Applications of Operations Research in Forestry and Mining Strategic, Tactical, and Operational Perspectives PRESENTED BY ARSHIT BANSAL GANESH BORSE ANIKET TOTAWAR PRESENTED TO DR.HARSHAD SONAR
Mining Overview: Unveiling the Depths of Resource Exploitation 1. Introduction: Mining is the systematic extraction of nonrenewable resources from the Earth's crust for economic gain. Unlike other resource sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, and forestry, mining involves the extraction of minerals that are crucial for various industrial processes and economic activities. The distinctive nature of mining lies in its focus on nonrenewable resources and the profound impact it has on the Earth's geological composition. . 2. Nonrenewable Nature of Minerals: One of the key aspects that sets mining apart is the nonrenewable nature of minerals. Unlike renewable resources such as fish, crops, or timber, minerals are finite and take geological timeframes to form. The extraction of minerals is a one-time process, making the responsible management of these resources crucial. Once a mineral deposit is fully exploited, the site closure becomes permanent, highlighting the irreversible nature of mining activities and the need for sustainable practices 3. Human Intervention in Mining: Human intervention plays a pivotal role in shaping the grade and type of ore recovered in mining operations. Geological sampling and analysis are fundamental steps in identifying and exploiting ore bodies. Geologists use various techniques, such as drilling, remote sensing, and geochemical analysis, to assess the composition and concentration of minerals in a given area.
Surface vs. Underground Mining: Surface Mining: Methods: Open-pit mining, strip mining. Characteristics: Extraction near the Earth's surface, large-scale operations, economical for low-grade deposits. Equipment: Heavy machinery like excavators, haul trucks. Prevalence: Common due to economic efficiency and accessibility. Underground Mining: Methods: Room and pillar, sublevel stoping , block caving. Characteristics: Extraction beneath the Earth's surface, suitable for steeply dipping or deep ore bodies. Challenges: Geotechnical issues, ventilation, logistical complexities. Prevalence: Used for ore bodies not accessible through surface mining. Open-Pit Models Prevalence: Reasons: Economic efficiency, accessibility, safety for shallow deposits. Common Ore: Often used for mining low-grade deposits over extensive areas. Complexities in Underground Methods: Geotechnical Challenges: Rock stability concerns. Ventilation: Essential for a safe working environment. Equipment Access: Logistics of transporting equipment and workers. .
Open-Pit Mining: Ultimate Pit Limits in Open-Pit Mining: Ultimate pit limits define the maximum dimensions of an open-pit economically viable for mining, crucial for optimizing extraction while considering economic, geological, and environmental factors. Lerchs and Grossmann (1965): Seminal work introducing the Lerchs -Grossmann algorithm, a mathematical model using network analysis to determine optimal open-pit designs, balancing economic gains with mining constraints. Advancements in Open-Pit Design: Whittle's Algorithm: Introduced dynamic considerations for changing commodity prices and production constraints. SLOPE/W Software: Addresses geotechnical stability in pit slopes for safe mining. Optimization and Integer Programming: Modern algorithms optimize open-pit designs considering complex constraints, enhancing project efficiency. Application in Production Scheduling: These algorithms play a crucial role in production scheduling, optimizing extraction sequences over time by considering factors like changing ore grades, processing capacities, and equipment availability. Mining - Strategic Mine Planning: Navigating the Depths Strategically
Optimizing Underground Mine Design: Researchers and engineers constantly strive to optimize underground mine design through various strategies: Geotechnical modelling and simulations: Utilizing advanced software and modelling techniques to analyze and predict rock mass behavior and design support systems effectively. Integrated mine planning: Employing computer-aided design (CAD) and mine planning software to integrate and optimize various aspects of the design process, such as scheduling, production planning, and equipment selection. Optimization algorithms: Applying mathematical algorithms and optimization techniques to find the most efficient and cost-effective solutions for mine layout, production scheduling, and resource allocation.