Comparative optimization of mining the Kraku Bugaresku Cementation deposit using Whittle and NPV Scheduler software

Abstract

The paper is aimed to present a method of determining the final pit contour with maximum discounted profit, to determine the stages of excavation (Pushbacks) and mining schedule for the final pit using the software packages for strategic planning of open pit mining - Whittle and NPV Scheduler, in the case of optimization the Kraku Bugaresku Cementation deposit. In both cases the same techno - economic parameters were used and the same initial topography. The aim or intention of the authors was not to judge or advertise the aforementioned software packages, but to demonstrate the optimization procedure in a specific case, with reference to the basic differences. Comparison of the obtained results is also a verification of correctness of the optimization results.

Keywords

• optimization
• optimal pit contour
• pushbacks
• mining schedule
• software
• npv