Ross, IT 2018, 'Benchmarking and its application for caving projects', in Y Potvin & J Jakubec (eds), Caving 2018: Proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on Block and Sublevel Caving, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 473-486, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1815_36_Ross
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/1815_36_Ross/)
Abstract: The process of benchmarking is commonly used when developing mining projects. As new projects come under scrutiny during the evaluation process, the key drivers, such as development advance rate, drawpoint construction and rate of caving or production ramp-up are, or should be, critically examined.
However, with a limited pool of block/panel caving projects, is the process of benchmarking an appropriate tool to justify significant expenditure? This paper discusses some of the benefits and limitations of benchmarking and highlights some of the issues around establishing the true values ascribed to the parameters. It also highlights some common issues associated with comparing data from different mines. 

Keywords: benchmarking, block caving, benefits, limitations