Optimization of Long-Term Planning of Mining Operations

To determine the infrastructure and their equipment needs throughout the life of a mine, mining companies solves a long-term planning problem that aims at determining the mining sequences that will maximize the net present value of profits while taking into account operational constraints. These problems are very difficult to solve because of their huge size. Furthermore, various types of uncertainties (e.g., on prices, deadlines, activity durations) should be considered. In this project, the intern will develop various mathematical optimization models and methods to solve these problems that will allow to compute near-optimal mining sequences in reasonable computing times. The expected benefit for the partner organization will be an increase in operational productivity which will translate in a market share increase by offering better competitive sale prices to their customers.

Faculty Supervisor:

Guy Desaulniers;Michel Gamache

Student:

Partner:

Rio Tinto Alcan (Jonquière, QC)

Discipline:

Mathematics

Sector:

Manufacturing; Mining; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Polytechnique Montréal

Program: