A Mathematical Programming Model for Optimum Design of Open Pit Ore Mines

摘要

It is shown that there exists a nonlinear function linking the direct operating profits (= proceeds from the sale of ore minus direct operating cost of extraction, transportation, and upgrading) to the shape and depth of an open pit ore mine. This gives rise to the question of how to find the overall maximum of the function. In this paper it is described how the maximum can be determined by a mathematical programming approach. A model is developed in which the hierarchical constraints as given by the petrophysical conditions concerning the wall slopes of the open pit mine and the application of separable programming in order to state the objective function play important roles. (Author)