How do you deal with uncertainty and complexity in mining engineering problems?

1 Understand the problem

The first step in dealing with uncertainty and complexity is to understand the problem you are trying to solve. What are the objectives, constraints, assumptions, and uncertainties of the problem? What are the relevant data, information, and knowledge available? What are the gaps, limitations, and biases that affect your understanding? You can use various methods and tools to define and analyze the problem, such as problem statements, mind maps, fishbone diagrams, SWOT analysis, and stakeholder analysis.

2 Explore the alternatives

The next step is to explore the possible alternatives or solutions to the problem. How can you generate, evaluate, and compare different options? What are the criteria, indicators, and trade-offs involved? What are the benefits, costs, and risks of each alternative? You can use various methods and tools to explore the alternatives, such as brainstorming, decision trees, cost-benefit analysis, risk analysis, and multi-criteria analysis.

3 Choose the best option

The third step is to choose the best option or solution that meets your objectives and constraints. How can you justify and communicate your choice? What are the uncertainties and sensitivities that affect your choice? What are the feedback and learning mechanisms that allow you to monitor and adjust your choice? You can use various methods and tools to choose the best option, such as optimization, simulation, scenario analysis, sensitivity analysis, and communication plans.

4 Implement the solution

The final step is to implement the solution that you have chosen. How can you execute, coordinate, and control the activities and resources involved? What are the challenges, opportunities, and changes that arise during implementation? How can you manage the quality, safety, and sustainability of the solution? You can use various methods and tools to implement the solution, such as project management, risk management, quality management, safety management, and sustainability management.

5 Learn and improve

The last but not least tip is to learn and improve from your experience and feedback. How can you measure, evaluate, and improve your performance and outcomes? How can you identify, capture, and share your lessons learned and best practices? How can you adapt and innovate in response to changing conditions and expectations? You can use various methods and tools to learn and improve, such as performance indicators, audits, reviews, surveys, and continuous improvement cycles.

Mining engineering problems are not simple or static. They are dynamic and complex, requiring creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. By using these tips and tools, you can enhance your ability to deal with uncertainty and complexity in mining engineering problems and achieve better results for yourself, your team, and your stakeholders.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?