Modeling of opencast mines using Surpac and its optimization

Abstract

In this developing world, the demand for raw materials is increasing at a steady rate, in order to bridge the gap between supply and demand, technological advancement and automation in production method is needed. Since the raw materials are non-replenishable in nature and have took millions of years in their formation, so these resources should be judiciously used with maximum extraction level and aiming for zero mining waste, while adhering to all safety and regulatory norms.

In this project, an effort have been made to estimate the resource using Surpac software for ore modeling and optimization algorithm are used for optimizing the shape of the pit and in ultimate pit design to ensure maximum extraction of the deposit.

If the available mineral resources are not properly utilized then the cost of production will increase and hence company may lose in this competitive environment. So to ensure that efficient utilization of available resources in terms of shovels and dumpers and other face machinery available, a C++ program have been developed which can dynamically allocate the dumper to the nearest available shovel obeying various constraints to ensure that the production target is reached and the process is fully optimized.