Open Pit Mine Life Design

The Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, in conjunction with the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association, hosts an annual international mine design competition for undergraduate students. An aggregate company provides data from one of its sites, and students work in teams to develop a feasible overall mine design plan. A 3D geological block model was created from the provided drill-hole data using Hexagon’s MineSight software. A life-of-mine plan was developed based on environmental and regulatory restrictions. The optimal operating schedule and equipment fleet were determined based on economic analysis and production requirements. Multiple ore processing scenarios were evaluated to ensure the ideal haulage plan. A post-closure reclamation plan was developed to donate the mining property as a recreational area to the neighboring community. The project design was submitted in 2018, and the team has been selected to present at the annual Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration conference as one of the top six international teams.