Masters Theses

Elijah Adadzi

Abstract

"Short and long range planning and execution for multi-seam coal formations (MSFs) are challenging with complex extraction mechanisms. Stripping equipment selection and scheduling are functions of the physical dynamics of the mine and the operational mechanisms of its components, thus its productivity is dependent on these parameters. Previous research studies did not incorporate quantitative relationships between equipment productivities and extraction dynamics in MSFs. The intrinsic variability of excavation and spoiling dynamics must also form part of existing models. This research formulates quantitative relationships of equipment productivities using Branch-and-Bound algorithms and Lagrange Parameterization approaches. The stochastic processes are resolved via Monte Carlo/Latin Hypercube simulation techniques within @RISK framework. The model was presented with a bituminous coal mining case in the Appalachian field. The simulated results showed a 3.51% improvement in mining cost and 0.19% increment in net present value. A 76.95yd³ drop in productivity per unit change in cycle time was recorded for sub-optimal equipment schedules. The geologic variability and equipment operational parameters restricted any possible change in the cost function. A 50.3% chance of the mining cost increasing above its current value was driven by the volume of material re-handled with 0.52 regression coefficient. The study advances the optimization process in mine planning and scheduling algorithms, to efficiently capture future uncertainties surrounding multivariate random functions. The main novelty includes the application of stochastic-optimization procedures to improve equipment productivity in MSFs"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Frimpong, Samuel

Committee Member(s)

Awuah-Offei, Kwame, 1975-
Galecki, Greg

Department(s)

Mining Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Mining Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Fall 2013

Pagination

xxi, 147 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (page 42).

Geographic Coverage

Appalachian Region

Rights

© 2013 Elijah Adadzi, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Mining -- Equipment and suppliesResource allocationStochastic processesNonlinear programmingMathematical optimizationStrip mining -- Appalachian Region

Thesis Number

T 10376

Electronic OCLC #

870647385

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