Simulation of the impact of mine face geometry on the energy efficiency of short-distance haulage mining operations

Abstract

In most surface mining, overburden removal operations require haulage over short distances. This is a key operation for companies using the strip mining method, because of the large amounts of waste to be removed. Other methods and operations also adopt this type of transport, using dozers, excavators, front-end loaders and haul trucks. A comparison of different haulage options for short distances with respect to energy efficiency in open-pit mining is needed, but only a limited number of recent studies have considered energy efficiency as a key variable in mining projects. This study therefore seeks to develop a mine design that is able to achieve greater energy efficiency without affecting the performance of mining operations. For this purpose, simulation tools and comparative analysis among several equipment options are used. After implementation, a 14% reduction in specific fuel consumption and a 16% increase in productivity are found.

Potential of on-board energy recovery systems to reduce haulage costs over the life of a deep surface mine

“…Rodovalho and de Tomi (2016) consider appropriate equipment selection and mine face geometry resulting in a 14% reduction in specific fuel consumption and a 16% increase in productivity in a strip-mining application. In the application considered, the maximum elevation change is only 16 m. This implies a relatively small amount of potential energy – a key aspect to the effectiveness of ERS – being available for recovery.…”