Improved optimised scheduling in stratified deposits in open pit mines – using in-pit dumping

Abstract

Reducing the footprint of mining by backfilling and rehabilitating open pit mines progressively reduces the amount of land exposed at any point in time. Optimal dump destination (in-pit or external) depends on their availability, which for in-pit is determined by the mined-out void created and available lag distance between the mining face to the dumping face. A mathematical model has been developed to maximise value of the mine while not only considering external dumping option but in-pit dumping as well while maintaining the lag distance with the working face. The model has been applied to a stratified deposit mine with promising results.

Topics & Concepts