Simulation-dased integrated decision support tool for underground mining operations

Development and implementation of simulation-based integrated decision support tool for underground potash mining operations of Uralkali, one of the world’s largest potash producers

Uralkali

Development and implementation of simulation-based integrated decision support tool for underground potash mining operations of Uralkali, one of the world’s largest potash producers.

Industry sector: Mining
Client: Uralkali

Project objective

  • Optimize underground potash mining operations
  • Calculate technologically reasonable production plan for month/ year for each mining machine complex and for the whole mine using simulation model

Uralkali Press Center Photobank, https://www.uralkali.com/ru/press_center/image_library/6116/

Description

The main stages of work and characteristics of the system

  • Research and formalization of production processes in underground potash mining
  • Development of the simulation model
  • Development of the simulation-based integrated decision support tool
  • Debugging, parametrization and verification of simulation model
  • Model users support during scenario analysis
  • Integration testing
  • Key users’ training

System input data

  • Geometric and mining-geological features of mines
  • Schedules, technological operations execution order and duration
  • Limitations of used machines and mechanisms (speed of the conveyors, shuttle cars capacity, etc.)

The main structural elements of the system

  • Module for data import from Oracle EBS
  • Module for scenario creation with multiuser mode, user access control, and graphic interface for editing of mine layout editing
  • Simulation model with interactive presentation
  • Module of simulation-based mining plan creation

System output data

  • Operational indicators of the mine (ore production, ore quality)
  • Mining machines and conveyor system utilization capacity
  • Identification bottlenecks in existing processes

Project result

  • Simulation-based software product for graphic input data creation and editing which allows to perform scenario analysis and monthly planning of production
  • Integration of reasonable simulation-based production planning into business processes of the company
Срез горной породы в калийной шахте, Уралкалий

Using simulation has become an industry standard in mining

Todays modern simulation tools, such as MineTwin, allow to speed-up creation of simulation models.