Solution Finder for Automated Mining Scheduling with K-MINE Software

Efficient scheduling is critical for successful mining operations. In this video, we demonstrate how the K-MINE software’s Scheduling module streamlines the process, helping you reach production targets precisely and effectively.

Automated Scheduling for Mining Operations

K-MINE’s Scheduling module enables users to create detailed mining plans for any desired timeframe. You have two planning options available: manual and automated. Today, we’ll dive into the automated approach, explaining its primary benefits and showcasing a practical example of its capabilities.

Key Advantages of the Solution Finder Feature

Within each scenario in your mining project, K-MINE includes a powerful feature called Solution Finder. This automated tool quickly identifies the optimal scheduling solution, helping you:

• Estimate the realistic timeframe needed to mine a deposit.

• Verify the achievability of your mining goals.

• Identify potential bottlenecks early in the planning process.

• Automatically find optimal scheduling solutions aligned with your production targets.

Successful calculations within Solution Finder are indicated by a blue checkmark, confirming adherence to your established criteria. While calculation durations can be limited, note that overly brief computations may not produce viable solutions. Therefore, during initial iterations, we recommend prioritizing ore extraction scenarios to better understand the longevity of your reserves, expected production volumes, and critical operational parameters.

Managing Intervals and Adjusting Goals

Each calculated interval represents a distinct set of mining blocks, aligned with your targeted production objectives. K-MINE enhances your operational oversight by displaying remaining material quantities in each extraction area. This feature allows you to:

• Clearly assess extraction completeness.

• Adjust goals dynamically if significant material remains after specific intervals.

For example, if substantial reserves remain after the tenth interval, goals for the subsequent period can be recalibrated to ensure optimal resource recovery. Targets can be set for single or multiple materials simultaneously, including incorporating quality metrics specifically for ore.

Enhanced Visualization with Run of Mine Charts

For effective visualization, the Run Of Mine chart is invaluable. Easy to configure and interpret, it clearly shows:

• Material extraction volumes per period.

• Quality indicators for mined materials.

Typically, initial intervals involve significant capital stripping to access ore reserves. Subsequent periods then become more predictable and manageable, ensuring smooth operational flow.

Scenario Planning and Advanced Goal Setting

To create realistic mining scenarios, consider initially emphasizing stripping activities for the first intervals. Begin targeted ore extraction and waste removal from the third interval onward. Additionally, K-MINE allows for precise limitations on extraction activities using dedicated menu options within the scheduling module. You can specify:

• Overall extraction volumes.

• Detailed parameters for different material types.

• Specific extraction areas.

These flexible settings enable precise operational alignment and goal adherence.

Achieving Planned Capacity and Smooth Operation

In the demonstrated example, initial intervals are dedicated to stripping activities, with ore extraction increasing progressively. By the fourth interval, the operation achieves full planned capacity, maintaining stability and predictability through subsequent intervals. This consistent and controlled scheduling ensures successful execution of your mining project.

Making Informed Decisions

The Scheduling module represents planning results through block sequences, empowering users to review extraction order comprehensively. With insights from both the Scheduling and Optimal Pit Boundaries modules, users can confidently:

• Select the required number of Pushbacks.

• Experiment with various production goals and extraction area settings.

• Achieve optimized and realistic mining outcomes.