Title: Simulation of a large multiple pit mining operation using GPSS/H

Authors: Clifford E. Stout; Paul W. Conrad; Charles S. Todd; Scott Rosenthal; H. Peter Knudsen

Addresses: Cortez Mine, Barrick Gold of North America, Inc., Elko, NV 89803, USA ' Mining Engineering Department, Montana Tech of the University of Montana, 1300 West Park Street, Butte, MT 59701, USA ' Mathematical Sciences Department, Montana Tech of the University of Montana, 1300 West Park Street, Butte, MT 59701, USA ' Open Pit Mining – Solutions and Innovation, Mine Engineering, Newmont Mining Corporation, 6363 Fiddlers Green Circle, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, USA ' School of Mines and Engineering, Montana Tech of the University of Montana, 1300 West Park Street, Butte, MT 59701, USA

Abstract: As fuel, tyres, maintenance, and labour costs rise, it is crucial that mining companies achieve the greatest production for the least amount of equipment operating hours. Computer simulation can be used to evaluate production operations and their impact on productivity. GPSS/H is one of many computer simulation models that can be used to simulate mining operations. In this study, a simulation model was developed for a multiple pit mining operation using GPSS/H and cycle time data collected at a mine over a period of one year. The model was able to accurately reproduce the data used to develop it. It was also evaluated for use in modelling operating scenarios different from that for which it was developed. The model was able to accurately simulate those scenarios, indicating that it can be used to evaluate a broad range of mine operating scenarios.

Keywords: GPSS/H; discrete event simulation; stochastic modelling; open pit mining; production operations; cycle time; equipment allocation; efficiency; bottlenecks; multiple pit mines; mining operations.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2013.056853

International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering, 2013 Vol.4 No.4, pp.278 - 295

Received: 14 Aug 2012
Accepted: 13 Mar 2013
Published online: 01 Nov 2013 *

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