Introduction to the Phase Module

Source file: intoroduction-to-phase-module.htm

The Evolution Phase module provides a practical approach to phase, stage, and pushback design. In this context, we will use phase as the means to describe an interim component to a final design.

A pit is divided into areas of varying economic viability known as shells. One of the key outputs of this process is to convert shells into stages using the phase tool. The goal of this process is to maximise the net present value (NPV) of the schedule with a series of modified shells as inputs. At any point, you can present any number of phasing options to Evolution Strategy for evaluation.

Once a schedule has been reached where any number of other constraints has been accommodated (i.e. cut-off grade optimisation, blending, ore exposure, vertical rates of advance, stage releasing, and other operational constraints), the resultant phasing can then be used for detailed phase design. When complete, this interim scheduling exercise gives you the assurance that the detailed phase designs will result in a maximum value and practical schedule.

Once a model has been loaded into the Phase module, a suggested workflow is as follows:

  1. Create a phase design.

  2. Merge shells.

  3. Execute repairs for small walls, drop cuts, and stumps.

  4. Apply mining rules.

  5. Use block edit mode for detailed design.

  6. Update the model.

See also:  Creating a Phase Model and Phase Tools