Here’s your 3-minute quick read of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro’s podcast Episode 117.
We’ve pulled out the key insights and takeaways – perfect for when you want the value, minus the headphones.

Why Vertical Rate of Advance Deserves More Attention

Podcast speakers: Pedro Ladeira – Senior Consultant, and Tarrant Elkington – General Manager

In open-pit mining, the Vertical Rate of Advance (VRA) might not be the most talked-about parameter—but it’s one of the most powerful levers in mine planning. In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Snowden Optiro’s Senior Consultant Pedro Ladeira chats with General Manager Tarrant Elkington to explore what VRA is, why it matters, and how it can make or break a project.

What is Vertical Rate of Advance?

VRA describes how quickly a mine progresses vertically through a cutback—usually measured in metres per year or benches per year. It’s not just a technical detail; it’s a key factor in how soon you access ore (and revenue) after cutting through waste.

A low VRA means slower progress, requiring multiple cutbacks to meet production targets—driving up early waste mining and associated costs. A high VRA allows for faster turnover of cutbacks, more focused use of equipment, and potentially defers waste. But it also demands a more concentrated effort in terms of mining activity and logistics.

What Influences VRA?

VRA is highly variable and project-specific. Factors that influence it include:

• Equipment size and mining cycle
• Dewatering and drill-and-blast requirements
• Bench height
• Material type (ore vs waste)

VRA can even vary within a single cutback—for example, moving faster through dry waste on upper benches, then slowing for selective ore mining at depth.

Typical ranges? Tarrant notes anything from 30 m/year in shallow, lateritic projects, to 150 m/year in large porphyry operations.

Setting VRA in New and Existing Projects

When planning a new project, setting VRA too high can lead to failure if it’s unachievable. Instead, start with realistic benchmarks and model sensitivity. Ask: What VRA does the project need to succeed? You might not need to mine every cutback at maximum speed—especially when already in ore.

For existing operations, historical data is invaluable—but use it wisely. Don’t simply average previous VRAs across all cutbacks. Instead, look for proven upper limits and understand where past performance was constrained or under-optimised.

Can VRA Be Simulated?

Simulations – like discrete event models – can help validate high VRA assumptions, particularly if pushing for world-best performance. But they come at a cost and often can’t account for real-life disruptions. If you’re relying on aggressive VRA to hit your plan, you need to make that risk explicit – and possibly front-load enabling work like early grade control drilling to stay on track.

The Industry Needs More VRA Data

Tarrant highlighted a gap in the industry: reliable, accessible data on VRA performance. While a few great resources exist (including articles by Julian Poniewierski), most of this knowledge is either private or anecdotal. There’s an opportunity for more shared benchmarks – especially to distinguish between average performance and maximum achievable rates.

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Takeaway: VRA is a subtle but critical input in mine planning. It shapes sequencing, costs, and ultimately, value. Being realistic- and transparent – about your assumptions can significantly de-risk your project and help maximise NPV.

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Watch or listen to the full episode
Available now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

Stay tuned for more 3-minute articles from our Fresh Thinking 3-Minute Read series.

If you would like to contact either Tarrant or Pedro: contact@snowdenoptiro.com

Here is a LINK to our Snowden Optiro YouTube channel.

Snowden Optiro is a resources consulting and advisory group that provides independent advice, consulting and training to mining and exploration companies, their advisors and investors.

We help mine developers to advance their projects, mining companies to improve their operations and their professionals, and investors to de-risk their investments by the provision of quality advice, training and software in the field of Mineral Resources and Mineral/Ore Reserves.

LINK to Snowden Optiro website