Historically confined to support for strategic planning, simulation is increasing used for real-time performance estimates and in short term operations planning. Enabled by direct import of detailed activity records or operations schedules, simulation models can be used to overlay alternative equipment resourcing and operating strategies.  For historical activities, this approach can be used to assess how alternative operating strategies would have performed for past periods. With short-term schedules, or long terms plans, it can be used to accurately predict future performance for alternative operating strategies.  Boliden has used simulation to evaluate how changes in blasting frequency for the Garpenberg mine would affect production and development rates.  This presentation explores the process of using operations data to compare the potential for increased productivity afforded by reducing blasting window frequency, with the potential for delays to dependant activities and production impacts.