The decisions involved in mine planning are becoming more and more important as their consequences take on greater significance. Mining is a one shot scenario as there is no opportunity to go back and mine a seam again if a mistake is made. Mining equipment is becoming more and more expensive, consequently a large initial investment is often required for a new mine. Mine operations are increasingly dictated by the need to be more efficient, with higher output and less downtime. The mine planner, therefore, cannot afford to get it wrong. Yet with so many factors to take into account, his or her task seems mind boggling. With so much at stake, that task does not appear to be an enviable one.
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