At the forefront of these advancements is Gerald Whittle, CEO of Whittle Consulting, who shared compelling insights on Integrated Strategic Planning in mining at PDAC in Toronto.
Gerald Whittle, a prominent figure in Integrated Strategic Mine Planning, continues the legacy initiated by his father, Jeff Whittle, who was instrumental in developing Pit Optimisation Software that transformed the mining industry. Over the past twenty years, Whittle Consulting has commanded significant attention for combining high-level services with sophisticated software to optimise mining operations worldwide.
Unlike traditional methods, Integrated Strategic Planning encompasses the entire mining value chain, considering the varying complexities and bottlenecks within a mining system. It demands a holistic approach, integrating different aspects of planning and operations into a cohesive strategy that aims to maximise economic value, not just reserves or production volumes.
A crucial step in this approach is redefining the objectives of a mining company. While traditional goals focus on maximising metal extraction and extending mine life, Integrated Strategic Planning encourages mining companies to prioritise economic value creation. This broader perspective considers all stakeholders, including local communities, governments, and environmental factors, alongside shareholders.
Moving towards Integrated Strategic Planning involves challenging existing industry paradigms. The practice requires breaking down traditional silos within mining organisations and encouraging cross-functional collaboration. This means geologists, engineers, metallurgists, commercial strategists, and finance experts must work towards a common goal - unleashing the resource's full potential in the most valuable manner.
Several core methodologies support Integrated Strategic Planning:
Whittle Consulting’s proprietary Prober software is a powerful mining optimisation tool used to execute complex non-linear optimisations, facilitating more informed decision-making.
The results from implementing Integrated Strategic Planning are compelling. Companies that adopt these techniques often see significant improvements in their cash flow and Net Present Value (NPV). Gerald Whittle shared several case studies where mining companies experienced double the cash flow in the initial years of implementing new strategic plans - without any additional capital investment.
For those interested in pursuing Integrated Strategic Planning, Whittle Consulting offers seminars that provide an in-depth understanding of the methodologies involved. These sessions help align teams across functions, preparing them to transition into more strategic, value-focused operations.
In summary, Integrated Strategic Planning marks the evolution from pit optimisation to whole-of-mine optimisation. It promises greater economic returns by aligning corporate strategies with stakeholder benefits and sustainable practices. Contact Whittle Consulting today.