A new push back design algorithm in open pit mining

In open pit mine design, scheduling is normally based on underlying push backs (i e incremental pits) Many different push back design algorithms have been developed in mining industry since 1960 The majority of push back design algorithms use an economic parameter (i. e metal price) to find series of pits where each of the pits has the highest undiscounted dollar value tor the pit size considered Although these highest value pits may indicate where the next “highest grade ore” phase may be, they may not always indicate where the next “best ore” may be for the schedule that maximizes the net present value (NPV) The “best ore’ may be defined as the material that has the highest grade and the least amount of…