One Mine Cost Estimation Solution. Unlimited potential.

SHERPA

Increase the accuracy and reliability of your mining cost estimates while reducing the amount of time you invest in them with SHERPA. From financial evaluation of your project all the way through to reclamation, SHERPA has the data you need, combined with the models and algorithms required to calculate the costs at every stage of the life cycle of your mine.

Built on industry standard engineering-based estimating procedures from top minds in the field, like Scott Stebbins, combined with the robust and comprehensive dataset of the Mining Cost Service, SHERPA gives you all the tools you need to quickly and accurately determine capital and operating costs for every aspect of your project across the entire lifespan of your mine.

Our models come complete with suggested values for all standard variables, but allow you to add your personal expertise by customizing each item. Adjust for local conditions, modify values to run alternate scenarios, and output everything into a complete report for review and analysis. One set of cost estimating software, with unlimited potential.

Fueled by the Mining Cost Service

All necessary salaries, hourly wages, and equipment and supply prices are drawn directly from our cost database to allow for quick estimates with minimal project details. SHERPA provides suggested values for all necessary engineering parameters, such as hole loading factors, material densities, explosive types, and bench heights, and more.

An illustration of several people working on computers connected to a value chain.
A tablet and secondary screen displaying input screens for SHERPA Surface.

Fully Adjustable Inputs

Experienced estimators can override any or all suggested engineering, equipment, supply, and manpower requirement values simply by inputting their own data. This feature allows you to incorporate your experience directly into the algorithms used by the program ensuring the most accurate estimates possible. Since costs can be adjusted for local conditions, SHERPA is applicable to any region, worldwide.

Easy-to-Use Interface

We’ve worked hard to improve on our legacy products to bring you the best experience possible, all in the cloud. Our new, modern interface allows you to quickly navigate through all of the input screens with lightning speed. Finding and changing values is quick and easy, and tooltips on most inputs help explain the type of information requested and how the application determines its suggested values. Some tooltips even included alternate data to modify the application’s suggested values.

Detailed Reports with Data Visualization

Complete project output reports offer several views of your project estimations, including an Executive Summary, Total Project Cost Summary, and more. All of these pages can be exported in PDF format for quick and easy sharing with your team.

Models

Surface and Underground

Calculate costs for almost any mining project, whether it’s an open-pit, cut and fill, room and pillar, and more. Cost data and engineering parameters are included for nearly any condition you might encounter whether your project is surface or underground.

Reclamation

Environmental impact has never been more important than it is right now, and our reclamation cost models will ensure that you’re prepared for every step during and after mine closure. Keep track of and easily update their reclamation cost estimates for a mine from concept to closure.

Mineral Processing

Our mineral processing models calculate the operating costs and capital expenditures associated with mineral processing plants. Based on data supplied by the user, SHERPA suggests a flow sheet and emulates flow through the plant to arrive at material balance. Along with processing, SHERPA will also estimate engineering requirements for a variety of ancillary facilities, such as a tailings impoundment, water supply and treatment system, mill building, power supply, and even a project camp, if required.

Financial Evaluation

Produce a complete cash flow schedule for your project and compute the projected net present value, pay-back period, and internal rate of return on either a before- or after-tax basis with our financial evaluation models. You can easily compute the breakeven value for any of the data items you entered, such as ore grade, production rate, stripping ratio, smelting charges, or mining costs. Powerful risk and sensitivity modules allow you to examine the economic effects of variations in the data elements

How does it work?

Who is SHERPA for?

SHERPA is an all-in-one package designed for cost estimators and engineers who need quick, reliable cost estimates for their projects. Whether you’re starting from scratch, or simply want to sanity test your own estimates, SHERPA contains all of the necessary data, models, and algorithms to ensure that your work adheres to highest standard of quality in the mining industry.

Want to learn more about SHERPA and how it can help you streamline your mining cost estimation process?

Request a demo with a member of our team to get a hands on tour of the SHERPA suite of mine cost estimation software.

Chris Berry

Vice-President Sales

Request a Demo

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