{"title":"Review of recent developments in short-term mine planning and IPCC with a research agenda","authors":"Nasib Al Habib, E. Ben-Awuah, H. Askari-Nasab","doi":"10.1080/25726668.2023.2218170","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25726668.2023.2218170","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT In-Pit Crushing and Conveying (IPCC) has gained momentum in recent years to replace trucks partially or fully in large open pit mines because of the shovel-truck system's increasing fuel and labour costs and conveyor systems' low operating costs and less greenhouse gas emissions. This article reviews the most recent literature since 2010 on short-term planning, based on different formulation and solution approaches, and IPCC, based on primary objectives such as optimum crusher location, economic/environmental comparison etc., to find the research gaps and future research opportunities in short-term planning with IPCC. The review reveals that hardly any short-term planning model can generate mine extraction sequences with IPCC integration. Therefore, a short-term planning methodology considering the IPCC system would be a pioneering step in the mine planning literature. Hence, the authors propose a theoretical short-term planning framework with IPCC as a future research direction.","PeriodicalId":44166,"journal":{"name":"Mining Technology-Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy","volume":"102 1","pages":"179 - 201"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79368217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Training of load haul dump (LHD) machine operators: a case study at LKAB’s Kiirunavaara mine","authors":"Muhammad Tariq, A. Gustafson, H. Schunnesson","doi":"10.1080/25726668.2023.2217669","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25726668.2023.2217669","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Mining is a high-risk industry, so efficiency and safety are key priorities. Technological advancements, such as digitisation, digitalisation, and automation have made mines safer. These developments have also highlighted the need for operators with updated skills and improved education programs. This study analysed the training of semi-autonomous and manual Load Haul Dump (LHD) operators’ at LKAB’s Kiirunavaara mine, focusing on operators’ training, perspective and integration of more recent tool such as simulator training. The survey questionnaire was sent to all 120 LHD operators. 86 answers were received, giving response rate of 70%. Results showed that operators generally were satisfied with how the training was structured, organised, and delivered. However, they wanted to add more topics, including practical loading, spending time with departments of other sub-processes, etc. In addition, 36% of the operators, including 20% of those operating semi-autonomous LHDs, and 80% of those operating manual LHDs, found simulator training difficult.","PeriodicalId":44166,"journal":{"name":"Mining Technology-Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy","volume":"52 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84678191","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Dumping oversize rock fragments in orepasses: the impact on the production cycle of a sublevel caving operation","authors":"S. Manzoor, A. Gustafson, H. Schunnesson","doi":"10.1080/25726668.2023.2215560","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25726668.2023.2215560","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Oversize rock fragments are highly undesired in a sublevel caving (SLC) operation as they affect the production cycle, equipment, and infrastructure. In this study, a field test was carried out in Malmberget mine to analyse the impact of oversize fragments on the production cycle and the costs of different procedures for handling such fragments. The tests involved monitoring of dumping oversize fragments in two orepasses, one with a grizzly and the other one without a grizzly, using cameras. The cycle times of load-haul-dump (LHD) machines were determined for both orepasses. The results indicate that the grizzly increased the availability and productivity of the orepass despite increasing the cycle time of the LHD machines. Moreover, installation of a boulder breaker system along with the grizzly can further increase the productivity and the cost of such a system will be paid off in a shorter time in terms of enhanced productivity.","PeriodicalId":44166,"journal":{"name":"Mining Technology-Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy","volume":"45 1","pages":"215 - 224"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74239613","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessing stope performance using georeferenced octrees and multivariate analysis","authors":"B. McFadyen, M. Grenon, K. Woodward, Y. Potvin","doi":"10.1080/25726668.2023.2205080","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25726668.2023.2205080","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This paper presents the first steps towards a new stope design approach, where stope overbreak (OB; rock mined outside of the design) and underbreak (UB; planned rock left behind) is assessed using statistical multivariate analysis (principal component analysis [PCA] and partial least square [PLS]) and georeferenced data measured at an approximately cubic metre resolution (octrees). Results showed that OB is observed in areas of the stope where there is a large blasting energy proxy, large undercut and towards the middle of the face. UB tends to be observed near the border of the faces and where there is large blasting standoff and toeing of the rings. The resolution of the data and the use of multivariate analysis have enabled the depiction of an accurate interpretation of the variation of stope performance along the design surface, going beyond the simple per face analysis.","PeriodicalId":44166,"journal":{"name":"Mining Technology-Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy","volume":"28 1","pages":"132 - 152"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76733530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Life-of-mine optimization for integrated open stope development and production scheduling using a mixed-integer linear programming framework","authors":"E. J. A. Appianing, E. Ben-Awuah, Y. Pourrahimian","doi":"10.1080/25726668.2023.2182285","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25726668.2023.2182285","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Extraction and development sequences must be scheduled strategically in order to maximize the life of mine. The complexities and computational difficulties associated with underground mine planning makes it challenging and open to further research. This paper presents a mathematical programming framework based on mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) formulation for integrated open stope development and production scheduling. Additionally, the MILP model incorporates backfilling, operational levels control, and stope extraction duration control during production scheduling. The MILP model generated a net present value of $244.7 M and determined the capital, ventilation, operational, and ore pass development schedules as well as mining and processing schedules for a gold project with 25 years mine life. A total of 2.48 Mt of material was extracted and processed out of 2.88 Mt mineralized material.","PeriodicalId":44166,"journal":{"name":"Mining Technology-Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy","volume":"29 1","pages":"106 - 120"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84162112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Geotechnical analysis of blasting sequence and resulting shapes of drawbells in block cave mines","authors":"Nadia Bustos, E. Villaescusa, I. Onederra","doi":"10.1080/25726668.2023.2185383","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25726668.2023.2185383","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Drawbells allow disassembled ore to be extracted from the production levels in block cave mines. As part of the construction process, blast damage must be minimised, enabling the remaining rock mass surrounding the drawbell to sustain the induced stress during the different stages of a block-caving operation for a successful mine plan extraction and ore recovery.This paper proposes two approaches for the geotechnical evaluation of drawbell blast performance. Initially, the expected dynamic burden is calculated along the length of the blasthole and used to assess surveyed blast holes. Secondly, the design compliance is evaluated using the Radial Distance of Over/Underbreak concept, which compares designed and scanned shapes relative to height and radial orientation.The results have identified confined blast zones at the top and around the corners of drawbells. Excessive confinement may cause damage to the pillars and negatively impact the stability of the production level.","PeriodicalId":44166,"journal":{"name":"Mining Technology-Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy","volume":"18 1","pages":"121 - 131"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90361303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A VR-based interactive teaching and practice environment for supporting the whole process of mining engineering education","authors":"Jiacheng Xie, Zewen Yan, Xuewen Wang","doi":"10.1080/25726668.2023.2177737","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25726668.2023.2177737","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Due to the complex and dangerous nature of underground industrial sites, there is an urgent need to improve practical teaching abilities. In this paper, a VR-based interactive teaching and practice environment is proposed for teaching mining equipment processes under laboratory conditions. This environment integrates a digitised design, a virtual simulation platform, and a VR interactive product operation. This VR interactive environment includes the structural cognition of mining equipment, the actual operating conditions, and the actual operation of electronic control. Moreover, this system integrates a series of virtual reality human–machine interaction hardware, so that the students can quickly learn the operating conditions and the states of the actual underground production. This system helps them comprehensively learn the mechanical, electrical, communication, control, and mining methods involved in the mining equipment. Finally, this system provides a virtual practice path for training innovative engineering technicians.","PeriodicalId":44166,"journal":{"name":"Mining Technology-Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy","volume":"63 1","pages":"89 - 105"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79658444","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Application of UAVs in the mining industry and towards an integrated UAV-AI-MR technology for mine rehabilitation surveillance","authors":"P. Stothard, Roohollah Shirani Faradonbeh","doi":"10.1080/25726668.2023.2174831","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25726668.2023.2174831","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This paper discusses integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Mixed Reality (MR) as a hybrid system for monitoring mine site rehabilitation. UAV systems are reviewed and the application of MR and AI to mining is discussed. The most common UAVs are low-cost multi-rotor systems however, their capabilities may be limited for long-term autonomous operation. The application scope is broad but identifies many trial UAV applications and sensors that could be integrated with MR and AI to produce an autonomous system. A simplified model for autonomous UAV, AI, and MR integrated systems is suggested along with some core modules. Via collaborative, modular development, the integration of UAV data, AI, and MR may be possible. Such a system will provide a powerful tool for mine site rehabilitation and compliance sign-off via a visual tool that allows all stakeholders to comprehend processes and data and agree when final rehabilitation is achieved.","PeriodicalId":44166,"journal":{"name":"Mining Technology-Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy","volume":"6 1","pages":"65 - 88"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83655258","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Optimization of escape routes during mine fire using GIS","authors":"Mohamed Ali, A. A. El-Aziz, Mohamed Elwageeh","doi":"10.1080/25726668.2022.2163550","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25726668.2022.2163550","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT One of the essential factors in underground mining operations is safety during potential mine accidents, like fires, for example. We used Geographical Information System (GIS) for network analysis to identify the best escape routes from different locations inside an underground mine during a fire to a safe place inside or outside the mine. We created an effective evacuation system with a more accurate 2D model based on fire dynamics, the actual dimensions of the mine, and its related elements. We applied our system to the Maghara coal mine to predict the possible fire outbreak scenarios. Our results could be used as a guide to evacuation and rescue plans during harmful events in underground mines, especially fires. Our system is an integrated system that analyses potential fire scenarios and elects the best evacuation plan using GIS technology.","PeriodicalId":44166,"journal":{"name":"Mining Technology-Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy","volume":"28 1","pages":"55 - 64"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77980413","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Optimal junction localization minimizing maximum miners’ evacuation distance in underground mining network","authors":"Zhixuan Shao, Maximilien Meyrieux, M. Kumral","doi":"10.1080/25726668.2022.2159307","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25726668.2022.2159307","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Safety is a primary consideration in underground mining operations. Accidents could cause fatalities, injuries, and permanent disability of labourers, as well as irreparable financial and reputational losses. As an underground mine consists of many workspaces distributed in various zones, the selection of a junction location will be significant for timely evacuation of miners from different areas. This paper aims to determine the optimal location of the junction point for emergency evacuation in the underground network. The location problem is formulated as a MiniMax problem. Three methods are presented: Elzinga–Hearn algorithm, a three-dimensional extension of the Elzinga–Hearn algorithm, and the Welzl algorithm. The proposed methods are fully implemented in Python, and their functionality is demonstrated by conducting various case studies in 2D and 3D. The case studies showed that the proposed approaches could be used to determine junction point(s) in an underground network to serve as an evacuation location.","PeriodicalId":44166,"journal":{"name":"Mining Technology-Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy","volume":"56 1","pages":"41 - 54"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2022-12-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87382392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}