Vol. 1. MINE PLANNING: Mine development phases -- An initial data collection checklist -- The planning phase --Planning costs --Accuracy of estimates --Feasibility study preparation --Critical path representation --Mine reclamation --Environmental planning procedures --A sample list of project permits and approvals --MINING REVENUES AND COSTS: Economic concepts including cash flow --Estimating revenues --Estimating costs --OREBODY DESCRIPTION: Mine maps --Geologic information --Compositing and tonnage factor calculations --Method of vertical sections --Method of vertical sections (grade contours) --The method of horizontal sections --Block models --Statistical basis for grade assignment --Kriging --GEOMETRICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Basic bench geometry --Ore access --The pit expansion process --Pit slope geometry --Final pit slope angles --Plan representation of bench geometry --Addition of a road --Road construction --Stripping ratios --Geometric sequencing --PIT LIMITS: Hand methods --Economic block models --The loating cone technique --The Lerchs-Grossmann 2-D algorithm --Modification of the Lerchs-Grossmann 2-D algorithm to a 2 and 1/2-D algorithm --The Lerchs-Grossmann 3-D algorithm --Computer assisted methods --PRODUCTION PLANNING: Some basic mine life - plant size concepts --Taylor's mine life rule --Sequencing by nested pits --Cash flow calculations --Mine and mill plant sizing --Lane's algorithm --Material destination considerations --Production scheduling --Push back design --The mine planning and design process --REPORTING OF MINERAL RESOURCES AND ORE RESERVES: The JORC code-2004 edition --The CIM best practice guidelines for the estimation of mineral resources and mineral reserves-general guidelines --RESPONSIBLE MINING: The 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment --The World Conservation Strategy (WCS)- 1980 --World Commission on Environment and Development (1987) --The 'Earth Summit' --World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) --Mining industry and mining industry-related initiatives -'Responsible Mining'-the way forward is good engineering --ROCK BLASTING: General introduction to mining unit operations --Rock blasting --ROTARY DRILLING: Brief history of rotary drill bits --Rock removal action --Rock bit components --Roller bit nomenclature --The rotary blasthole drill machine --The drill selection process --The drill string --Penetration rate-early fundamental studies --Penetration rate-field experience --Pulldown force --Rotation rate --Bit life estimates --Technical tips for best bit performance --Cuttings removal and bearing cooling --Production time factors --Cost calculations --Drill automation --SHOVEL LOADING: Operational practices --Dipper capacity --Some typical shovel dimensions, layouts and specifications -- Ballast/counterbalance requirements --Shovel production per cycle --Cycle time -- Cycles per shift -- Shovel productivity example --Design guidance from regulations --HAULAGE TRUCKS: Sizing the container --Powering the container --Propeling the container-mechanical drive systems --Propelling the container-electrical drive systems --Propelling the container-trolley assist --Calculation of truck travel time-hand methods --Calculation of truck travel time-computer methods --Autonomous haulage --MACHINE AVAILABILITY AND UTILIZATION: Time flow --Availability --Utilization --Working efficiency --Job efficiency --Maintenance efficiency --Estimating annual operating time and production capacity --Estimating shift operating time and production capacity --Annual time flow in rotary drilling --Application in prefeasibility work. Vol. 2. THE CSMINE TUTORIAL: The Arizona Copper property description --Steps needed to create a block model --Data files required for creating a block model --CSMine program design overview --Executing commands with CSMine --Starting the tutorial --The drill hole mode --The composite mode --The block mode --CSMINE USER'S GUIDE: Drill hole mode --Composite mode --Block model mode --Economic block values --Pit modeling --Block plots --Contour plot --Plotting pit prfiles --Block reports --Summary statistics --Variogram modeling --THE MICROMODEL V8.1 MINE DESIGN SOFTWARE: Data entry tutorial -- Pit generation tutorial --Other data sets-continuation --OREBODY CASE EXAMPLES: The Arizona Copper property --The Minnesota Natural Iron property --The Utah Iron property --The Minnesota Taconite property --The Kennecott Barneys Canyon Gold property --The Newmont Gold property --The Codelco Andina Copper property --The Codelco Norte Copper property.

The two volumes [...] make up a comprehensive guidebook of all aspects related to mine planning and design and are an excellent reference for aspects such as the economic evaluation of ‘surface’ ore deposits, statistical analysis of mineralization data, open-pit mining procedures and issues such as sustainability. Each chapter ends with a detailed list of hundreds of references and bibliography, followed by a series of ‘Review combined questions and exercises’ that would assist any mining engineering lecturer in setting assignments, tests and examinations. As a handbook for any aspiring mining engineer, there is no doubt that this is a very valuable document and package.