University of Alberta

Software: Gemcom Gems and Whittle

Designed for mining professionals who wish to update their theoretical and practical knowledge in drillhole databases, geological modeling, resource modeling, optimization, strategic mine planning, short-term planning, and open pit mine design. The course complements the theory with comprehensive instructions and hands-on computer labs using Gemcom Software.

On completion of this series, you will have an in depth understanding of fundamental principles of open pit mine planning and design, which you will then be able to apply using modern mine planning software. The objectives are met through lectures, tutoring, and undertaking a mine design project. The project starts with drillhole data and covers all the steps required to a complete open pit mine design and a short-term mine plan.

Topics covered in the workshops include:

• Working with Drillholes and Data Manipulation

• Drillhole Compositing

• Geology – Surface Modeling

• Geology – Solid Modeling

• Block Modeling & Interpolation Techniques

• Pit Limits Optimization

• Life-of-Mine Production Scheduling

• Introduction to Mathematical Optimization and Modeling in Mining

• Cut-off Optimization & Stockpiling

• Multi-Pit Optimization 

• Managing Risk and Uncertainty in Mine Planning

• Open Pit Mine and Dump Design

• Polygons and Cut Evaluation

• Short-Term Production Scheduling

Discrete Event Simulation Workshop Series

Simulation Software: Arena - Rockwell Automation

Fundamentals of Discrete Event Simulation (DES) modeling and its industrial applications are presented. Theoretical and statistical aspects of simulation, including input and output analysis, experimental design, and variance reduction techniques are presented. Arena Simulation Environment (Rockwell Automation) is used as the primary modeling simulation tool for explaining simulation concepts. The course is intended for all engineering disciplines and participants who would like to use simulation to design and optimize real-world systems, but most of the computer labs and instructions are specifically tailored for mining applications.

On completion of this series, you will have an in depth understanding of principles and methodologies, of discrete event simulation. A series of labs using Arena Simulation Software are undertaken to model and optimize real world systems. Students undertake a complete simulation modeling/analysis project in parallel to the labs.

• Probability and Statistics Review

• A Guided Tour through Arena

• Creating and Disposing of Entities

• Defining Variables and Attributes

• Capacity constraining – Resources and Queues

• Failures and Schedules

• Animation Concepts and Terminology

• Lower Level Modeling, Loops, and Sub-models

• Batch, Separate, Match, Station and Route

• Transporters and Materials Handling

• Debugging Techniques

• Modeling Input & Output Data and Statistical Analysis

• Simulation with Discrete/Continuous Models

• Experimental Design