Getting a project to mining readiness status is no small feat. Not only is it capital-intensive – where WA’s department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety estimated the capital cost of WA’s medium to longer-term projects to be $87 billion – but it also requires a significant investment of time and resources. To ensure that the investment in a mining project is maximized and the project is profitable, it is crucial to achieve mining readiness as efficiently as possible. By using an Operational Readiness Plan (ORP), mining companies ensure project milestones are reached at the intended time without cost overruns.
This article will explain how an ORP can be used to achieve mining readiness and will share a step-by-step guide for effective implementation.
What is an Operational Readiness Plan (ORP)?
An ORP is a comprehensive framework that outlines the processes required to ensure that a mine is fully operational within a specified timeframe and includes activities such as pre-commissioning, commissioning, and ramp-up activities.
Cubility’s Step-by-Step Guide for Effective ORP Implementation
- ESTABLISH
The first phase involves initial planning where the scope of the ORP needs to be defined, detailing all the required activities and timelines. Following this, the ORP team needs to be established and an ORP plan developed. This pre-planning stage should include strategic planning that conducts risk assessments that identify potential risks and put mitigation measures in place.
- EXECUTE
Following the initial planning, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) should be developed for all activities based on best practices as well as training programs for all employees and contractors involved in the mining operations. Following this, the pre-commissioning activities should be conducted including a detailed inspection of all equipment and infrastructure.
- COMMISSION
The commissioning activities include the first production of mineral resources, executed in a controlled manner to continually monitor all the systems. Once operating smoothly, the ramp-up activities can be conducted which requires a regular review of all SOPs to ensure they are effective.
- STEADY STATE BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Once a mine is operational, its performance should be monitored and evaluated regularly through reviews of all SOPs, environmental impacts and health and safety.
Conclusion
An ORP is an essential tool for achieving mining readiness and includes a detailed plan for the pre-commissioning, commissioning, ramp-up activities and closure of mining projects. By following a step-by-step guide, mining companies can implement mining projects efficiently ensuring a profitable project with a maximised ROI.
Cubility is a management and technology consultancy that works with businesses to solve operational problems, improve compliance, and manage change well. Our multi-disciplined team is equipped with the technical and operational knowledge as well as project execution skills to ensure the success of any project. If your business needs assistance, please get in touch with us. We would love to hear from you.
