It’s been 50 years since Ken Lane’s seminal contribution to the economics of mining.

As a follow-up to his initial publications in 1964, The Economic Definition of Ore was first published in 1988, and after a number of reprints, had become out of print and hard to get.

COMET Strategy is pleased to make available yet again the book which has had such an enormous impact on the practice of mine planning.

Ken’s various insights into the economics of mining have stood the test of time and perhaps more importantly, still represent the foundation for optimal mine planning and effective decision making for the future.

Ken Lane began his industrial career in Sheffield in 1950 having gained a first in mathematics at Cambridge and his particular concern was with the introduction of computer techniques in production planning and quality control.

In 1959 he joined a headquarters Planning Department at the Rio Tinto company. He was with the company through its period of major expansion leading to the establishment of the RTZ Corporation.

He became managing director of a central consulting group, RTZ Consultants, which rapidly gained an International reputation for its pioneering work on the development of mining software and the application of computers in mining.

Mr Lane was appointed to the board of the parent company, RTZ Corporation, in 1970 and served on it until 1975 when he left to pursue another interest—sailing.

He and his wife had built their own boat as a hobby, working at weekends over several years.

When it was eventually finished they decided to take time off and for two years sailed in the Caribbean and off the Eastern Seaboard of the USA. He now lives in Poole, Dorset and occasionally practices as a mining consultant between periods or retirement.

"This book captures Ken Lane's cut-off grade optimisation understanding since 1964 into the language of mining engineers today. It lays the foundations of how and why optimisation can often lead to substantial improvements in the net present value of projects."

Dr Brett King
CEO, Founder
COMET Strategy