Operational Support
LUCKY FRIDAY REMOTE SUPPORT
Commodities
Client
Hecla Mining
Location
Lucky Friday, USA
Work Conducted
Site Support
LUCKY FRIDAY REMOTE SUPPORT
Mining Plus partnered with Hecla Mining Company to support their Lucky Friday mine in Mullan, ID. The project aimed to modernize planning tools and processes to meet an ambitious production increase of 40% by the end of 2023, while improving operational efficiency for the silver, lead, and zinc mine.
CHALLENGES
The Lucky Friday mine’s planning team faced significant hurdles, including limited experience with Deswik software for short-, medium-, and long-term planning. They required comprehensive training in software usage, geology, surveying, drill and blast, and reconciliation processes to align with production goals. Additionally, the mine's existing planning tools and workflows were outdated, hindering their ability to optimize operations and efficiently manage increased production demands.
SOLUTIONS
Mining Plus provided extensive remote and on-site support, training the planning team in Deswik CAD/Sched and MSO to ensure proficiency. The team gained the ability to independently update short-term schedules and mid-term plans. Mining Plus also modernised the reconciliation process, introducing improved Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures to increase accuracy. This holistic approach empowered the planning team to streamline their workflows and improve overall mine planning capabilities.
OUTCOMES
The updated reconciliation process led to more accurate reconciliation factors, improving the mine’s production tracking and reporting capabilities. With enhanced Deswik expertise, the planning team achieved greater autonomy in schedule management, aligning operations with production targets. Mining Plus’s successful engagement improved operational efficiency and secured additional work to provide ongoing support, ensuring Lucky Friday mine is well-positioned for sustained growth and increased production.
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