An approach to design a dragline pit in pullback stripping method

Abstract

A simulation model is developed to optimize dragline selection for surface mines with one flat-lying coal seam where pullback stripping is applied. Recognizing that a dragline that runs in round-the-clock fashion is the key to an efficient operation, two objectives are set in the model so as to select a dragline with the least waiting time after realizing the excavation and with the minimum stripping cost. A set of equations is generated to formulate required pit dimensions resulting from interactions between the dragline and the pit. The model is provided with a set of geometric and operative constraints towards generating outcomes that are appropriate to the nature of the mode of operation. Evaluation is done with hypothetical data. Results of the model simulation are discussed.A simulation model is developed to optimize dragline selection for surface mines with one flat-lying coal seam where pullback stripping is applied. Recognizing that a dragline that runs in round-the-clock fashion is the key to an efficient operation, two objectives are set in the model so as to select a dragline with the least waiting time after realizing the excavation and with the minimum stripping cost. A set of equations is generated to formulate required pit dimensions resulting from interactions between the dragline and the pit. The model is provided with a set of geometric and operative constraints towards generating outcomes that are appropriate to the nature of the mode of operation. Evaluation is done with hypothetical data. Results of the model simulation are discussed.