Consulting: Mining

Transforming mining operations

With over 200 mining engineers globally with strategic planning and site experience, we work with you side by side to deliver consulting services in every mining method and commodity.

Our Expertise
Deswik consulting

Combining technical and domain expertise

As one of the largest mining engineering consultancies, we leverage our extensive experience to transform your mining challenges into opportunities. By blending local insights with industry expertise, we deliver tailored solutions that drive efficiency and enhance asset performance.

Why trust Deswik

Mining expertise that drives real results

Deswik’s consulting services bring together technical precision and practical expertise to empower your mine site. We partner with you to uncover efficiencies and drive sustainable growth in your mine planning processes.

media

A team of 200+ mining engineers

Our team of seasoned engineers bring vast hands-on experience and deep industry knowledge to every project.

media

Global presence across 6 regions

With a presence across six regions, we offer insights that address local challenges with global best practices.

media

Specialized knowledge in every mining method and commodity

Our team is skilled in all mining approaches, delivering solutions tailored to each projects specific needs.
growth icon

Proven impact across diverse projects

Through advanced software and expert strategies, we deliver faster, more accurate results that drive sustainable growth.

scalable icon

Scalable solutions for evolving needs

Deswik’s flexible approach allows us to adapt teams and resources, ensuring seamless delivery for projects of any size or complexity.

collaborative icon

Collaborative problem solving

By combining global insights with industry-leading tools, we work closely with clients to solve complex problems and deliver real results.
holistic icon

A holistic approach to mine planning

We integrate design, scheduling, and optimization to deliver efficient, seamless workflows and drive long-term success.
media

A team of 200+ mining engineers

Our team of seasoned engineers bring vast hands-on experience and deep industry knowledge to every project.

media

Global presence across 6 regions

With a presence across six regions, we offer insights that address local challenges with global best practices.

media

Specialized knowledge in every mining method and commodity

Our team is skilled in all mining approaches, delivering solutions tailored to each projects specific needs.
growth icon

Proven impact across diverse projects

Through advanced software and expert strategies, we deliver faster, more accurate results that drive sustainable growth.

scalable icon

Scalable solutions for evolving needs

Deswik’s flexible approach allows us to adapt teams and resources, ensuring seamless delivery for projects of any size or complexity.

collaborative icon

Collaborative problem solving

By combining global insights with industry-leading tools, we work closely with clients to solve complex problems and deliver real results.
holistic icon

A holistic approach to mine planning

We integrate design, scheduling, and optimization to deliver efficient, seamless workflows and drive long-term success.
Our expertise

A pathway to precision and progress

Our consulting team optimizes design, scheduling, and in-depth analysis for both surface and underground mining. With practical expertise and advanced tools, we deliver clear, actionable insights that drive performance and build in-house capability.

Mine Planning, Design, & Scheduling

We use our integrated toolkit for various tasks, from auditing geological models, creating mine designs and schedules, to delivering economic and scenario analyses. Our processes yield rapid, accurate results with transparent analysis and reporting, complemented by 3D animations that visualize the mining sequence. This ensures insights are accessible to all stakeholders, from the mining face to the boardroom.

For clients looking to develop in-house capabilities, we offer involvement in project delivery, processes, software models, and training to empower ongoing planning in your daily operations.


Expertise

  • Backfill Design
  • Cave Flow Modeling
  • Dozer Push Plans
  • Dragline Optimization
  • Dump Design
  • Medium-Term Planning
  • Mine Design and Planning
  • Open Pit Drill and Blast Designs
  • Pit and Phase Design
  • Reconciliation
  • Resource and Reserving
  • Short Interval Control Planning
  • Short-Range Mine Planning and Scheduling
  • Stope Optimizer Runs
  • Survey Assistance
  • Survey Emergency Plans
  • Underground Drill and Blast Designs
  • Ventilation Design

Key team

view all teamcontact us

Dalton Moncion

MINING CONSULTANT North America
  • 6+ Years of Mining Engineering Experience: Specializes in undergound mining
  • Licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario, Canada (P.Eng)
  • Methods: Large open stoping, narrow vein
  • Commodity Experience: Gold, Silver, Zinc, Copper, Nickel, Platinum, Palladium

Luke Babao

PRINCIPAL MINING CONSULTANT APAC
  • 20 Years of Mining Engineering Experience: Specializes in underground mining
  • Methods: Room and pillar, underhand cut and fill, large open stoping, narrow vein, SLC and block caving.
  • Commodity Experience: Gold, Silver, Lead, Zinc, Copper.

Josh Duforest

SENIOR MINING CONSULTANT Europe
  • 6+ Years of Mining Engineering Experience: Specializes in undergound mining
  • Methods: Large Open Stoping, Sublevel Stoping and Narrow Vein
  • Commodity Experience: Aggregates, Copper, Gold, Nickel, Silver, Zink
  • Country Experience: Finland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Zambia
  • LinkedIn Profile Link:

Software Implementation

Deswik ensures seamless software integration across all project phases, from pre-planning to close-out. With proven change management strategies and professional training, you can minimize disruption while maximizing the value of your investment.

By leveraging insights from past implementations, we deliver tailored, best-practice solutions to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency.


Expertise

  • Deswik Model Builds
  • Needs Assessment
  • System Integration
  • Change Management
  • Training and Mentoring
  • Data Migration
  • Customization
  • Process Automation
  • Performance Optimization
  • Ongoing Support
  • Stakeholder Engagement

Key team

view all teamcontact us

Alex Greenhalgh

SENIOR MINING CONSULTANT APAC
  • 10+ Years of Mining Engineering Experience: Specializing in underground mining and Data Management
  • Methods: Stoping, narrow vein and block caving
  • Commodity Experience: Gold, Copper, Silver, Lead, Zinc, Tungsten and Coal

Graham MacRae

Technical Lead – Operational Products North America
  • 14+ Years of Mining Engineering Experience: Specializes in underground mining
  • Methods: Long hole open stoping, Transverse stoping, Avoca mining, cut and fill, Long Room Continuous Mining, Panel Chevron Mining, Narrow vein, Dragline Mining, Dredge Mining, Sub Level Caving.
  • Commodity Experience: Gold, Silver, Lead, Zinc, Copper, Platinum, Potash, Phosphate.

Daniel Thomas

SENIOR MINING CONSULTANT APAC
  • 20+ Years of Mining Engineering Experience: Specialises in open cut and underground coal.
  • Methods: Strip | Open Pit | Terrace Mining; Bord and Pillar, Longwall.
  • Short, Medium and Long Term Mine Planning; Design & Scheduling; Drill & Blast; Landform and Haulage.
  • Commodity Experience: Coal, Gold, Copper

Scoping, Pre-Feasibility & Feasibility

Transparent and auditable results empower our clients to make informed investment decisions at every stage of feasibility. We have expertise in concept development, risk management, and optimization ensures practical solutions for mine planning, production, and closure.

Deswik’s collaborative approach enhances engineering detail and supports confident, data-driven decision-making.


Expertise

  • Cut-off Grade Optimization Studies
  • Caving Studies
  • BEV Studies
  • Electrification Studies
  • Haulage Studies
  • Pit and Phase Optimization
  • Scheduling and Sequencing
  • Geotechnical Considerations
  • Environmental and Rehabilitation Planning
  • Economic and Risk Evaluations
  • Stakeholder Reporting

Key team

view all teamcontact us

Wei Liang

Technical lead – Underground Mining North America
  • 18+ Years of Mining Engineering Experience: Specializes in undergound mining
  • Methods: Cut and fill, open stoping, narrow vein, and block caving
  • Commodity Experience: Gold, Silver, Zinc, Nickel, Copper, Platinum-group, Potash

Freddie de Bruin

PRINCIPAL MINING CONSULTANT Africa
  • 30 Years of Mining Experience: Specializes in Surface mining
  • Methods: Truck and Shovel, Dozer operation, Mine rehabilitation
  • Commodity Experience: Gold, Silver, Lead, Zinc, Copper, Coal, Rutile, Diatomaceous Earth

Cristián Anabalón

SENIOR MINING CONSULTANT South America
  • Almost 20 years of Mining Engineering Experience: Specializes in underground mining
  • Methods: All mining underground methods, Supported, unsupported and caving methods.
  • Commodity Experience: Precious metals, industrial metal, including Lead, Coal, Lithium, rare earths.
  • Country Experience: South America, Central America, Mexico and Canada.
  • Languages: Spanish, Portuguese and English

Mine Planning Optimization

Deswik’s consulting services focus on optimizing mine planning processes to enhance productivity and efficiency. Using advanced tools and methodologies, we identify opportunities for improvement and deliver tailored solutions that align with your operational goals.

Our experts work closely with clients to refine workflows, integrate best practices, and streamline planning activities. By combining technical expertise with practical insights, we help sites unlock their full potential and achieve measurable results.


Expertise

  • Life of Mine Design, Planning and Optimization
  • Mine Planning Optimization
  • Mine Sequencing and Schedule Optimization
  • Pit Optimization
  • Pit to Port Optimization
  • Schedule Blending
  • Schedule Optimization
  • Underground Mine Planning Optimization
  • Scenario Analysis
  • Scheduling Optimization
  • Cut-Off Grade Optimization
  • Process Mapping
  • Integration of Design and Scheduling
  • Resource Allocation
  • Value Chain Optimization
  • Geospatial Analysis
  • Technology Implementation
  • Risk Mitigation

Key team

view all teamcontact us

Patrick Braden

SENIOR MINING CONSULTANT AND TEAM LEAD North America
  • 8+ Years of Mining Engineering Experience: Specializes in undergound mining
  • Methods: Under/overhand cut and fill, Longhole stoping, Room and pillar, Narrow vein
  • Commodity Experience: Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium, Nickel, Copper, Salt

Manos Kyriazis

PRINCIPAL MINING CONSULTANT Europe
  • 18+ Years of Mining Engineering Experience: Specializes in both underground and surface mine design and planning, technology implementation and process improvement, as well as mine plan optimization.
  • Methods: Long Hole Open Stoping, Block and Sub-Level Caving, Drift – Cut and Fill, Room and Pillar, Long Wall Panel, Open Pit, Terrace and Strip mining.
  • Commodity Experience: Gold, Silver, Lead, Zinc, Copper, Iron, Potash, industrial minerals.

Italo Koyama

PRINCIPAL MINING CONSULTANT South America
  • 15 Years of Mining Engineering Experience: Strategic mine planning
  • Skills: Value optimization, Due diligence, Risk analysis, Mineral Reserves Audits
  • Commodity Experience: Iron ore, Gold, Copper, Polymetallic, Nickel, Lithium, Coal, Phosphate and Bauxite

Equipment Selection & Optimization

Deswik develops comprehensive models to evaluate equipment selection scenarios across the entire mining process. By integrating mining methods and analyzing interactions, our plans prevent bottlenecks and enhance operational efficiency.

With a focus on total value optimization, we provide the insights needed for confident, value-based decisions.

Expertise

  • Equipment Selection Scenarios
  • Fleet Optimization
  • Operational Cost Analysis
  • Performance Modeling
  • Compatibility Assessment
  • Technology Integration
  • Bottleneck Reduction
  • Lifecycle Analysis
  • Environmental Considerations
  • Stakeholder Collaboration

Key team

view all teamcontact us

Andre Stengl

PRINCIPAL MINING CONSULTANT & PRACTICE LEAD APAC
  • 20+ Years of Mining Engineering Experience: Specializes in Surface mining – Metal and Coal.
  • Methods: Strip | Open Pit | Terrace Mining, Pit Optimization, Short, Mid & long-term planning
  • Commodity Experience: Gold, Copper, Coal, Diamond, Phosphate, Oil Sands

Yu Nakagawa

SENIOR MINING CONSULTANT APAC
  • 15+ Years of Mining Engineering Experience: Specializes in Surface mining
  • Methods: Strip Mining – Dragline, Truck & Shovel; Terrace Mining
  • Skills: Mine Planning, Design & Scheduling – Short, Medium & Long Term; Mine Closure Planning; Business Plan Development
  • Commodity Experience: Coal

Shane Bellamy

PRINCIPAL MINING CONSULTANT AND TEAM LEAD APAC
  • 20 Years of Mining Engineering Experience: Specializes in surface mining
  • Methods: Strip Mining – Dragline, Truck & Shovel, Cast/Doze/Excavate; Terrace Mining
  • Skills: Mine Planning, Design & Scheduling (Short, Medium & Long Term); Dragline Planning and Optimisation; Mine Closure Planning; Business Plan Development; Pit Optimisation
  • Commodity Experience: Coal

Technical Due Diligence, Peer Reviews & Audits

We conduct independent reviews of mine plans to help our clients make more informed decisions about risks and opportunities. We leverage advanced analytics and learnings from previous projects to uncover discrepancies and provide robust, principle-based guidance and actionable recommendations that improve your site's efficiency.

Expertise

  • Due Diligence
  • Strategic Mine Plan Reviews
  • Operational Performance Audits
  • Resource and Reserve Audits
  • Geotechnical Stability Assessments
  • Risk Assessments and Mitigation Strategies
  • Economic and Feasibility Analysis Reviews
  • Process and Workflow Audits
  • Regulatory Compliance Reviews
  • Technology Implementation Audits
  • Mine Plan Validation and Optimization Reviews
  • Stakeholder Reporting and Communication
  • Tailings and Waste Management Audits
  • Environmental and Social Impact Assessments

Key text

view all teamcontact us

Dan Cassidy

PRINCIPAL MINING CONSULTANT AND TEAM LEAD APAC
  • 20+ Years of Mining Engineering Experience: Specializes in underground mining
  • Methods: Room and pillar, underhand cut and fill, large open stoping, narrow vein, SLC and block caving
  • Commodity Experience: Gold, Silver, Lead, Zinc, Copper, Coal, Gypsum, Antimony, Diatomaceous Earth
  • LinkedIn Profile Link:

Damien Hersant

PRINCIPAL MINING CONSULTANT APAC
  • 30+ Years of Mining Engineering Experience: Specializing in operational and technical elements of underground mining
  • Methods: Large and small scale open stoping, benching, SLC and block caving
  • Commodity Experience: Gold, Lead, Zinc, Copper, Uranium, Diamonds, PGMs

Ian Neilsen

PRINCIPAL MINING CONSULTANT APAC
  • 20+ Years of Mining Engineering Experience: Specializes in opencut mining and closure projects
  • Methods: Strip | Open Pit | Terrace Mining; Pit Optimization, Short, Medium & long-term planning; Developing Scheduling and Landform & Haulage models; Progressive and Integrated Mine Closure Planning
  • Commodity Experience: Coal (Metallurgical & Thermal)

Mine Rehabilitation, Water Catchment Analysis & Closure

We provide critical support to help clients meet evolving environmental standards, offering insights into mine options and risks. By combining 3D animations, geospatial analysis, and detailed schedule and cost reporting, we enhance communication with stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

Our expertise includes reshaping waste dumps for better legacy management, overseeing disturbance and rehabilitation activities, and conducting hydrological analysis to map drainage lines, catchment polygons, and spill points. Rehabilitation schedules, cost projections, and financial assurance estimates ensure our clients are equipped for efficient closure planning and compliance.

Expertise

  • Closure and Reclamation Design and Scheduling
  • Environmental Flow Modeling
  • Mine Closure and Rehabilitation Planning
  • Rehabilitation Designs
  • Tailings Reclamation Scheduling
  • Hydrological Modeling
  • Erosion and Sediment Control Plans
  • Vegetation and Soil Management
  • Spill Point and Drainage Analysis
  • Regulatory Compliance Audits
  • Stakeholder Reporting and Communication
  • Financial Assurance Planning
  • Post-Closure Monitoring and Maintenance
  • Risk Assessments for Rehabilitation and Closure

Key team

view all teamcontact us

Hein Fourie

CONSULTING MANAGER Africa
  • 25+ Years of Mining Consulting Experience: Specializes in Open pit mining
  • Methods: Truck and Shovel, Dozer operation, Mine rehabilitation.
  • Commodity Experience: Coal, Platinum, Gold, Lithium and Graphite.

Shale Masindi

SENIOR MINING CONSULTANT Africa
  • 10+ Years of Mining Engineering Experience: Specializes in underground mining and Surface mining
  • Methods: Room and pillar, Narrow tabular, Truck and Shovel, Long hole open stoping, Mine rehabilitation
  • Commodity Experience: Gold, Manganese, Copper, Iron Ore, Platinum, Diamond

Edgar Mashilwane

MINING CONSULTANT Africa
  • 6+ Years of Mining Engineering Experience: Specializes in underground and open pit mining
  • Methods: Room and pillar, Open Pit, Quarrying, Underhand cut and fill, Sub Level Stoping, Conventional Narrow Reef
  • Commodity Experience: Gold, Platinum, Copper, Coal, Zinc, Iron ore, Manganese, Aggregates

Ongoing Engineering & Training Support

Deswik empowers teams with hands-on training to confidently use tools and processes, ensuring they achieve maximum efficiency. Tailored mentoring, delivered on-site or in-office, provides expert guidance specific to operational needs.

Our support includes annual process reviews to refine workflows and enhance functionalities. By sharing expert knowledge, we help teams optimize mine planning and drive continuous improvement.

Expertise

  • Change Management
  • Deswik Software Training
  • Management Consulting
  • Mine Data Analytics
  • Mine Data Clean-up
  • Mine Process Digitization
  • Mine Planning Health Check
  • NGER's Reporting
  • Operational Geological Services
  • Over-the-Shoulder One-on-One Training
  • Power BI Solutions
  • Process Improvement
  • Project Management
  • Project Review and Optimization
  • Schedule Model Build
  • Schedule Review and Simplification
  • Site Secondment
  • On-Site Mentoring
  • Customized Training Programs
  • Process Optimization
  • Knowledge Transfer
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Technical Support
  • Skill Development
  • Collaborative Problem-Solving
  • Performance Reviews

Key team

view all teamcontact us

Benjamin Williams

PRINCIPAL MINING CONSULTANT APAC
  • 20+ Years of Mining Engineering Experience: Specialist in underground coal & metals mining, with exposure to surface coal and metals planning
  • Skills: Project management, enterprise data management, integrated planning models, financial modelling, process design and development, training systems.
  • Methods: large open stoping, narrow vein, room and pillar, longwall & place change, surface coal strip & terrace.
  • Commodity Experience: Gold, Silver, Lead, Zinc, Copper, Coal

Ben Gardiner

SENIOR MINING CONSULTANT - SUPPORT APAC
  • 10+ Years of Mining Engineering Experience: Specializing in underground mining, and the building of schedule models / mine planning systems.
  • Methods: Open stoping, bord and pillar, narrow vein, remnant mining.
  • Commodity Experience: Gold, Silver, Lead, Zinc, Copper, Platinum, Iron Ore

Andrey Cherepanov

Territory Manager Europe
  • 20+ Years of Mining and Geology Experience: Specializes in Exploration, UG mining and Mine Management.
  • UG Methods: Sublevel Caving.
  • Commodity Experience: Gold, Silver, Lead, Zinc, Manganese.
  • Country Experience: Russia, Northern Africa, Australia and the UK.
  • Languages: Russian and English

Key team

view all teamcontact us

Benjamin Williams

PRINCIPAL MINING CONSULTANT APAC
  • 20+ Years of Mining Engineering Experience: Specialist in underground coal & metals mining, with exposure to surface coal and metals planning
  • Skills: Project management, enterprise data management, integrated planning models, financial modelling, process design and development, training systems.
  • Methods: large open stoping, narrow vein, room and pillar, longwall & place change, surface coal strip & terrace.
  • Commodity Experience: Gold, Silver, Lead, Zinc, Copper, Coal

Ben Gardiner

SENIOR MINING CONSULTANT - SUPPORT APAC
  • 10+ Years of Mining Engineering Experience: Specializing in underground mining, and the building of schedule models / mine planning systems.
  • Methods: Open stoping, bord and pillar, narrow vein, remnant mining.
  • Commodity Experience: Gold, Silver, Lead, Zinc, Copper, Platinum, Iron Ore

Andrey Cherepanov

Territory Manager Europe
  • 20+ Years of Mining and Geology Experience: Specializes in Exploration, UG mining and Mine Management.
  • UG Methods: Sublevel Caving.
  • Commodity Experience: Gold, Silver, Lead, Zinc, Manganese.
  • Country Experience: Russia, Northern Africa, Australia and the UK.
  • Languages: Russian and English

Pumped Hydro & Civil Tunneling

We specialize in 3D model federation, feasibility studies, design optimization, 4D scheduling, and permit-to-tunnel management for pumped hydro and civil tunneling.

We tailor systems to manage and centrally store data, ensuring easy access, reliability, and seamless project collaboration. With expertise in underground excavation, water storage, and geological assessments, we help enhance project viability, reduce risks, and improve efficiency.

Expertise

  • Feasibility Studies & Site Selection
  • Tunnel Design & Excavation Planning
  • Model Federation
  • Digital Twin
  • Permit to Tunnel (PTT)
  • Geotechnical & Hydrogeological Assessments
  • Rock Mechanics & Ground Support Design
  • Hydraulic Modeling & Pumping System Optimization
  • Construction Methodologies & Equipment Selection
  • Environmental & Regulatory Compliance
  • Risk Management & Mitigation Strategies
  • Schedule & Cost Optimization
  • Operational Planning & Asset Lifecycle Management
Enquiries

Optimize your mine planning

Talk to our expert consultants to learn how Deswik's personalized consulting and software implementations can enhance your mine planning.

Enquire NowBy getting in touch you agree to our Privacy Policy and provide consent to receive communication from Deswik.

Cookie Settings

We use cookies to enhance your online experience and analyse the number of visits on our website.