Open-Pit Block-Sequencing Formulations: A Tutorial

W. Brian Lambert (), Andrea Brickey (), Alexandra M. Newman () and Kelly Eurek ()
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W. Brian Lambert: Division of Economics and Business, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401
Andrea Brickey: Department of Mining Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401
Alexandra M. Newman: Division of Economics and Business, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401
Kelly Eurek: Strategic Energy Analysis Center, National Renewable Energy Lab, Golden, Colorado 80401

Interfaces, 2014, vol. 44, issue 2, 127-142

Abstract: A classical problem in the mining industry for open-pit mines involves scheduling the production of notional three-dimensional production blocks, each containing a predetermined amount of ore and waste. That is, given operational resource constraints on extraction and processing, we seek a net present value-maximizing schedule of when, if ever, to extract each block in a deposit. We present a version of the problem, which some literature refers to as ( CPIT ). This constrained ultimate pit limit problem (i.e., open-pit production-scheduling problem variant) produces a sequence of blocks to extract given minimum and maximum bounds on production and processing capacity, and geospatial precedences. Our tutorial demonstrates methods to expedite solutions for instances of this model through variable definition, preprocessing, algorithmic choice, and the provision of an initial feasible solution. As such, our paper is relevant for any mining practitioner interested in production scheduling, and any operations researcher interested in a basic introduction before extending the boundaries of algorithmic development in this area.

Keywords: mine scheduling; mine planning; open-pit mining; surface mining; optimization; integer programming applications (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (12)

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