ABSTRACT
Discrete system simulation software initially was developed in the 1960s for industrial applications such as manufacturing and transportation. Mining applications of simulation models have been used to assist the mining engineer in mine design and equipment selection ever since the introduction of simulation software. In a few examples, the simulation model was used to design a mine from scratch. There is yet another application for simulation and animation models which is just being realized and this is to make “presentation” models. These are animations that show the general operation of the mine without regard to mining schedules or the exact logic of the mining operation. These are finding applications in the following areas: to show prospective investors what the mine will be like once it is in full operation, to show management how proposed changes will affect the overall operation of the mine and to show other engineers how the mine will now operate. Several examples of such presentation models for actual mines are presented and discussed. These include a proposed expansion for an underground gold mine and several platinum mines. All of these projects are for mines in South Africa. A comparison of the presentation model with that of the actual mine simulation is given for a platinum mine.
