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...

Value of Information Introduced by a Resource Model Updating Framework

A primary concern of the mining industry is to meet production targets, which are required and defined by customers. Deviations from these targets, in terms of quality and quantity, highly affect the economical aspect. Recently, an efficient resource model updating framework concept has been proposed aiming for the improvement of raw material...

Improving Rock Fragmentation at the Ahafo Gold Mine Site: Enhancing Improvements in Production Efficiency and Reducing Operational Costs Through Drill & Blast Pattern Optimization

An efficient production is essential for an economic continuation of most gold mining companies, due to a moderate gold price and a competitive market. Recently, the Ahafo South Mining operations owned by the Newmont Mining Corporation and located on a Proterozoic gold belt in the south west of Ghana, indicated that the cost of production must...

Ore Pass Design And Placement

A current trend in mining is towards lower grade deposits when easy to access mineral deposits are depleted in the world. Therefore, to make the current deposits accessible, a cost of mining need to be economic. Costs can be decreased in equipment and mine planning to maximize the availability and utilization of equipment for example by...

Recent Developments in Closed-Loop Approaches for Real-Time Mining and Petroleum Extraction

Advanced data acquisition and process modelling technology provide ‘real-time’ data and decision support capacity for different aspects of the resource extraction process. Closed-loop approaches have recently been applied to utilize information extracted from these data in combination with advanced computing technology for improved production...