Implementation of a goal programming framework for production and dyke material planning

Abstract

In oil sands mining, due to limitations in lease areas, the pit phase development and the construction of in-pit and ex-pit tailings containment dykes are carried out simultaneously. The primary research objectives are to formulate, implement and verify a theoretical optimisation framework based on Mixed Integer Linear Goal Programming (MILGP) formulations to simultaneously schedule production and dyke material. The numerical modelling approach used in implementing the framework is presented. A case study was compared with industry standard software, Whittle. In contrast, the MILGP model scheduled for more ore in the early years contributing to an increased net present value.

Keywords:

• Goal programming
• production scheduling
• integrated mine planning
• mixed integer programming
• waste management
• dyke construction