Abstract:
It is a complex mathematical simulation problem to analyze haul truck demands throughout the whole life of an open pit mine. The traditional methods are limited for their relatively complex and cumbersome solving process, and they cannot comprehensively consider the multi-factor effects in the actual haulage process. In order to efficiently and accurately complete the haul truck demand analysis, to evaluate the mining fleet capacity of an open pit mine, takes one open pit uranium mine in Namibia as an example, creating one life of mine scheduling plan in MineSched and analyzing the haul truck demands by utilizing the “Haulage Module” of MineSched. The authors also compare the haul truck demands and current truck fleet size, providing advice for meeting the shortage of truck demands. The results show that the “Haulage module” of MineSched is more efficient than the traditional method to carry out the haulage demand analysis for open pit mining haul trucks. Besides, it can simulate the actual haul routes of materials movement, considering the influence of related factors such as road conditions, road gradients seasonal changes and equipment efficiency. It fully shows the accuracy and superiority of MineSched software used in the demand analysis of open pit mine trucks and provides new ideas and methods for the prediction and evaluation of open pit mine haulage capacity.