A 3D mine simulation model for decision-making in mine design and production

Abstract

In this paper, the philosophy, methodology, objectives, mining process logic, program structure and its state-of-the-art for our recently developed mine simulation model (a decision-making tool for mine design and production) are discussed. This simulation model is a detailed 3D model that can be used for many different mine sites without the need for programming but requiring only different input data that characterize the mine being simulated. The simulation model generates development, production and performance data throughout mine lifetime. The model also provides economics analyses such as operating cost, revenue, cash flow, rate of return on investment, net present value, ore tons mined and mine lifetime based on simulation results. Further, it studies the sensitivity and risk for the variation of parameters such as ore grade, dilution rate, market price and pre-production investment. The model thus provides all-important information for decision-making in mine design and production. This decision-making tool is very useful for mining projects since it is based on very accurate ore body data (from Datamine), mine layout data (from AutoCAD), equipment data, and production schedules and organization.