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Stochastic optimisation of open-pit mine production scheduling maximises the NPV of a mine's extraction sequence while satisfying production constraints and minimising deviations from targets. Past approaches consider mining block access based on slope constraints, thus providing no guarantee that the infrastructure required for equipment access is feasible. To address this issue, a joint stochastic optimisation of life-of-mine production scheduling and ramp design is proposed, ensuring feasible equipment access to the related mining blocks. An application at a gold mine demonstrates the value of considering the complex relationship that exists between ramp design, equipment access and production scheduling during optimisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the upward trend in using semi-mobile in-pit crushing and conveying system (SMIPCC), some mining companies still hesitate to use SMIPCC in their operations. Therefore, a framework is needed to facilitate decision-making between SMIPCC and truck and shovel system (TS) and satisfy the location and relocation time of the semi-mobile crusher (SMC). For this purpose, this paper presents a mathematical integer programming (IP) model considering the operational constraints. The model specifies both the optimum location and optimum relocation time of SMC. Also, it compares the production schedule for the TS and SMIPCC utilised for ore and waste handling over the life of mine. Then, the system with maximum net present value (NPV) is selected as the optimal material handling system. Finally, the model is implemented with a case study. The results show that implementing SMIPCC instead of the TS system for ore and waste materials improves the NPV by 69.77%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]