SOT+ Project Consortium

SOT+ Extending the Application of the Schedule Optimization Tool

 

 

Introduction

MIRARCO has developed three new software modules to extend the capabilities of SOT. When coupled with SOT, the new modules facilitate the generation of optimized extraction schedules while adhering to a broad range of mine planning constraints.

SOT was originally developed by MIRARCO and is then commercialized through Revolution Mining Software (which has been acquired by RPMGlobal).

For more information on SOT+ project, please contact
Email: info@mirarco.org

GeoSequencing Module

The GeoSequencing Module facilitates the generation of optimized schedules adhering to stope sequencing constraints that are motivated by geotechnical considerations. Using the module, the mine planner selects the rules for stope sequencing as decided by the geotechnical engineers. The GeoSequencing Module will then automatically generate alternative sets of stope-to-stope dependencies, or geosequencing scenarios, that enforce the selected rules. Adhering to these constraints, SOT generates life-of-mine schedules with maximized net present value that are geotechnically feasible. Read more about the GeoSequencing Module here.

Ventilation Constraint Module

The Ventilation Constraint Module (VCM) facilitates the generation of optimized schedules adhering to ventilation-based constraints. By interacting with a ventilation solver, Ventsim, the VCM identifies ventilation districts, which are zones in the mine having the same ventilation air. The VCM automatically generates airflow-based constraints on the equipment for each ventilation district, over the course of the mine life. Using these constraints, SOT generates life-of-mine schedules with maximized net present value that are feasible from a ventilation perspective. Read more about the Ventilation Constraint Module here.

Advanced Valuation Module

The Advanced Valuation Module (AVM) facilitates the generation of optimized schedules that are robust to uncertain product prices and product grades. Using AVM, the mine planner specifies distributions for product prices over the mine life. The software then optimizes the life-of-mine schedule, maximizing the net present value in view of a broad range of possible realizations of prices for each product. The resulting schedules have high NPV, and are also robust over a range of financial scenarios specified by the given price (or grade) distributions. Read more about the Advanced Valuation Module here.

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