The diploma thesis deals with the long-term planning of the open pit operation Gabenkopf of the Holcim Schweiz AG. Planning is based on deposit modelling and long term scheduling performed by the company. The work commences from a comprehensive analysis of the performance of the current operation in order to detect strengths and weaknesses. This includes also considerations of potential changes in the future, in particular the utilization of alternative fuels and an increase of the kiln capacity. Based on these findings the influence of ramp design, crusher capacity and location, and the long term geometric advance of extraction is investigated. The various alternatives are compared on basis of volumetric, qualitative and economic criteria for several time periods. In addition a visualization study is executed to assess the impact of the mining operation on the landscape. Particular emphasize was put on the aspect to consider extraction as an integral part of the overall system with haulage and processing. An important goal of the geometric design was also to keep the impact on the landscape as little as possible.