Optimization of shovel-dumper system in surface mines by using match factor method

Abstract

Computers have brought a revolution in almost every realm of life and become an indispensable part of human activities. Mining industry is no such exception. One of the major problems in surface mining is materials handling, which involves transportation of both ore and overburden. Most of the projects make use of shovel-dumper system due to its high degree of flexibility. This paper addresses application of match factor method for optimization of shovel-dumper fleet in surface mine projects. A surface iron ore mine was simulated using the computer model developed and the match factor was calculated for existing system. To make match factor unity compared to existing match factor of 0.43, it was found that the number of dumpers would have to be increased to 54, in addition to existing trucks. The model attempts to quantify the apparent balance between the number of loading devices and the number of haulage equipment needed.