Dynamic shovel allocation approach to short-term production planning in open-pit mines

The complexity and uncertainties associated with mining operations often lead to deviations from short-term plans. A proactive approach will predict such deviations and help minimise opportunity losses, providing economic and operational gains. This paper presents an optimisation tool as a dynamic shovel allocation decision-maker for mining operation simulation models. The objectives of the optimisation tool are to provide shovel allocations to mining faces in order to maximise production, meet desired head grade and tonnage at the crushers, and minimise shovel movements. This paper presents the development and implementation of the optimisation tool with an iron ore mine case study.