Comparison between the application of the conventional mine planning and of the direct block scheduling on an open pit mine Project

Abstract

Historically, since the 60's, traditional mine planning consists of several distinct stages: 1) Definition of the ultimate pit-the portion of the blocks that results in the greatest total value; 2) Pushback selection-based on the generation of nested pits, obtained with the change in the value of the ore price; 3) Long-term production scheduling. Although considered quite satisfactory, this methodology presents some flaws: The stages, even if considered individually optimal, may not be when put together. The opportunity cost is not considered and the cutoff is fixed. Due to the recent computational advances, a new technique has been growing and is more reliable: the direct block sequencing. In this methodology, the steps are consolidated into only one process, improving the economic results, reducing the total execution time and obtaining, in fact, an optimal planning. The aim of this work is to compare the results of the two planning methods applied in a database of a Brazilian iron ore mine and to show the real advantages and disadvantages of each one. To solve the direct block sequencing technique, Doppler was used, a tool developed by Delphos Mine Planning Laboratory, located at the University of Chile. The traditional methodology was executed through Whittle software. Lastly, a medium-term scheduling was performed using Deswik software.

Analysis of the impacts of slope angle variation on slope stability and NPV via two different final pit definition techniques

“…Comparisons with traditionally used methodologies are also common in scientific literature and are required to prove the efficiency and the potential gains of newer propositions. Some relevant recent comparison studies with the DBS methodology include Beretta and Marinho (2014), Campos et al (2018a) and Campos et al (2018b). The first authors compared two different slope-angle approximation methods in terms of reported mineral reserves and cashflows through a method based on block precedence and another based on mining surfaces, while the second authors compared medium-term mine scheduling results through the conventional method, DBS and a combination of both.…”

Performance indicators and their importance for effective short-term and operational mine planning

“…A key player in this value chain, mine planning plays a fundamental role, being responsible for the link between the various activities and guiding each of the processes. In general, the mining industry consolidates its mine planning process in three phases, long-, medium-and shortterm (Campos, 2018).…”