Many mining operations developed in the last 15 years have not performed to expectations. Problems experienced include lower than planned development and production rates, geotechnical/stability problems, unplanned dilution, reduced metallurgical performance and unbudgeted capital/operating costs. Most of these problems can be directly attributed to decisions made on the basis of geoscience interpretations and estimates._x000D_
Recent case studies continue to provide examples of unplanned events linked to the use of geoscience information. These studies illustrate the need to improve the way geological information is used in mine feasibility and operations. Comprehensive assessment of the consequences of inappropriate technical decision making is still rare; however, the information that is reported highlights the significant financial impact on a company's bottom line._x000D_
FORMAL CITATION:Berry, M and McCarthy, P, 2006. Practical consequences of geological uncertainty, in Proceedings Sixth International Mining Geology Conference, pp 253-258 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).