly provided as part of a variant
comparison, any subsequent changes will necessitate
readjusting the tool.
• A basic understanding of mining processes is required
for its application otherwise, incorrect input can
lead to erroneous results.
A comprehensive error and sensitivity analysis was con-
ducted to evaluate the calculation tool. The results showed
that errors in the use of the tool cannot be entirely elimi-
nated but can be significantly minimized through features
such as automatic cell validation and input prompts. Given
that the complex calculation of an entire mine generates
hundreds of input parameters and (intermediate) results,
it is not feasible to perform a sensitivity analysis for every
variable. However, within the tool, the results worksheet
“Costs” indicates the impact of each individual cost cat-
egory on the total costs. These impacts are also presented
graphically, allowing users to quickly identify the economic
risk factors associated with the project.
Furthermore, the benefits of the tool for the involved
company were evaluated during the multi-year deployment
phase for ongoing mine planning. Initially, after its cre-
ation, the tool was used solely by the developer for variant
comparisons and other analyses, so in the first phase of use,
primarily results were provided for the company. Later, the
tool was implemented at the client’s site, accompanied by
comprehensive training. After a longer period of indepen-
dent use of the tool by the company’s staff, a consistently
positive conclusion was reached, as all desired questions
could be addressed with the tool, it is easy to handle by
with minimal training and the results were incorporated
into the ongoing decision-making and approval processes.
[8 pp. 133–146]
Conclusion and Outlook
For the planning and calculation of underground mines, a
novel planning tool has been developed based on Microsoft
Excel, offering significant value for fast, efficient, sustain-
able, and accurate mining planning. Particularly notewor-
thy is the ability to easily calculate various options, which is
a breakthrough in mining planning and paves the way for
optimizing mines on a new scale. The applicability for real
mining planning has been validated through a current min-
ing project in Germany, demonstrating that reliable results
can be generated and that the tool provides substantial ben-
efits for the planning, decision-making, and approval pro-
cesses within the company.
The verification of the tool at another operating mine
in Germany has confirmed the accuracy of the calculation
foundations and the high precision of the results produced
by the tool. Since the tool can be customized to fit each
the optimal planning option, and the results generated by
the calculation tool form the basis for the company’s invest-
ment decisions on this project. Through its application to
a real project, the approach for creating an automated cal-
culation tool for underground mines has been successfully
validated. [8 pp. 101–132]
Verification at an Operating Underground Mine in
Germany
The validation at the Großsteinberg mine project has
already demonstrated that the tool can calculate reliable
data for an underground mine. To assess the accuracy of
the results generated by the tool, it was adapted to another
already-operating mine in Germany with comparable pro-
duction capacity, similar technology, and the same mining
method. A comparison was then conducted between the
tool’s calculated figures for the 2020 mining operations and
the actual costs incurred by the operation in 2020.
As part of the verification, real operating performance
data (such as the loading capacity of a wheel loader, truck
cycle times and speeds, drilling times, etc.) were collected,
allowing for a detailed validation and comprehensive
optimization of the technological process calculations.
The results showed that the assumptions and calculations
underlying the tool accurately represent real mining opera-
tions. The individual cost categories showed deviations
of no more than 8%, while total underground mining
costs achieved a precision of 4% compared to actual costs
incurred. [19]
Discussion—Limitations and Constraints of the Tool
The requirements set for the development of a new plan-
ning tool were fully implemented with the creation of the
automated calculation tool. Its applicability to real mining
planning was demonstrated through its application in a real
planning project, and the accuracy of the results was veri-
fied. However, while using the tool for project-related plan-
ning, several limitations have emerged, which are outlined
below:
• The tool must initially be adapted to a specific mine
with the given conditions by a specialist familiar with
the tool it cannot be used universally for any mine.
• Fundamental planning parameters, such as mining
method or production capacity, determine the initial
adjustment of the tool. If these fundamental param-
eters are not directly provided as part of a variant
comparison, any subsequent changes will necessitate
readjusting the tool.
• A basic understanding of mining processes is required
for its application otherwise, incorrect input can
lead to erroneous results.
A comprehensive error and sensitivity analysis was con-
ducted to evaluate the calculation tool. The results showed
that errors in the use of the tool cannot be entirely elimi-
nated but can be significantly minimized through features
such as automatic cell validation and input prompts. Given
that the complex calculation of an entire mine generates
hundreds of input parameters and (intermediate) results,
it is not feasible to perform a sensitivity analysis for every
variable. However, within the tool, the results worksheet
“Costs” indicates the impact of each individual cost cat-
egory on the total costs. These impacts are also presented
graphically, allowing users to quickly identify the economic
risk factors associated with the project.
Furthermore, the benefits of the tool for the involved
company were evaluated during the multi-year deployment
phase for ongoing mine planning. Initially, after its cre-
ation, the tool was used solely by the developer for variant
comparisons and other analyses, so in the first phase of use,
primarily results were provided for the company. Later, the
tool was implemented at the client’s site, accompanied by
comprehensive training. After a longer period of indepen-
dent use of the tool by the company’s staff, a consistently
positive conclusion was reached, as all desired questions
could be addressed with the tool, it is easy to handle by
with minimal training and the results were incorporated
into the ongoing decision-making and approval processes.
[8 pp. 133–146]
Conclusion and Outlook
For the planning and calculation of underground mines, a
novel planning tool has been developed based on Microsoft
Excel, offering significant value for fast, efficient, sustain-
able, and accurate mining planning. Particularly notewor-
thy is the ability to easily calculate various options, which is
a breakthrough in mining planning and paves the way for
optimizing mines on a new scale. The applicability for real
mining planning has been validated through a current min-
ing project in Germany, demonstrating that reliable results
can be generated and that the tool provides substantial ben-
efits for the planning, decision-making, and approval pro-
cesses within the company.
The verification of the tool at another operating mine
in Germany has confirmed the accuracy of the calculation
foundations and the high precision of the results produced
by the tool. Since the tool can be customized to fit each