A New Short-Term Production Scheduling and Machine Allocation Model Using Mixed Interger Programming for Application in Sublevel Stope Mining Operations

A lack of suitable software tools capable of providing optimised underground mine production schedules has resulted in the use of manual processes that are time consuming without guaranteeing optimal solutions in meeting operational objectives. Multiple phases to the scheduling process generally involves generating a medium to long-term production schedule spanning three to five years at monthly time intervals with the objective of maximising net present value (NPV). This will typically provide the input for a short-term schedule spanning one to two months at daily or shift intervals with the objective of minimising deviation to production targets. This paper reviews previous work on optimised short and long-term production scheduling and real-time fleet management systems. A new dynamic mathematical model using mixed integer programming (MIP) for optimised short-term production scheduling and machine allocation for sublevel stoping operations is proposed with an objective of minimising deviation to targeted production. Its dynamic nature allows rapid equipment reassignments to take place when underground operating conditions change including the breakdown or failure of machinery and infrastructure items. The model is trialled on the conceptual Kelvin operation with positive results.