Print Email Facebook Twitter Stochastic Open Pit Design with a Network Flow Algorithm: Application at Escondida Norte, Chile Title Stochastic Open Pit Design with a Network Flow Algorithm: Application at Escondida Norte, Chile Author Van Eldert, J. Contributor De Ruiter, J.J. (mentor) Dimitrakopoulos, R.G. (mentor) Faculty Civil Engineering and Geosciences Department Department of Geotechnology Programme Section Resources Engineering Date 2011-07-22 Abstract In the optimization of open pit mine design, the Lerchs-Grossmann algorithm is the industry standard, although network flow algorithms are also well suited, efficient, and known. The stochastic version of the conventional (deterministic) network flow algorithm is based on the use of multiple simulated realizations of the ore deposit, thus accounting for geological uncertainty. In comparison, the conventional pit optimization methods use only one estimated or average-type model of the deposit and assume it represents the exact deposit in the ground. The use of multiple scenarios results in the ability to generate risk profiles in terms of both grade and material types for pit designs and production schedules. This thesis focuses on the application of the stochastic maximum flow algorithm for multiple ore processing destinations at the Escondida Norte copper mine, Chile. The case study shows the optimal pushback layout minimising geological risk during the life-of-mine. The limitation of this method is that it uses only a part of the local joint uncertainty of the block grades and material types. However, it can be extended to account for simulated commodity price forecasts as well as discounting. Subject optimizationopen pitminingstochasticmaximum flowmine design To reference this document use: http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:1de4f520-efc7-42d7-8266-b388451f4d14 Part of collection Student theses Document type master thesis Rights (c) 2011 Van Eldert, J. Files PDF Stochastic_open_pit_desig ... Eldert.pdf 4.06 MB Close viewer /islandora/object/uuid:1de4f520-efc7-42d7-8266-b388451f4d14/datastream/OBJ/view