A multi-step approach for block-cave production scheduling optimization

Production schedules that provide optimal operating strategies while meeting practical, technical, and environmental constraints are an inseparable part of mining operations. Relying only on manual planning methods or computer software based on heuristic algorithms will lead to mine schedules that are not the optimal global solution. Mathematical mine planning models have been proved to be very effective in supporting decisions on sequencing the extraction of material in mines. The objective of this paper is to develop a practical optimization framework for caving operations’ production scheduling. To overcome the size problem of mathematical programming models and to generate a robust practical near-optimal schedule, a multi-step method for long-term production scheduling of block caving is presented. A mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) formulation is used for each step. The formulations are developed, implemented, and verified in the TOMLAB/CPLEX environment. The production scheduler aims to maximize the net present value of the mining operation while the mine planner has control over defined constraints. Application and comparison of the models for production scheduling using 298 drawpoints over 15 periods are presented.     

Proactive reconciliation as a tool for integrating mining and milling operations

Historically, reconciliation has been viewed as a quality test of model estimates as well as a powerful tool for detecting and correcting problems in all stages of mine operations from resource estimation to metal production. If used correctly, reconciliation helps to better predict the life of mine(LOM), improves the adherence of production plans to the respective budget, and allows for effective control of the mining and milling processes. However, the accuracy of reconciliation results requires that all input data must be generated in accordance with the principles of sampling correctness. Furthermore, complete reconciliation systems can become extremely complex and must be carefully analyzed in order to provide realistic and helpful conclusions. Based on these concepts, this paper presents a successful proactive reconciliation system applied to a copper and gold mine in Brazil for monitoring and integrating mining and milling operations.     

Integration of real options into short-term mine planning and production scheduling

Commodity prices have fallen sharply due to the global financial crisis. This has adversely affected the viability of some mining projects, including leading to the possibility of bankruptcy for some companies. These price falls reflect uncertainties and risks associated with mining projects. In recent years, much work has been published related to the application of real options pric-ing theory to value life-of-mine plans in response to long term financial uncertainty and risk. However, there are uncertainties and risks associated with medium/short-term mining operations. Real options theory can also be applied to tactical decisions involving uncertainties and risks. This paper will investigate the application of real options in the mining industry and present a methodology developed at University of Queensland, Australia, for integrating real options into medium/short-term mine planning and produc-tion scheduling. A case study will demonstrate the validity and usefulness of the methodology and techniques developed.     

Fuzzy linear model for production optimization of mining systems with multiple entities

Planning and production optimization within multiple mines or several work sites (entities) mining systems by using fuzzy linear programming (LP) was studied.LP is the most commonly used operations research methods in mining engineering.After the introductory review of properties and limitations of applying LP,short reviews of the general settings of deterministic and fuzzy LP models are presented.With the purpose of comparative analysis,the application of both LP models is presented using the example of the Bauxite Basin Niksic with five mines.After the assessment,LP is an efficient mathematical modeling tool in production planning and solving many other single-criteria optimization problems of mining engineering.After the comparison of advantages and deficiencies of both deterministic and fuzzy LP models,the conclusion presents benefits of the fuzzy LP model but is also stating that seeking the optimal plan of production means to accomplish the overall analysis that will encompass the LP model approaches.     

基于改进蚁群算法的航路规划优化方法

航路规划优化是作战任务规划和作战筹划的重要内容之一，也是军事运筹研究的热点问题。在对兵力航路规划优化问题分析的基础上，提出了基于改进蚁群算法的兵力航路规划优化方法。仿真结果表明，改进蚁群算法有效快速收敛到较满意的结果，可以为兵力航路规划优化问题的深入研究提供一定的借鉴和参考。     

露天矿设计规划计算机辅助设计系统

基于以有向图系统模拟理论为核心的综合优化法,采用系统模拟与数学规划相结合的方法,建立了适用于不同矿床埋藏条件的露天矿设计规划计算机辅助设计（ＳＭＣＡＤ）系统．其功能覆盖了露天矿设计中采矿设计决策的基本内容,可进行一系列采矿模拟计算、优化决策和开采方案的对比寻优．该系统实现了微机化,具有多级菜单、模块结构、图文显示、动态跟踪、交互设计等特点．应用表明,ＳＭＣＡＤ系统具有较强的通用性和实用性,运算结果准确可靠．     

面向对象的矿山生产计划系统的应用

介绍作者研制的基于知识面向对象的矿山生产计划系统在山东某金矿的应用情况方案评价指标，除沿用矿山的现行指标之外，增设了另一指标———一年的冶炼回收金属量与采矿消耗金属量之比值结果表明：应用该系统编制的矿山１９９４年的采矿生产计划，明显优于矿山的手工编制计划     

Geologic data collection and assessment techniques in coal mining for ground control

The identification and mitigation of adverse geologic conditions are critical to the safety and productivity of underground coal mining operations. To anticipate and mitigate adverse geologic conditions, a formal method to evaluate geotechnical factors must be established. Each mine is unique and has its own separate approach for defining what an adverse geological condition consists of. The collection of geologic data is a first critical step to creating a geological database to map these hazards efficiently and effectively. Many considerations must be taken into account, such as lithology of immediate roof and floor strata, seam height, gas and oil wells, faults, depressions in the mine floor(water) and increases in floor elevation(gas), overburden, streams and horizontal stress directions, amongst many other factors. Once geologic data is collected, it can be refined and integrated into a database that can be used to develop maps showing the trend, orientation, and extent of the adverse geological conditions. This information,delivered in a timely manner, allows mining personnel to be proactive in mine planning and support implementations, ultimately reducing the impacts of these features. This paper covers geologic exploratory methods, data organization, and the value of collecting and interpreting geologic information in coal mines to enhance safety and production. The implementation of the methods described above has been proven effective in predicting and mitigating adverse geologic conditions in underground coal mining.Consistent re-evaluation of data collection methods, geologic interpretations, mapping procedures, and communication techniques ensures continuous improvement in the accuracy of predictions and mitigation of adverse geologic conditions. Providing a concise record of the work previously done to track geologic conditions at a mine will allow for the smoothest transition during employee turnover and transitions. With refinements and standardization of data collection methods, such as those described in this paper, along with improvement in technology, the evaluation of adverse geologic conditions will evolve and continue to improve the safety and productivity of underground coal mining.     

Numerical analysis and geotechnical assessment of mine scale model

Various numerical methods are available to model, simulate, analyse and interpret the results; however a major task is to select a reliable and intended tool to perform a realistic assessment of any problem. For a model to be a representative of the realistic mining scenario, a verified tool must be chosen to perform an assessment of mine roof support requirement and address the geotechnical risks associated with longwall mining. The dependable tools provide a safe working environment, increased production, efficient management of resources and reduce environmental impacts of mining. Although various methods, for example, analytical, experimental and empirical are being adopted in mining, in recent days numerical tools are becoming popular due to the advancement in computer hardware and numerical methods. Empirical rules based on past experiences do provide a general guide, however due to the heterogeneous nature of mine geology (i.e., none of the mine sites are identical), numerical simulations of mine site specific conditions would lend better insights into some underlying issues. The paper highlights the use of a continuum mechanics based tool in coal mining with a mine scale model. The continuum modelling can provide close to accurate stress fields and deformation. The paper describes the use of existing mine data to calibrate and validate the model parameters, which then are used to assess geotechnical issues related with installing a new high capacity longwall mine at the mine site. A variety of parameters, for example, chock convergences, caveability of overlying sandstones, abutment and vertical stresses have been estimated.     

露天开采规划决策系统及其应用

介绍了露天开采规划决策系统的基本功能，应用该系统建立了某露天矿的地质模型和采矿模型，进而在地质资源综合评价的基础上，对首采区的开采程序进行了多方案的模拟开采，应用动态经济评价方法对之进行技术经济分析和比选，最后对优选的开采方案进行了中长期的规划，这为该矿的合理开发奠定了基础．实践证明，该系统具有较强的实用性和通用性，可以作为露天矿优化决策的有效工具。     

Groundwater impact of open cut coal mine and an assessment methodology: A case study in NSW

Large scale open cut coal mining operations have significant impacts to groundwater in surrounding areas in both active and post-mining phases. The prediction of water inflows into a surface mine excavation is one of the many components involved in mine design phase. Groundwater performance also reacts to mining activities from the operational, economic and safety implications perspective. Under NSW planning legislation, as part of the comprehensive risk assessment, a groundwater impact assessment has to be conducted for a coal project to predict and mitigate the impacts in consideration of the government requirements. In this paper, the groundwater assessment modelling of mine pits was discussed in predicting of groundwater inflows and reviewing analytical and numerical approaches. A methodology of groundwater impact assessment for an open cut mine in NSW with a three-dimensional groundwater flow model Modflow Surfact demonstrated its functions in simulating the project's impacts on the groundwater regime. The key findings with mitigations are discussed and recommended in the paper to reduce impacts on groundwater and fulfil regulation requirements in NSW.     

倾斜矿床露天开采长远规划数学模型

建立了适用于倾斜及急倾斜矿床的露天开采长远规划数学模型SMLTP2,并与适用于近水平及缓倾斜矿床的SMLTP1模型形成系列。文中介绍了SMLTP2模型的基本结构与功能,分析了倾斜矿床开采特点及采用有向图系统模拟在矿山工程延深、算量系统及运输系统等方面的算法逻辑,并提供了实例研究结果。     

Strategic mining options optimization:Open pit mining,underground mining or both

Near-surface deposits that extend to considerable depths are often amenable to both open pit mining and/or underground mining. This paper investigates the strategy of mining options for an orebody using a Mixed Integer Linear Programming(MILP) optimization framework. The MILP formulation maximizes the Net Present Value(NPV) of the reserve when extracted with(i) open pit mining,(ii) underground mining, and(iii) concurrent open pit and underground mining. Comparatively, implementing open pit mining generates a higher NPV than underground mining. However considering the investment required for these mining options, underground mining generates a better return on investment than open pit mining. Also, in the concurrent open pit and underground mining scenario, the optimizer prefers extracting blocks using open pit mining. Although the underground mine could access ore sooner, the mining cost differential for open pit mining is more than compensated for by the discounting benefits associated with earlier underground mining.     

目标规划在煤矿生产计划中的应用

本文根据邯郸矿务局郭二庄煤矿的实际情况，运用目标规划数学方法优选该矿１９９２年回采产量分配方案，得出了满意的结果．通过灵敏度分析和经济效果评价，证明了用目标规划法优化煤矿生产方案，方法是可行的，效果是比较明显的，是煤矿计划管理走向科学化、现代化的重要手段。     

Development of a multiple level underground limestone mine from geology through mine planning

The development of a multiple level underground mine is a complex task in which geology, engineering,ground control, and unit operations are integrated into a single mine design. The components are interdependent and must function cohesively to ensure a profitable underground mining operation. To optimize reserve recovery, mine planning should begin from the lowest level and progress up. This limits any misjudgments or oversights of a given level affecting the underlying levels and ensures the ability to maximize recovery from each level. Mine planning should start with the exploration and characterization of the geologic setting. Once the reserve geology and quality is well understood, then mine planning can begin with respect to the following:(1) orientation of mine works with respect to horizontal stress;(2)access to the reserve;(3) determination of opening widths;(4) selection of back, floor horizons and pillar centers;(5) selection of development and secondary mining heights;(6) appropriate inter-burden thicknesses; and(7) examining the stability of the multiple level mine through numerical modeling. The multiple level mine design process and decisions are presented through a case history example. The theme is that there is one opportunity to ‘‘get it right" and many chances to overlook a small aspect within the design that will plague the mine throughout all levels and through the entirety of its operating life.     

矿井采掘接替决策支持系统的研制

本文介绍了矿井采掘接替决策支持系统的功能与系统模型结构即生产统计分析模型、回采计划编制模型、掘进计划编制模型、采掘关系检验模型，以及系统的建模方法。     

Availability-based simulation and optimization modeling framework for open-pit mine truck allocation under dynamic constraints

We present a novel system productivity simulation and optimization modeling framework in which equipment availability is a variable in the expected productivity function of the system. The framework is used for allocating trucks by route according to their operating performances in a truck–shovel system of an open-pit mine, so as to maximize the overall productivity of the fleet. We implement the framework in an originally designed and specifically developed simulator–optimizer software tool. We make an application on a real open-pit mine case study taking into account the stochasticity of the equipment behavior and environment. The total system production values obtained with and without considering the equipment reliability, availability and maintainability (RAM) characteristics are compared. We show that by taking into account the truck and shovel RAM aspects, we can maximize the total production of the system and obtain specific information on the production availability and productivity of its components.     

计算机仿真技术在工艺优化设计中的应用

应用机辅助工艺设计和图形学技术,开发了一个零件加工工艺的图形仿真系统,以与工艺的描述相对应工艺编码作为输入,根据切削参数检验工艺的合理性,动态显著各加工阶段毛坯的形状变化,显示刀具运动轨迹,判断是否存在碰撞和过切现象,从而检验原订工艺路线的经济性和可靠性,并根据图形仿真结果对工艺进行优化。     

倾斜矿床露天矿分期境界的优化

本文从系统工程的角度出发,运用运筹学和计算机,对倾斜矿床露天开采分期境界优化的方法和理论进行了探讨;在倾斜矿床露天矿长远规划模型的基础上,建立了分期开采境界优化模型。运用该模型对齐大山露天铁矿进行了分期开采模拟计算,其模拟结果为齐大山铁矿分期境界设计提供了科学的依据。     

Mine production index(MPI)-extension of OEE for bottleneck detection in mining

Although mining production depends on various equipments, significant amount of production loss can be attributed a specific equipment or fleet. Bottleneck is defined not only by production loss but also by our satisfaction from the equipment. The user satisfaction could be measured as machine effectiveness.Mining literatures on performance improvement and optimization of equipment operations assert importance of availability, utilization and production performance as key parameters. These three parameters are useful for evaluating effectiveness of equipment. Mine production index(MPI), which can represent the effect of these factors, has been applied for continuous operation in mining. MPI uses Fuzzy Delphi Analytical Hierarchy Process to determine importance of each three parameter for individual equipment. A case study in a Swedish open pit mine was done to evaluate the field application of MPI.The results reveal that crusher is the bottleneck equipment in studied mine. As a methodical approach,an algorithm which uses MPI and detects bottleneck in continuous mining operation has been proposed.