Improving productivity in block/panel caving through dynamic confinement of semi-autonomous load-haul-dump machines. Issue 8 (14th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Espinoza, José Pablo; Mascaró, Mauricio; Morales, Nelson; Ruiz Del Solar, Javier
• Is Part Of: International journal of mining, reclamation and environment. Volume 36:Issue 8(2022)
• Page Start: 552
• Page End: 573
• Publication Date: 2022-09-14
• Subjects: Automation -- simulation -- productivity -- block/panel caving; Mining engineering -- Periodicals; Mineral industries -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Abandoned mined lands reclamation -- Periodicals; 622.292
• DOI: 10.1080/17480930.2022.2077046
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-0930

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The incorporation of autonomous equipment is fuelling a revolution in mining, but it poses operational challenges due to potential hazardous interactions between humans and the autonomous machinery. For this reason, block and panel caving mines operate under a static confinement policy that stops all autonomous LHDs when workers must enter the production area, thus having a huge negative impact on productivity. To address this challenge, we propose two dynamic confinement policies, and we model them using discrete event simulation. Results show that the dynamic moderate/intensive policies may lead to increases in production of 35%/45% when compared with the static policy.