Optimization Strategies for Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problems in Underground Mining

Abstract

Effective computational methods are important for practitioners and researchers working in strategic underground mine planning. We consider a class of problems that can be modeled as a resource-constrained project scheduling problem with optional activities; the objective maximizes net present value. We provide a computational review of math programming and constraint programming techniques for this problem, describe and implement novel problem-size reductions, and introduce an aggregated linear program that guides a list scheduling algorithm running over unaggregated instances. Practical, large-scale planning problems cannot be processed using standard optimization approaches. However, our strategies allow us to solve them to within about 5% of optimality in several hours, even for the most difficult instances.

Models and Methods of Operational Management in Mining Production

“…The classification based on economic-mathematical methods [1] is grounded on the tools (mathematical) employed for model construction. The following methods are known: mathematical programming, which is divided into linear [2], quadratic [3], integer [4], stochastic [5], dynamic [6], and geometric [7]; inventory management [8], game theory [9], network models [10], correlation models [11], queuing theory [12], reliability theory [13], forecasting [14], and simulation modeling [15]. When applying linear, quadratic, and integer programming, optimization, deterministic, and static models can be implemented.…”

“…Examining works [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] and methods, it becomes apparent that these can be applied to short-term planning. However, decisionmaking processes are influenced not only by economic, technological, and social factors but also by qualitative ones.…”

“…To address the drawbacks of the first two groups of methods, another classification was considered [27], which is based on planning terms and tools. This classification divides methods into long-term and short-term planning, which are all based on the methods described earlier [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25]. It highlights a group of approaches based on simulation modeling [28] of production parameters.…”