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Mining
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Recent Advances in Underground Mine Planning, Scheduling, and Optimization: Theory...
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Recent Advances in Underground Mine Planning, Scheduling, and Optimization: Theory and Applications

A special issue of Mining (ISSN 2673-6489).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 January 2024) | Viewed by 34800

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Yashar Pourrahimian

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
Interests: data-driven mine optimization; simulation of mining systems; application of real options in engineering design and decision making; optimizing the operational energy efficiency in mines
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Eugene Ben-Awuah

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Engineering and Computer Science, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
Interests: strategic mining options optimization; integrated mine planning and waste management optimization; simulation of intelligent and autonomous mining systems; modelling and optimization for sustainable resource development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Underground mining methods are characterized by complex decision combinations, conflicting goals, and interactions between production constraints. Planning considerations even gets more complicated when the underground mine precedes or succeeds an open pit operation. Current practice in underground-mine scheduling has tended towards using simulation and heuristic software to determine feasible, rather than optimal, schedules. A compromise between schedule quality and problem size has forced the use of mine design and planning models, which incorporate the mining system's essential characteristics while remaining mathematically tractable.

In the mining industry, innovative, new, and specialized models and algorithms need to be continuously developed, even as operating margins are continually decreasing. On the other hand, today's mining supply chains are becoming increasingly automated and "data-driven".

This Special Issue will be of interest to practitioners in the mining industry and readers outside of the mining industry.

Potential topics to consider include but are not limited to the following:

  • open pit-underground mining transition planning and technologies
  • stope boundary optimization
  • production scheduling optimization (long- and short-term planning)
  • large scale optimization and simulation
  • decision making under uncertainty
  • fleet scheduling
  • case-studies in underground mine planning and optimization

This Special Issue aims to collect and present high-quality and new research that address recent advances in underground mine planning and optimization. Therefore, all papers should have a direct connection with mine planning and scheduling optimization. Researchers from all relevant disciplines are invited to consider this Special Issue as an outlet to publish their high-quality work on the topic.

Dr. Yashar Pourrahimian
Dr. Eugene Ben-Awuah
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Mining is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 1411 KiB  
Article
Minimum Cost Pathfinding Algorithm for the Determination of Optimal Paths under Airflow Constraints
by Kate Brown Requist and Moe Momayez
Mining 2024, 4(2), 429-446; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining4020025 - 14 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1140
Abstract
Pathfinding algorithms allow for the numerical determination of optimal paths of travel across many applications. These algorithms remain poorly defined for additional consideration of outside parameters, such as fluid flow, while considering contaminant transport problems. We have developed a pathfinding algorithm based on [...] Read more.
Pathfinding algorithms allow for the numerical determination of optimal paths of travel across many applications. These algorithms remain poorly defined for additional consideration of outside parameters, such as fluid flow, while considering contaminant transport problems. We have developed a pathfinding algorithm based on the A* search algorithm which considers the effect of fluid flow behaviors in two dimensions. This search algorithm returns the optimal path between two points in a setting containing impermeable boundaries, allowing for a computational approach to the determination of the most likely path of travel for contaminants or hazards of concern due to fluid flow. This modified A* search algorithm has applications in the statistical modeling of airborne contamination distributions, providing a relative estimate of the statistical relationship between two points in an underground mine’s ventilation system. This method provides a significant improvement to the spatial resolution of minimum-cost path methods currently in use in mine ventilation network software. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Underground Mine Planning, Scheduling, and Optimization: Theory and Applications)
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13 pages, 1869 KiB  
Article
Application of Monte Carlo Analytic Hierarchy Process (MAHP) in Underground Mining Access Selection
by Fernando A. C. Cardozo, Higor J. S. Campos, Carlos O. Petter and Weslei M. Ambrós
Mining 2023, 3(4), 773-785; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining3040042 - 1 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1908
Abstract
This paper presents the application of risk analysis associated with the multicriteria decision method, through the MAHP (Monte Carlo analytic hierarchy process) technique for mining. As an example of application, the problem of choosing an access and transportation route for an underground mine [...] Read more.
This paper presents the application of risk analysis associated with the multicriteria decision method, through the MAHP (Monte Carlo analytic hierarchy process) technique for mining. As an example of application, the problem of choosing an access and transportation route for an underground mine is addressed. A decision can be made based on a technical, economic, and social-environmental approach. As a topic of interest for the modeling of mining projects, this work presents how the technique can qualify the decision-making process, reducing its subjectivity. It is verified that in comparison with the traditional AHP (analytic hierarchy process) method, the risk analysis allows considering the variability of weights and preferences assigned to criteria and options. In the example case, the following options are evaluated: shaft, ramp by diesel or electric truck, and conveyor belt. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Underground Mine Planning, Scheduling, and Optimization: Theory and Applications)
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11 pages, 1406 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Productivity When Running Filled, Near-Empty, or Flow-Through Orepass Using Discrete Event Simulation
by Bartłomiej Skawina, Abubakary Salama, Johan Gunillasson, Mats Strömsten and Thomas Wettainen
Mining 2022, 2(2), 186-196; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining2020011 - 2 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2843
Abstract
Ore passes are often the main part of sublevel caving transportation systems, and they use gravity to move material to lower levels in the mine. During operations, the ore pass structures are exposed to the risk of stoppage and failure, leading to a [...] Read more.
Ore passes are often the main part of sublevel caving transportation systems, and they use gravity to move material to lower levels in the mine. During operations, the ore pass structures are exposed to the risk of stoppage and failure, leading to a long-term reduction in operational capacity and affecting productivity. The failed ore passes can be restored or rehabilitated, but the rehabilitation cost is normally high and the time to restore is usually long. To minimize disturbances and stoppage of the ore pass, alternative strategies should be considered. The appropriate design and operation of an ore pass is crucial. Therefore, this study compared running ore pass systems in a filled, near-empty, or flow-through manner using discrete event simulation. The aim was to compare the ore pass operational performance and impact on reaching the daily and 90-day production targets of 76.4 Ktonnes and 6.9 Mtonnes, respectively. The results showed that running the ore pass in flow-through mode, filled manner, and near-empty manner achieved 96%, 80%, and 81% of the production target, respectively. In mining operations where ore pass systems are used to transfer material, running them in a flow-through mode can ensure higher production and fewer hang-ups, as it lessens the chance of blocks arching over a chute throat and leads to less blasting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Underground Mine Planning, Scheduling, and Optimization: Theory and Applications)
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12 pages, 2981 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Backfilling Step Effects on Stope Stability
by Huawei Xu, Derek B. Apel, Jun Wang, Chong Wei and Yashar Pourrahimian
Mining 2021, 1(2), 155-166; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining1020010 - 29 Jul 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3996
Abstract
Cemented rock fill (CRF) is commonly used in cut-and-fill stoping operations in underground mining. This allows for the maximum recovery of ore. Backfilling can improve stope stability in underground workings and then improve ground stability of the whole mine site. However, backfilling step [...] Read more.
Cemented rock fill (CRF) is commonly used in cut-and-fill stoping operations in underground mining. This allows for the maximum recovery of ore. Backfilling can improve stope stability in underground workings and then improve ground stability of the whole mine site. However, backfilling step scenarios vary from site to site. This paper presents the investigation of five different backfilling step scenarios and their impacts on the stability of stopes at four different mining levels. A comprehensive comparison of displacements, major principal stress, and Stress Concentration Factor (SCF) was conducted. The results show that different backfilling step scenarios have little influence on the final displacement for displacement in the stopes. Among the five backfilling scenarios, the major principal stress and stress concentration factor (SCF) have almost the same final results. The backfilling scenario SCN-1 is the optimum option among these five backfilling scenarios. It can immediately prevent the increase of the displacement and reduce the sidewall stress concentration, thereby preventing possible failures. Using the same strength of CRF can achieve the same effects among the four mining levels. Applying backfilling CRF of the same strength at different mining depths is acceptable and feasible to improve the stability of the stopes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Underground Mine Planning, Scheduling, and Optimization: Theory and Applications)
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Review

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12 pages, 1000 KiB  
Review
Mathematical Programming Application in Sublevel Caving Production Scheduling
by Soroush Khazaei and Yashar Pourrahimian
Mining 2021, 1(2), 180-191; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining1020012 - 9 Aug 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 8453
Abstract
Production scheduling determines the most beneficial mining sequence over the life of a mine. Developing a schedule that meets all mining aspects can substantially reduce mining costs and increase profitability. Among all underground mining methods, the sublevel caving method is a common method [...] Read more.
Production scheduling determines the most beneficial mining sequence over the life of a mine. Developing a schedule that meets all mining aspects can substantially reduce mining costs and increase profitability. Among all underground mining methods, the sublevel caving method is a common method with moderate development requirements, a high production rate, and a high degree of mechanization and flexibility. None of the manual planning methods and heuristic algorithms used in commercial software will lead to a truly optimal schedule. Mathematical programming models, particularly mixed-integer programming (MIP), have been applied to provide an operationally feasible multi-time-period schedule in sublevel caving. However, confined blasting conditions, chaotic material flow, and frequent mixing of ore and waste while loading broken ore at the drawpoint make the sublevel caving method unique when producing a holistic plan. This paper reviews all mathematical programming models presented in sublevel caving production scheduling, highlights the inherent characteristics of the sublevel caving that affect production, and puts forward some promising ideas for future works. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Underground Mine Planning, Scheduling, and Optimization: Theory and Applications)
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23 pages, 1862 KiB  
Review
A Review of Models and Algorithms for Surface-Underground Mining Options and Transitions Optimization: Some Lessons Learnt and the Way Forward
by Bright Oppong Afum and Eugene Ben-Awuah
Mining 2021, 1(1), 112-134; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining1010008 - 10 May 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 11126
Abstract
It is important that the strategic mine plan makes optimum use of available resources and provides continuous quality ore to drive sustainable mining and profitability. This requires the development of a well-integrated strategy of mining options for surface and/or underground mining and their [...] Read more.
It is important that the strategic mine plan makes optimum use of available resources and provides continuous quality ore to drive sustainable mining and profitability. This requires the development of a well-integrated strategy of mining options for surface and/or underground mining and their interactions. Understanding the current tools and methodologies used in the mining industry for surface and underground mining options and transitions planning are essential to dealing with complex and deep-seated deposits that are amenable to both open pit and underground mining. In this study, extensive literature review and a gap analysis matrix are used to identify the limitations and opportunities for further research in surface-underground mining options and transitions optimization for comprehensive resource development planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Underground Mine Planning, Scheduling, and Optimization: Theory and Applications)
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