Comparison of fixed and mobile in-pit crushing and conveying and truck-shovel systems used in mineral industries through discrete-event simulation

Abstract

In-pit crushing and conveying (IPCC) systems (whether fixed, mobile, or semi-mobile) are an alternative to the traditional truck/shovel approach to materials handling, offering potential cost savings. However, assessing the viability of one of these systems for an existing or planned open-pit mine from an operational standpoint presents a great deal of challenge given the complexity of the problem as they evolve non-linearly in many regards. This research applied the discrete event simulation to compare and model the materials handling systems of a mine to assess the applicability and weaknesses of the techniques for such use. Varying configurations of a mine's geometry were fed into the simulation then run and optimized for cost using the discrete event simulation tool, Arena®. The development of the model and simulation highlighted the potential for discrete event simulation to serve as a rapid tool to compare IPCC and truck/shovel systems by assessing those parameters and associated costs inherent with the operating realities of each system.