Stochastic analysis of dig limit optimization using simulated annealing

The results of dig limit delineation in open pit mining are never truly optimized due to gaps in the underlying data, such as insufficient sampling. Aside from the data uncertainty, there is also an influence on the final dig limit by either humans or by the heuristic character of an optimization method like simulated annealing. Several dig...

Dig-limit Optimization: Mixed Integer Linear Programming for grade control in open-pit mining

In open-pit mining on a bench level, the dig-limit optimization problem is deciding whether to classify a Selective Mining Unit(SMU) as waste or whether to classify it as ore. SMU’s with high ore grades are profitable for the mining operation, but due to equipment size a whole frame of SMU’s has to be classified as either ore or waste. In this...

A Study of the Influence of Measurement Volume, Blending Ratios and Sensor Precision on Real-Time Reconciliation of Grade Control Models

The mining industry continuously struggles to keep produced tonnages and grades aligned with targets derived from model-based expectations. Deviations often result from the inability to characterise short-term production units accurately based on sparsely distributed exploration data. During operation, the characterisation of short-term...

Real-time reconciliation of a geometallurgical model based on ball mill performance measurements–a pilot study at the Tropicana gold mine

The ball mill is usually the largest energy consumer at a mine site and significantly affects operational expenditures. Given a target particle size, Bond Mill Work Index estimates are used to predict a ball mill’s throughput. In order to maximize ball mill throughput and optimize energy utilization, it is important to get these estimates right....

A Simulation-Based Geostatistical Approach to Real-Time Reconciliation of the Grade Control Model

One of the main challenges of the mining industry is to ensure that produced tonnages and grades are aligned with targets derived from model-based expectations. Unexpected deviations, resulting from large uncertainties in the grade control model, often occur and strongly impact resource recovery and process efficiency. During operation, local...

Grading control on quarried rock

Probabilistic analysis of the control of grading of quarried rock, using the Rosin-Rammler distribution. with case study for the breakwaters of the port of Ennore, India