Large-scale mine production scheduling optimisation with mill blending constraints at Newmont’s Twin Creeks Operation

Abstract

This paper discusses the strategic mine planning process at Newmont’s Twin Creeks Operation. A multi-period Mixed Integer Liner Programming (MILP) model is utilised to optimise a large scale, complex operation with multiple open pits and underground mine sources under tight process blending constraints with the option to stockpile. In addition to life-of-mine production scheduling optimisation using MILP, the strategic planning process includes cost analysis, phase design validations and sensitivity to constraints such as mining rates, mill blending or throughput. Through this planning approach, Twin Creeks Operation is realising significant value from cost reductions and higher near term free cash flow resulting in increases to life-of-mine net present value.

Keywords:

• Open Pit Mining
• Production Scheduling
• Optimisation

Acknowledgements

Authors thank Twin Creeks Site Leadership Team and Newmont North America Leadership Team for their support and willingness to publish this work. We also thank Dr. Terry Bush for his help and Dr. Conor Meagher for reviewing this paper.