Real-time simulation projection of block cave production rate

Authors: Eustace, C; Kontos, P; Nguyen, K

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DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2645_26

Cite As:
Eustace, C, Kontos, P & Nguyen, K 2026, 'Real-time simulation projection of block cave production rate', in A van As, D Cumming-Potvin & J Wesseloo (eds), Caving 2026: Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Block and Sublevel Caving, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1-9, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2645_26

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Abstract:
Real-time dispatch optimisation is used successfully in many of the world’s operating block caves, including Newmont’s Cadia Valley Operations since 2015, and more recently at PT Freeport Indonesia and Rio Tinto Oyu Tolgoi. Optimisation of production loader allocation to available drawpoints is effective in both increasing production output and improving draw compliance. However, as the plan is continually optimised rather than fixed at the start of the shift, visibility of the operations plan is limited. The lack of forward visibility can make it difficult to work around production activities and to realise the benefits from optimising the production sequence. Simulation can be used to provide forward visibility of production operations. Initialised in the current operating state, and calling the ORB optimisation engine for dispatch decisions, a simulation function is used to provide an accurate projection of future operations. In addition to providing forward visibility, the simulation model is used to test the potential effects of changes such as in equipment availability, secondary break allocation or drawpoint order priorities. The current implementation is focused on providing visibility for the next 12–24 hours of operations, but the approach is also extendable to longer time horizons. This paper provides an overview of the simulation process used to provide forward visibility of production operations when using ORB for dispatch optimisation.

Keywords: block cave, dispatch optimisation, simulation

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