Life-of-Mine Progress Calculator
The Life-of-Mine Progress Calculator shows how far a mine has advanced through its plan, how many tonnes are left, and (with a mining rate) how many years of mine life remain.
Enter Values
Before you rely on this: First-pass guide only. Verify safety-critical or regulated work against the relevant standards, your project requirements and a qualified professional.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the total reserves the mine plan is based on.
- Enter the tonnes already mined to date.
- Optionally enter the annual mining rate to estimate years remaining.
How it works
Progress = tonnes mined to date ÷ total reserves × 100. Remaining tonnes = total reserves − tonnes mined. If an annual mining rate is supplied, years remaining = remaining tonnes ÷ annual rate. Tonnes mined cannot exceed reserves.
Worked example
Worked example. With 50,000,000 t of reserves, 20,000,000 t mined and a 5,000,000 t/yr rate: progress is 40 %, 30,000,000 t remain, and about 6 years of mine life are left.
Common mistakes
- Entering more tonnes mined than total reserves — the calculator rejects this.
- Assuming a constant mining rate; real output varies with grade, strip ratio and equipment availability.
- Forgetting that reserve estimates are updated over time, which changes progress and remaining life.
Frequently asked questions
Does progress account for grade or value?
No. It is a tonnage-based measure of physical progress through the plan, not of value extracted or profit earned.
Why might years remaining be optimistic?
It assumes the mining rate holds steady; slowdowns, weather, price-driven cutbacks or reserve downgrades all extend or shorten actual life.
Related tools
- Capital Cost per Tonne Calculator
- Metal Content Calculator
- Haulage Cost Estimate Calculator
- Pit Optimisation Revenue Estimator
- Mine Life Calculator
- Mining Rate Required Calculator
Explore more in Mining, Quarry, Earthworks, Drill & Blast.
Tip: Enter any known values to calculate the remaining results.
All calculations run in your browser. Your inputs are never saved or transmitted.