The authors have undertaken many independent mine optimisation and operational improvement projects at Australian and international mining operations over the past decade. This work has provided an understanding of the underlying practices responsible for the good long-term performance of some operations, and the failure of others to achieve their objectives._x000D_
Good long-term performance, and value creation can be achieved through a logical and rigorous process of identifying the optimal mine plan (The Plan') that delivers the corporate goals, establishing appropriate performance measures that are aligned with these goals, and ongoing monitoring of compliance with the established targets to ensure the operation reliably achieves The Plan._x000D_
A number of practical methods have been developed and implemented to assist mining operations deliver their corporate goals. This paper outlines some of these methods, providing some fundamental guidelines that will assist in the establishment, and reliable achievement of The Plan that delivers the corporate goals.