MULTIPLE DISCRETE-EVENT SIMULATION AND ANIMATION MODELS TO ASSIST MODERN MINING OPERATIONS

This research investigation was conducted to develop, execute, and analyze a collection of discrete-event system simulation and animation models for different modern mining operations and systems, including two open-pit gold mines, an aggregate mine (sand and gravel), an open-cast (strip) coal mine, and an underground mine evacuation operation. The mine simulation and animation models aimed to study and assess a wide range of practical unique and common "what if?" scenarios that the mine engineers and managers of the case studies posed in different aspects during the research. A comprehensive and detailed literature review was also performed to provide a summary of the published discrete-event system simulation projects and their applications in the mining and mineral industry. The simulation results of the investigation were effectively implemented to assist the engineers in maximizing the productivity of the mines, improving the operation processes, reducing the environmental impact of the haulage operations, and enhancing the equipment utilization in various case studies. In addition, due to the shortage of powerful and flexible computer simulation tools in designing and analyzing underground mining evacuation operations and rescue equipment with respect to the mine operating characteristics and layout, the discrete-event system simulation and animation technique was innovatively implemented for modeling these complex systems. GPSS/H® and PROOF Professional® were the simulation language and animation software used for this research work

Simulation and Animation Model of Fabero Coal Mine Operation

The main purpose of this research is to develop a simulation and animation model for a giant open pit coal mine in Spain known as Fabero. This simulation model aims to study different mine equipment selection scenarios. The simulation software package used in this research study includes GPSS/H® and PROOF animation. The application of simulation models for studying mining systems under real conditions is well known and accepted by mine management, particularly in mine design, planning, development and optimization. This simulation model focuses on analyzing the performance of the fleet of shovels and trucks in the mine and shows how simulation is a useful technique to optimize mine operations and the development phases of new operations in a mine. This simulation and animation model is used to come up with best answers to "what if?" questions/scenarios that mining engineers might want to address. Animation enhances the effect of a mine simulation model. By combining the visual power of animation with a mine simulation model, a complete picture of the mine system is obtained and displayed