Optimal mine design became a passion of mine when I understood the potential to integrate multiple decisions simultaneously. When reading Ken Lanes book (1988) on cut-off grades, I saw how this could be extended to simultaneously optimise cut-off grade, sequencing of pushbacks and processing throughput/recovery relationships. While working in Rio Tinto, I met Ken Lane and discussed the potential for this algorithm to be extended. After integrating the multi-sequencing and multi-policy optimising into this algorithm, I have implemented this widely within the Rio Tinto major projects while also publishing the multi-policy algorithm theory in a PhD at the Royal School of Mines in London University.Wanting to continue sharing this capability with the mining industry, I created a new company in 2000 and developed the COMET Optimal Mine Scheduler. We implemented these solutions around the world for the top mining companies. One of the surprising aspects of implementing this technology was the realisation of how important the individual people are to the success of the project. With the same technology, some people exposed huge value, others would often just do an update of what was done last year. For those who went the extra mile, there were normally huge benefits.I enjoy working with the people who have challenging problems and want to go the extra mile to make the most of the resources we have been entrusted with.