Warkworth Mining has been successfully operating a large open cut coal mining operation in the Hunter Valley of NSW since 1981. The mine is a complex multi seam operation and utalises both truck and shovel and dragline techniques. Warkworth Coal Sales Ltd markets approximately 10 different coal types. Since the mines inception the development of mine scheduling and planning has been an ongoing programme. Resource recovery and coal utalisation have been the driving factors with this development as we strive to achieve maximum revenue for the investment dollar.
The principal aim of this paper is to discuss the scheduling methodology as it is utilised todayhighlighting the interaction in the development of the final coal products schedule. Whilst the system is not perfect it has evolved and operated successfully in these difficult economic times and offers a practical and achievable approach to resource optimisation.