Truck-shovel allocation optimisation: a goal programming approach

Decision-making in mining is a challenging task. Optimal decisions regarding shovel and truck allocations, in consideration to the short-term production schedule, are very important to keep the operations inline with the planned objectives of the company in long term. This paper presents a mixed integer linear goal programming (MILGP) model to optimise the operations based on four desired goals of the company: (a) maximise production, (b) minimise deviations in head grade, (c) minimise deviations in tonnage feed to the processing plants from the desired feed, and (d) minimise operating cost. The model provides shovel assignments and the target productions; as an input to the dispatching system while meeting the desired goals and constraints of the mining operation. The model implementation with an iron ore mine case study provided average plant utilisation above 99%, average truck utilisation above 92% and average shovel utilisation above 95%.

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