Reducing Hidden Costs and CO2 Emissions: Development of Practical User Interface for Underground Stope Dilution Analysis

Abstract

Featured Application: This study provides a practical interface for evaluating dilution, financial outcomes, and CO2 emissions in mine planning. Stope dilution is a major hidden cost driver for the underground operation, especially in terms of reducing ore quality, increasing the amount of processing feed, and effects on operational cost. Accurate calculation and consideration of planned and unplanned dilution and mining loss amounts are essential during mine planning. The user interface named D–Loss has been developed with MATLAB R2023b, which provides a multiparadigm numerical computing environment for faster and more practical calculation of these dilution amounts to address these challenges by quantifying dilution and linking them directly to economic and CO2 emissions indicators. By determination and analysis of the stope overall dilution amounts, it helps us understand greenhouse gas emissions and ensures the efficient use of underground equipment. Calculation of stope dilution in a practical and rapid manner allows for stope design and operational improvements, which can help reduce dilution in underground operations. This progress is tracked through the D–Loss interface within the short- and long-term production planning. Moreover, by quantifying dilution impacts on comminution and haulage costs, D–Loss becomes a critical software for tracking economic losses and optimizing financial outcomes in the mining industry. D–Loss helps users iteratively assess the efficiency of updates and provides support in mine design, scheduling, and environmental impact control by comparing planning and operational improvements before and after.