Title: Advanced approach to assess and improve underground mine evacuation using discrete-event simulation and animation

Authors: Ebrahim Tarshizi; Charles Kocsis; Danny Taylor

Addresses: Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA ' Mining & Metallurgical Engineering Department, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA ' Mining & Metallurgical Engineering Department, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA

Abstract: An advanced approach is presented to use discrete-event system simulation for a better evaluation of various configurations for emergency evacuation operations in underground mines. The mine system evacuation simulation (MSES) models are introduced and demonstrated as a powerful and cost-effective tool for improving emergency response protocols/procedures and planning rescue equipment in underground mine operations. These simulation and animation models can assist mining personnel, rescue teams, and engineers in designing, training, and investigating a wide range of 'what if?' questions in both rescue and evacuation attempts in case of disasters or mine emergencies. A simulation model of an underground metal mine with an animation interface was developed using GPSS/H® and Proof Professional®, discrete-event system simulation and animation programs, to analyse the mine's emergency evacuation plans. The simulation results provided realistic estimates of mine evacuation times for different scenarios under certain circumstances.

Keywords: mine system evacuation simulation; MSES; models; discrete-event simulation; DES; animation; GPSS; Proof Professional; mine evacuation; emergency evacuation; emergency response; emergency management; underground mines; mining industry; emergency planning; rescue equipment; metal mines; evacuation times.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2016.076500

International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering, 2016 Vol.7 No.2, pp.170 - 179

Received: 27 Jun 2015
Accepted: 19 Feb 2016
Published online: 10 May 2016 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article