Roy Hill simulates iron ore demand chain

Buys software to test assumptions.

Roy Hill Iron Ore has bought software to simulate its operations and outbound supply chain.

The mining firm, which is backed by Gina Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting, will use Adelaide vendor SolveIT's advanced planning and scheduling (APS) and supply chain network optimisation (SCNO) tools.

It plans to simulate "a range of assumptions to confirm feasibility and throughput projections over the early and aggressive ramp-up periods for the demand chain".

Demand chain optimisation is about maximising revenue, production throughput and quality across the mine and pit-to-port supply chain operation.

"The Roy Hill operation is progressing rapidly towards the delivery of one of the world's most efficient and advanced integrated operations," Roy Hill's demand chain general manager Mike Lomman said.

"We are developing sophisticated remote operations and autonomy operating models to help drive efficiencies and scalability required to maximise the value of the asset and SolveIT Software's approach fits well with this model".

A spokesman for SolveIT was unavailable for comment.

The first iron ore is expected to be shipped from Roy Hill in 2014.