A Dynamic Scheduling Model for Underground Metal Mines under Equipment Failure Conditions

• Published in: Sustainability Vol. 15; no. 9; p. 7306
• Main Authors: Tu, Siyu, Jia, Mingtao, Wang, Liguan, Feng, Shuzhao, Huang, Shuang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 27.04.2023
• Subjects: Algorithms; Analysis; Comparative analysis; Copper industry; Decision making; Failure; Mineral industry; Mines; Mining; Mining industry; Neighborhoods; Optimization techniques; Scheduling; Sustainability; Underground mines; Workshops
• ISSN: 2071-1050; 2071-1050
• DOI: 10.3390/su15097306

Equipment failure is a common problem in mining operations, resulting in significant delays and reductions in production efficiency. To address this problem, this paper proposes a dynamic scheduling model for underground metal mines under equipment failure conditions. The model aims to minimize the impact of equipment failures on production operations while avoiding extensive equipment changes. A case study of the southeastern mining area of the Chambishi Copper Mine is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model. The initial plan was generated using the multi-equipment task assignment model for the horizontal stripe pre-cut mining method. After equipment breakdown, the proposed model was used to reschedule the initial plan. Then, a comparative analysis was carried out. The results show that the proposed model effectively reduces the impact of equipment failures on production operations and improves overall mining execution at a low management cost. In general, the proposed model can assist schedulers in allocating equipment, coping with the disturbing effects of equipment failure, and improving mine production efficiency.