Sixth Large Open Pit Mining Conference 2007

The Sixth Large Open Pit Mining Conference took stock of the developments and challenges occurring in the mining industry at this time, given the levels of output and efficiency which were unthinkable only four years ago, driven by the demand for raw materials to underpin the industrialisation of the Chinese and Indian economies. These results have been achieved in an environment of record fuel prices and scarcity of skilled personnel. Capacity constraints in the areas of tyres, personnel, equipment deliveries and construction materials are challenging the industry to maintain standards of safety, productivity and cost-effectiveness. Nowhere is this more important than in the large open pit mines of the world with their reliance on economies of scale to deliver capital and operational efficiencies. The aim of the conference was to share experience on how large open pit mines are responding to these challenges.