Improved optimised scheduling in stratified deposits in open pit mines – using in-pit dumping

Reducing the footprint of mining by backfilling and rehabilitating open pit mines progressively reduces the amount of land exposed at any point in time. Optimal dump destination (in-pit or external) depends on their availability, which for in-pit is determined by the mined-out void created and available lag distance between the mining face to the dumping face. A mathematical model has been developed to maximise value of the mine while not only considering external dumping option but in-pit dumping as well while maintaining the lag distance with the working face. The model has been applied to a stratified deposit mine with promising results.