Some plans fail because of mining assumptions. Many more fail because of geological ones.
Simon Taylor, a Principal Mining Consultant at Techtonic, is a geologist turned mine planner, and he has seen it first-hand. His view is direct: the geological model is the single most important input into any mine plan.
You can optimise schedules and costs as much as you like. If tonnes and grade are not predicted accurately, the plan becomes unachievable regardless. Too often plans are built on assumptions that are precise without being accurate, which is a distinction that only shows up once the material comes out of the ground.
Simon focuses on bridging the gap between geology and planning — making sure geological models are properly understood, challenged early, and reflected in the plan with contingency for the uncertainty that is genuinely there.
Because the best mine plans are not just optimised. They are achievable.
