Open Pit Mine Scheduling: 3 Approaches in K-MINE

K-MINE offers three distinct approaches to open pit mine scheduling, covering both automatic and manual planning directions. These methods are not mutually exclusive — they can be combined to deliver the most effective result for any planning horizon.

The automated solution search is the most widely used approach for long-term and medium-term mine planning. It is designed to achieve defined target metrics while strictly respecting operational constraints.

How it works:

1. Import the block model into the scheduling module
2. Define mine areas and specify extraction methods
3. Set target parameters (ore volumes, grades, stripping ratios)
4. The system determines when, how much, and what material to extract

Targets can be grouped and prioritized. Mining sequences can also be adjusted manually within the automated workflow.

Outputs: - Block sets by planning period - Remaining rock mass visualization per interval - Charts and diagrams for planning result interpretation - Wireframes and polylines for each planning period

Best suited for: long-term strategic planning and medium-term plans based on defined production targets.

This approach is applicable across all planning horizons. The focus is on defining when and how much material is extracted from each mining area, using extraction units that represent mining intensity per area.

How it works:

1. Define extraction units for each mining area
2. Adjust mining intensity manually through events
3. Set required productivity levels per area per period
4. Evaluate performance using production diagrams
5. Increase intensity where capacity exists if ore production is insufficient
6. Activate new mining areas if additional waste removal is required

Haulage routes can be integrated for more detailed planning. When transportation is included, configure material receiving points and their requirements — this significantly increases reporting detail.

Outputs: - Tables covering deposit development across all planning periods - Data broken down by excavator, mining area, bench, and interval - Transportation reports: loading points, dumping points, material types, route categories - Summary haulage report per period - Block sets, wireframes, and polylines per calculation period

This is the most detailed approach, best suited for short-term planning and, in some cases, medium-term planning. Real excavators with actual equipment counts and productivity data are positioned across the pit.

How it works:

1. Position real excavators with actual count and productivity parameters
2. Define all potential working locations through excavator events
3. Establish the sequence of equipment movement as areas are mined
4. Integrate the haulage network for granular planning results
5. Modify equipment allocation and evaluate the impact immediately

Outputs: - Preconfigured chart tabs for visual plan interpretation - Graphs for target achievement comparison (more readable than tables alone) - Excel export for deeper analysis - Block sets reflecting specific mining conditions per interval

Best suited for: short-term operational schedules and detailed medium-term planning where equipment allocation drives the mining sequence.

There are no strict limits on how these methods can be used. The three approaches form a flexible foundation:

• Use automated solution search to establish the long-term strategic framework
• Apply intensity-based excavator planning for medium-term period detailing
• Switch to event-based equipment sequencing for short-term operational control

Define your scheduling path, build alternative plans, compare them, and select the optimal scenario.