A network model to optimise cost in underground mine design

Abstract

This paper examines the problem of designing an underground mine so as to optimise the development and haulage costs. It focusses particularly on the costs associated with the ramps and shafts which provide passage to and from the ore zones. This mine optimisation problem is modelled as a weighted network. The controls (variables for the optimisation process) and operational constraints are described. A discussion is given on conditions under which the cost function is convex. 1