Geological modeling and short-term production planning of dimension stone quarries based on market demand

In order to obtain minimum amount of ore wastage and maximum profitability in dimension stone quarries an optimal short-term production planning procedure has been established here according to the market demand. As the base of this procedure geological modelling has been first created and smoothing of ore-body boundaries was done. Then, an economical block model has been provided. In the next step, all probable shapes of minable-blocks were specified and their priorities in assignment were done according to desired size of the blocks by market demand. Finally, searching from a base sub-block was started in order to find the optimal plan. The procedure has been used for a dimension marble quarry located in northwest of Iran. It demonstrates a decrease about 26% of ore wastage and 21.3% of diamond wire assumption with comparing to the existent traditional procedure.