Case Study – Agnico Eagle
DIGITAL MINING
Case Study – Agnico Eagle
Challenge : Agnico Eagle needed to create and integrate mine design and production schedules with geological modeling to increase in-house knowledge and ensure profitability did not falter at the Meadowbank mine in Canada – Agnico ’ s largest gold producer . After struggling for over a year with a competitive software solution , the mine switched to GEMS and engaged the Dassault Systèmes ’ GEOVIA Services team to help streamline their longterm planning .
Solution : Agnico Eagle implemented GEOVIA ’ s GEMS SQL , MineSched and Whittle with onsite GEOVIA Services training and assistance for life of mine estimation , life of mine production scenarios , pit optimisation , pit designs and ore control . GEMS SQL allowed Meadowbank to choose a design that increased the capacity of the in-pit dump by 1.7 million tonnes , which decreased hauling and construction costs when compared to the original plan , for an overall saving over the life of mine of approximately US $ 1.4mn .
Benefits : GEOVIA ’ s solutions delivered a strong mine plan and streamlined operating process that decreased hauling and construction costs . Additionally , a smoother process for resource updating with rapid analysis reduced evaluation time from weeks to days . Elsewhere , GEMS Ore Control module improved accuracy in the classification of pit material , increasing output at the Goose Pit by 70,000 ounces in 2013 .
Testimonial : “ Since we have started working with MineSched , our team training and mine planning at Meadowbank have improved significantly .” Yvon Sylvestre , Senior Vice President , Operations , Canada & Europe , Agnico Eagle
“ We can support the push to decarbonise by modelling the benefits of mine electrification , automation and robotic techniques , looking at how these approaches play out in terms of underground mine design ”
MICHELLE ASH CEO , GEOVIA
56 July 2021