A comprehensive algorithm for economic optimization of underground Mining limits

The aim of stope limit optimization is to define an area with maximum economic value, for which, in accordance to the mining method used, all technical and geometrical constraints is considered. Although more than four decades have passed since the first presentation of underground stope optimizatiom algorithm, the development of these algorithms in comparison with similar algorithms used in open pit mines, have been very slow. This may be due to the high variety of underground mining methods and complexity of economic modeling of mining limit. In this paper a 3D comprehensive algorithm, which is called MLOA, is proposed. This algorithm runs on a variable value block models and is able to determine the number, height and optimal layout of levels. To determine the optimum limit of stopes, MLOA has used a heuristic algorithm which is called SOA. In SOA algorithm, Technical and geometrical constraints such as the minimum and maximum of stope dimension and minimum width of rib pillars have been regarded. The optimum location and dimension of stopes within specific level can be determined by using SOA. In order to verify the methods , the results of the application of SOA algorithm on hypothetical economic block model, are compared to similar rigorous algorithm’s results. The results demonstrate the capability of SOA algorithm in determining optimum limit of stopes.