In this paper underground benching mining method is investigated in detail from the mining company perspective. The mining method, mine planning processes in Life-of-Mine and detailed design processes are discussed in detail, identifying priorities and important aspects which have an impact on real world mining operations. The priorities are then discussed if a supporting automation system could provide practical benefits for the mining company to perform more effectively or safely. This paper starts with an introduction to underground benching mining method and comparison is made to similar and very commonly used sublevel stoping method. The introduction is followed by a detailed description on how Life-of-Mine planning is done for a complete mine utilizing underground benching mining method. Life-of-mine planning steps are covered, explaining and highlighting what are the important aspects for mine planners’ perspective. After LOM planning process, detailed mine planning process is covered in similar manner followed by production planning and production management activities. When the design and production planning workflows are covered, observations are then analysed from automation system’s perspective. This part of the paper will provide insight on what kind of automation system features help the customer most in their planning-production cycle. Discussions are included what impact to real-world mining operations the features would have and in what areas bring the biggest benefits for mining companies. Conclusions at the end of the paper summarises findings and a suggestion is made on how this kind of systematic mining method analysis could be used to analyse mining company needs and further build a solid foundation for building business case for automation system development.