The course content addresses the following topics:
- Open pit economics and cut-off grade optimisation
- Pit shell selection and optimisation; pushback design and sequencing
- Converting geological model into selective mining units
- Slope design and monitoring of stability
- Fleet selection and matching; batch and continuous transportation systems
- Drilling and blasting practices in surface mines
- Stockpile management and optimisation; waste dumping strategies and controls; hydrology and dewatering
- Reconciliation of performance against design and plan
- Sustainability and environmental issues; planning for closure
- Characteristics of software used in open pit planning