In this 1-day course we cover all aspects of the reconciliation process, including the key data which needs to be collected, the importance of unbiased measurement of volumes, tonnages and grades (among other metrics). We will show how to map out the production data flow and discuss the important measures of performance. Attendees will work on real-life reconciliation information and examine the potential sources of error. Scrutiny of the processing side of the reconciliation information provides another perspective, and a discussion of best practice highlights how efficient and useful a well-specified system can be.
Course outline
- Overview of the reconciliation cycle; why are we doing it anyway? The stakeholders’ expectations and whether we can meet them
- Sources of measurement and sources of error for open pit and underground mines; reducing error and automating the measurement
- What are the key metrics for reconciliation? Do we provide too much useless information?
- Working with and analysing real-world production data
- What happens at the plant? How does this influence what happens at the mine?
- Mapping out production data flows, designing and simplifying reconciliation systems
- Best practice in reconciliation; how to get there and the alternatives
During the course you will:
- Discuss the fundamentals of reconciliation – what are we trying to achieve and what do the various stakeholders want?
- Derive some of the key metrics from real production data sets and discuss their usefulness
- Appreciate how to present information simply and how to make the most of graphics
- Understand the key sources of error in the reconciliation cycle and how to reduce/eliminate
- Learn how to map, streamline and improve production flow systems
- Appreciate best practice in reconciliation systems and how to achieve it
What you need to bring and what we will provide
You will need to bring a laptop computer with Microsoft Office installed to the training days.
Optiro provides you with course reference notes, pad, pen, refreshments and a light lunch.
Presenter

Ian Glacken BSc (Hons), MSc (Min. Geol), MSc (Geostatistics), FAusIMM(CP), CEng, FAIG
Ian is a geologist with postgraduate qualifications in geostatistics, mining geology and computing who has more than 30 years’ worldwide experience in the mining industry. He has worked on mineral projects and given training courses to thousands of attendees on every continent apart from Antarctica.
Ian’s skills are in resource evaluation and due diligence reviews, public reporting, training and mentoring, quantitative risk assessment, strategic advice, geostatistics, reconciliation, project management, statutory and competent persons’ reporting and mining geology studies. Ian has a strong mining production background and is a regular auditor for the world’s largest mining companies.
Audience
The course is for all those who need to design, maintain, complete, review and use reconciliation systems, and primarily for the mining staff who are charged with the ownership of the reconciliation information. The course is a practical overview of the usefulness and the pitfalls inherent in reconciliation and metallurgical balance calculations for management.
Attendee feedback
“What did I find the most useful? ALL! From sampling improvements, understanding mill sampling, dash board and mapping ideas to streamlining reconciliation.”
“All explained in detail. Good coverage of both UG and open pit.”
“I found the flowcharts & understanding definitions of reconciliation jargon – how everything fits in, instead of thinking reconciliation separated by departments, most valuable.”
Professional Development Rating
This course has been awarded am 8 PD Hour rating by both the AIG and the AusIMM.