ABSTRACT
Production scheduling optimization techniques have not become common in cement quarry mining. This research sought to present and implement a new optimization model based on Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) along with an efficient solution method to address the Long-term Cement Quarry Production Scheduling Problem (LCQPSP). A multi-step method was applied to solve the LCQPSP including block clustering, and finding a starting integer feasible solution (SIFS) by a heuristic technique. The implementation of the MILP model and its solution method at a cement quarry show their ability to generate practical schedules in a reasonable time while decreasing the cost for developing the raw mix by $6.2-7.8 million when compared with a solution generated using a common industry practice.
