Development of probabilistic simulation model for production optimization in open pit mines

Abstract

Large mechanized open pit operations can become more efficient and competitive without additional costs by improving the productivity of the existing machinery. This can be achieved by ensuring higher availability and utilization of the equipment The present paper deals with truck dispatch system using a variety of strategies to enhance the production capacity of a given set of equipment (shovels and trucks) by way of continuous dispatching of trucks. A discrete event probabilistic simulation program has been developed to demonstrate the production potential of an operating mine. It can accommodate any number of shovels and trucks of different capacities. The characteristic features of each truck and shovel can be individually specified to reflect the reality of actual working conditions. The model was tested on a hypothetical mine and a real case to verify the logic used in the program development. Subsequently, the model was implemented in two real mines to investigate the production potential. It was observed that substantial scope exists for productivity improvement when the mines were operating on a flexible mode. © 2012 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.