In sequence

摘要

Fluctuations in coal prices, blending and product specifications, rising diesel fuel prices and the potential introduction of an Indonesian coal export tax are all key considerations for coal operators. Changes in economics, taxation and continuously updated reserves require rapid re-evaluation of mine plans and production schedules, as well as the examination of alternative production scenarios on an ongoing basis. This requires a methodology that is rapid, consistent and provably optimal with respect to the entire planning horizon. Indonesian operators face the additional challenge of working with numerous and relatively small seams of varying quality, thereby making an already challenging task more complex in terms of optimisation. Under such conditions, the location and extent of multiple optimal pits cannot be separated from the production schedule and all production related constraints. LOBOS offers a means of integrating decisions relating to the number, size and timing of pits with overall capacity, blending and sequencing decisions without the restrictions normally associated with pit optimisation. This provides a means of rapidly evaluating alternative production and financial scenarios in order to provide a robust mine plan.