ABSTRACT
This paper presents a MILP model to solve truck dispatching problem in surface mines. As testing a new technology in mining operation is expensive, simulation is used as a tool to evaluate effects of new technologies in the surface mining operations. However, two significant drawbacks exist in currently available simulation models. The available models ignore the existence of decision-making tools such as mining fleet management systems in mining operations. Also, the available simulation models disregard impacts of processing plants on the mining operation. To test our MILP model, this paper presents an intelligent simulation and optimization framework to mimic the surface mining operations. The given framework covers the drawbacks mentioned above. We implemented the framework in a surface mine case study to compare performance of our MILP model with its in place truck dispatching model. Results of the comparison show more than 10% improvement in production of the case study.
