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Cost curves show ranked mine operating costs plotted against cumulative production. Cost curves show in graphical form the comparative operating cost performance of all operations in the industry sample and can be thought of as an industry supply curve. By presenting the data as a series of bars rather than a line, it is possible to show the main components of operating costs as stacked bars for each operation. This is now the standard form of presentation. 
Before comparing cost curves from different sources, be careful that you are comparing the same thing. Some cost curves are drawn on the basis of metal produced, others are on the basis of metal credited or paid to the mine. Cost curves have become an important analytical tool and are now produced by many research organizations. Be aware that some organizations are more concerned with appearance than content. Always look behind the pretty pictures to see where the numbers come from. Our mine cost models come with cost curves showing the mine's performance against all other mines we have modelled in the industry, for each year we have modelled from 2000. This means that most mine cost models come with cost curves for every year from 2000 to 2006. For copper, lead, zinc, nickel, silver, molybenum, manganese and iron ore, we also have detailed industry cost curves you can download without having to buy any mine models. |
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