Comparison of fixed and mobile in-pit crushing and conveying and truck-shovel systems used in mineral industries through discrete-event simulation

Abstract In-pit crushing and conveying (IPCC) systems (whether fixed, mobile, or semi-mobile) are an alternative to the traditional truck/shovel approach to materials handling. However, assessing the viability of one of these systems for an existing or planned open-pit mine from an operational standpoint presents a great deal of challenge given the complexity of the problem. This research applied the discrete event simulation to model the materials handling system of a mine to assess the applicability and weaknesses of the technique for such use. Varying configurations of a mine's geometry were fed into the simulation then run and optimized for cost using the discrete event simulation tool. The development of the model and simulation highlighted the potential for discrete event simulation to serve as a rapid tool to compare IPCC and truck/shovel systems by assessing those parameters and associated costs inherent with the operating realities of each system.