Optimisation of open-pit mine production scheduling considering optimum transportation system between truck haulage and semi-mobile in-pit crushing and conveying

Despite the upward trend in using semi-mobile in-pit crushing and conveying system (SMIPCC), some mining companies still hesitate to use SMIPCC in their operations. Therefore, a framework is needed to facilitate decision-making between SMIPCC and truck and shovel system (TS) and satisfy the location and relocation time of the semi-mobile crusher (SMC). For this purpose, this paper presents a mathematical integer programming (IP) model considering the operational constraints. The model specifies both the optimum location and optimum relocation time of SMC. Also, it compares the production schedule for the TS and SMIPCC utilised for ore and waste handling over the life of mine. Then, the system with maximum net present value (NPV) is selected as the optimal material handling system. Finally, the model is implemented with a case study. The results show that implementing SMIPCC instead of the TS system for ore and waste materials improves the NPV by 69.77%.