Optimizing mine production scheduling for multiple destinations of ore blocks

Abstract

In multi-element deposits, the quality of mining production is impressed by multiple inter-correlated elements and there is an essential task of blending the run-of-mine materials in such a way that the resulting mix meets the required specifications. Generally, blending plans are established based on one destination for products, but blending allows mixing different material and achieving to a wide range of quality. Then, it is possible to consider multiple destinations for mine product. In this paper, a Mixed Integer Programming model is developed for production scheduling of an iron ore mine regarding four different destinations. As the iron ore mines could be considered as direct-shipping ore, in this model, the effect of enrichment unit is investigated by six different scenarios based on different cut-off grades. Performing a sensitivity analysis on cut-off grades would distinguish whether the block should go to enrichment unit before blending or participate in blending plan directly. The result of running the model in the case of four destinations is compared to the case that only one destination is considered. The highest NPV in the case of four destinations is about 25% more than the highest NPV of the case that only one destination is considered.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.53(2), 99-110, 2018