Schedule Optimizer Tool: SOT

Genetic Optimization Algorithm to Improve NPV

Underground Optimization Solutions

Mineable Reserves Optimizer (MRO)

Mineable Shape Optimizer (MSO)

Automatically produces optimized stope designs

Decline Optimizer (MLO)

Determines the optimal envelopes within which stopes should be designed

Produces optimal decline designs through a set of points

Schedule Optimizer Tool (SOT)

Optimizes mining sequence and schedule to increase NPV

Reliably estimating how many tonnes can be mined, at

what grade and at what time, based on practical mining
considerations, is a critical part of every resource
evaluation exercise or feasibility study.

Strategic Mine Planning

MRO creates Mineable Envelopes

MSO creates Optimized Stopes

But when to mine them?

Schedule Optimizer Tool (SOT)

Determines the mining sequence which maximises Net Present

Value (NPV)
Some elements
of the sequence
are fixed:
Constraints
Other elements
3
2
1
are free
The sequence
of these free
elements can
be optimized

Schedule Optimizer Tool (SOT)

Schedule of access and stoping
activities
Schedules adhere to:
Precedence constraints
Operational resource constraints

Schedule Optimizer Tool (SOT)

Genetic algorithm
Maximises NPV
Financial evaluation:
Mineral price projections
Capital and operating costs
Discount rate, inflation rate

Schedule Optimizer Tool (SOT)

Heuristic Optimisation
Evolutionary computation
No aggregation of activities or of scheduling
periods
Exact method, Multiple Integer Programming
(MIP), requires aggregation for feasible solution
time

Mining method
Cut-off grade
Access method
Mill capacity / production
target
Hoisting capacity
Fleet sizes
Scheduling strategy
Life-of-mine schedule

NPV

Strategic Mine Planning

Schedule Optimizer Tool (SOT)

NPV Improvement Generated by SOT

NPV Improvement Generated by SOT

(Neville Price,
2009)

Scenario Evaluation

Automatic scenario generation

Mine planner specifies range of options
Schedule optimisation for each scenario

Strategic Analysis of Production Rate

Benefits of SOT
SOT returns the top schedules that maximise NPV
User can select the most appropriate for further study
Investigate thousands of feasible schedules
Remove prejudice and conventional wisdom

Specific technical queries can be investigated as different

scenarios
Shaft capacity, mill capacity, method of haulage, etc.

Investigate the risk profile of a mining strategy

Integration with EPS for schedule review and visualisation

Optimal Schedule Output

Thank You