Evaluation and optimization of an underground haulage system using discrete event simulation

Abstract

Against the background of a gradual increase of underground mining operations in production depth potentially results in lower productivity due to factors like longer haulage distances, the objective of this thesis was to investigate the productivity of a current truck haulage system and its performance on deeper production levels with the aim to determine its maximum range and to compare the option of relocating the crusher to a deeper mine level. As alternative haulage system, vertical belt conveyor Pocketlift was determined as the system most suitable for the connection between the crusher in its new location and the established conveyor belt connecting the mine with the processing plant. Simulink and its discrete event simulation tool Simevents was applied for the investigation of the production rates of the current and the new system. Results showed that the production rate of the current truck-loader system decreases on each lower production level, so that it cannot be used for future production. A cost evaluation of the alternative system resulted in significantly lower cost per ton compared to the current system