Simultaneous optimization of ultimate pit and production scheduling using a heuristic approach

摘要

A heuristic model was developed to simultaneously generate the ultimate pit and production scheduling at a mining project. The method consists of a preprocessing step to select a starter pit, the implementation of a genetic algorithm to optimize the pit and schedule of the starter pit, and a network-flow algorithm-based postprocessing operation to finalize the ultimate pit and production scheduling. Applied to an iron ore mine, the model pit and schedule produced a net present value 21% higher than the reference pit and schedule prepared by experienced field engineers.