Optimization of production planning in open pit mining

In open pit mining, efficient execution of mining operations and obtaining the highest profit is possible with a well-prepared production plan. In addition, the efficient use of natural resources is also important in terms of sustainability. However, the parameters that need to be controlled cause a complex problem. Especially in metal mining, bottlenecks are experienced due to fluctuations in metal prices, geological uncertainties and mining activities that last for many years. Many studies have been carried out to solve the production plan optimization problem in open mines. One of the most used methods is the parametric analysis method. However, this method is particularly inefficient in determining the appropriate block extraction sequence. In this study, a method is presented by improving the cone extraction sequence, in which equal amount of ore production can be achieved in each period. The deficiencies in the existing floating cone algorithms have been eliminated and an alternative solution to the long-term production planning problem has been produced by using the parametric analysis method. The method has been applied as a case study in gold and tungsten mines and the results are considered promising.