Use of software to assist on strategic mine design and planning

Authors: Papagianni, A; Kyriazis, M Download Paper

Cite As:
Papagianni, A & Kyriazis, M 2024, 'Use of software to assist on strategic mine design and planning ', in Daniel Johansson & Håkan Schunnesson (eds), MassMin 2024: Proceedings of the International Conference & Exhibition on Mass Mining, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, pp. 181-194.



Abstract:
One of the greatest challenges that LKAB is facing is mining at greater depths (>1250m), by maintaining mass productivity over a very long mine life and, at the same time, ensuring the safety of its people and the profitability of the business. To fully understand the behavior of the deposit and to assist in critical decision making, including mining method selection and capital infrastructures placement, it is necessary to produce and evaluate many different mine plan scenarios in a limited time. Using modern mining software and techniques, LKAB is able to: Run cut-off sensitivity analysis, based on: multiple mining methods several stope sizes range of Fe cut-off grades Create efficient designs for infrastructure, development and production with a respect to geotechnical rules and constraints Produce diverse mining plans and schedules that include: variable sequencing resources allocation introduction of pillars and other operational targets and constraints Report findings, conclusions and compare options All the above options are combined into a single process to develop a strategic plan which can be assessed against a variety of approaches and constraints. This allows LKAB to rank the potential value of a large number of scenarios and understand the associated risks in a timely and efficient way.