Short-Term Production Planning Optimization in Open-Pit Copper Mines: An MILP Model Integrating Comminution Modeling and Feed Quality Control | ||
| Journal of Mining and Environment | ||
| مقاله 20، دوره 17، شماره 3، مرداد و شهریور 2026، صفحه 1127-1143 اصل مقاله (2.68 M) | ||
| نوع مقاله: Original Research Paper | ||
| شناسه دیجیتال (DOI): 10.22044/jme.2025.16002.3080 | ||
| نویسنده | ||
| Mojtaba Rezakhah* | ||
| Department of Mining Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran | ||
| چکیده | ||
| Optimizing short-term production in open-pit copper mines is crucial for maximizing economic returns and ensuring operational stability, yet is frequently challenged by inherent geological variability. This work presents a novel Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) framework designed to address these challenges by directly integrating critical geometallurgical parameters, specifically rock hardness (SPI index) and clay content, into the short-term production planning process. The simultaneous integration of these key geometallurgical feed quality attributes within an operational MILP model distinguishes this work from previous approaches and effectively bridges geological data analytics with operational decision-making, aligning economic objectives with enhanced metallurgical performance. Utilizing real operational data from the Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine, the framework was validated over a 186-day period. It achieved optimal production conditions on 137 days (73.6% of the duration), realizing a maximum Net Present Value (NPV) of $132,000. Key outcomes included a significant 21% reduction in concentrate grade variability and a 15% decrease in flotation reagent consumption, achieved through the simultaneous control of SPI and clay content. Advanced statistical methods were employed to identify critical relationships. While the model demonstrates scalability for porphyry copper mines globally, its successful implementation depends on careful parameter customization and alignment with existing infrastructure. This research work underscores the substantial value of data-driven, integrated optimization techniques in enhancing both profitability and process stability within mineral processing circuits. | ||
| کلیدواژهها | ||
| short-term production planning؛ SPI Index؛ Clay Content؛ Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) | ||
| مراجع | ||
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