An application of simultaneous stochastic optimisation of an open-pit mining complex with tailings management

Abstract

This paper presents an application of a stochastic framework that simultaneously optimises mining, destination, processing and tailings management decisions for a multi-pit gold mining complex. The application explicitly accounts for supply uncertainty via stochastic orebody simulations. The tailings management component of the case study integrates a capital expenditure investment option to expand the existing tailings storage facility, evaluating its feasibility within the simultaneous stochastic optimisation framework. The results provide a risk-resilient long-term schedule that produces more metal than conventional forecasts and show that the operation has a positive growth outlook beyond its current life-of-mine.