General Approach to Distribute Waste Rocks Between Dump Sites in Open Cast Mines

Abstract

In most surface mining operations, waste rocks are removed from the pit and deposited on adjacent areas. Mine optimization is a key step in the viability of a surface mining project. Definition of approaches for selection of haulage tracks and waste distribution to dumps on the basis of minimizing the haulage cost is one of the main parameters in optimization. Cost estimation, linear programming and decision-making tools are applied in optimization. Cost estimation is performed to obtain the primary information for the linear programming process. In order to ensure high operating efficiency, linear programming has focused on haulage optimization. The waste distribution program is a complex engineering decision of enormous economic significance. This paper presents an approach to minimize transportation costs of waste rocks. Finally, a real mining operation is demonstrated that highlights the advantages of such approach.