Using deep neural networks coupled with principal component analysis for ore production forecasting at open-pit mines

Ore production is usually affected by multiple influencing inputs at open-pit mines.Nevertheless,the complex nonlinear relationships between these inputs and ore production remain unclear.This becomes even more challenging when training data(e.g.truck haulage information and weather conditions)are massive.In machine learning(ML)algorithms,deep neural network(DNN)is a superior method for processing nonlinear and massive data by adjusting the amount of neurons and hidden layers.This study adopted DNN to forecast ore production using truck haulage information and weather conditions at open-pit mines as training data.Before the prediction models were built,principal component analysis(PCA)was employed to reduce the data dimensionality and eliminate the multicollinearity among highly correlated input variables.To verify the superiority of DNN,three ANNs containing only one hidden layer and six traditional ML models were established as benchmark models.The DNN model with multiple hidden layers performed better than the ANN models with a single hidden layer.The DNN model outperformed the extensively applied benchmark models in predicting ore production.This can provide engineers and researchers with an accurate method to forecast ore production,which helps make sound budgetary decisions and mine planning at open-pit mines.

Solution to the Horizontal Crossing Problem of Transportation System at Key Points in Open-Pit Mines

In order to reduce the horizontal crossing transportation problems between coal trucks and stripping trucks,large and small vehicles,and transport trucks and belt conveyors at key points of open pit mine in production,the separate transportation mode of underpass bridge and overpass steel trestle is proposed to optimize the open pit development transportation system,so as to solve the practical problems that the horizontal cross of transport vehicles causes vehicle blockage,affects production schedule and production safety.The results show that the horizontal crossing road can be changed into a separate type of overpass steel trestle,which can realize the classified transportation of large and small vehicles,reduce the traffic density,make vehicles with different functions go their own way,eliminate the hidden danger of traffic accidents,and improve the production efficiency.

Study on the Application of Real-Time Drone Monitoring in Ordos Open-Pit Coal Mine

In the process of intelligent mine construction in open-pit mine, in order to improve the safety monitoring ability of mine transportation system, solve the problems of large human interference and blind Angle detection by existing conventional monitoring methods, this paper establishes an open-pit mine monitoring data set, and proposes a real-time intelligent monitoring model based on UAV. The reasoning component with strong computing power and low power consumption is selected, and the lightweight object detection model is selected for the experiment. A quantitative standard of dynamic energy consumption detection by evaluation algorithm is proposed. Through experimental comparison, it is found that YOLOv4-tiny has the highest comprehensive grade in detection accuracy, speed, energy consumption and other aspects, which is suitable for application in the above model.

Optimization model of GNSS/pseudolites structure design for open-pit mine positioning

A new pseudolites （PLs） structure optimization model of global navigation satellite system （GNSS）/PLs integration positioning system used in deep open-pit mine was presented. Position dilution of precision （Pdop） and reliability were selected as the optimization indicators to build a multi-objective optimization model to decide the optimum PLs location. A scheme was designed by establishing a four-dimensional model taking azimuth （a）, elevation angle （e） and epoch （t） of satellites as the input independent variables and Pdop as the dependent variable to calculate the optimum PLs location zone considering the real circumstances. And then the ultimate PLs location can be fixed by testing the curves of Pdop along time. A field collected Trimble R8 GPS data set in China University of Mining and Technology （CUMT） campus was used for the model test to show the effectiveness, and the proposed PLs optimum design scheme was used at the west open-pit mine of Fushun mining group Co., Ltd., in China, better Pdop and reliability have been achieved for the integration system. Both experiments show that the proposed scheme is excellent in designing GNSS/PLs system which is helpful for improving the performance of the positioning system and reducing the cost.

Modified algorithm of combined GPS/GLONASS precise point positioning for applications in open-pit mines

A modified algorithm of combined GPS/GLONASS precise point positioning （GG-PPP） was developed by decreasing the number of unknowns to be estimated so that accurate position solutions can be achieved in the case of less number of visible satellites. The system time difference between GPS and GLONASS （STDGG） and zenith tropospheric delay （ZTD） values were firstly estimated in an open sky condition using the traditional GG-PPP algorithm. Then, they were used as a priori known values in the modified algorithm instead of estimating them as unknowns. The proposed algorithm was tested using observations collected at BJFS station in a simulated open-pit mine environment. The results show that the position filter converges much faster to a stable value in all three coordinate components using the modified algorithm than using the traditional algorithm. The modified algorithm achieves higher positioning accuracy as well. The accuracy improvement in the horizontal direction and vertical direction reaches 69% and 95% at a satellite elevation mask angle of 50°, respectively.

Effect of slope angle on fractured rock masses under combined influence of variable rainfall infiltration and excavation unloading

Intense precipitation infiltration and intricate excavation processes are crucial factors that impact the stability and security of towering and steep rock slopes within mining sites.The primary aim of this research was to investigate the progression of cumulative failure within a cracked rock formation,considering the combined effects of precipitation and excavation activities.The study was conducted in the Huangniuqian eastern mining area of the Dexing Copper Mine in Jiangxi Province,China.An engineering geological investigation was conducted,a physical model experiment was performed,numerical calculations and theoretical analysis were conducted using the matrix discrete element method(Mat-DEM),and the deformation characteristics and the effect of the slope angle of a fractured rock mass under different scenarios were examined.The failure and instability mechanisms of the fractured rock mass under three slope angle models were analyzed.The experimental results indicate that as the slope angle increases,the combined effect of rainfall infiltration and excavation unloading is reduced.A novel approach to simulating unsaturated seepage in a rock mass,based on the van Genuchten model(VGM),has been developed.Compared to the vertical displacement observed in a similar physical experiment,the average relative errors associated with the slope angles of 45,50,and 55were 2.094%,1.916%,and 2.328%,respectively.Accordingly,the combined effect of rainfall and excavation was determined using the proposed method.Moreover,the accuracy of the numerical simulation was validated.The findings contribute to the seepage field in a meaningful way,offering insight that can inform and enhance existing methods and theories for research on the underlying mechanism of ultra-high and steep rock slope instability,which can inform the development of more effective risk management strategies.

Failure characteristics and its influencing factors of talus-derived rock mass during open-pit mining

The failure characteristic of talus-derived rock mass continues to challenge quantitative hazard assessments in open-pit mining. Physical model test was used to assess the failure modes and mechanisms on talus-derived rock mass. The different types of failure modes of the talus-derived rock mass were introduced and a possible failure mechanism relation between the failure zone and the structure of the talus-derived rock mass was also shown. The physical model test results indicate that the rainfall has significant influence on the stability and failure modes of talus-derived rock mass during open-pit mining. The development of the seepage area caused by rainfall initiates the localized failure in that particular area, and the initiation of localized instability is mainly induced by stress changes concentrated in the seepage area.

Slope stability of reclaimed coal mines through a new water filling index

A common reclamation practice for closed coal surface mines is filling them with water to form pit lakes.The creation and sustainability of these lakes are significantly affected by the stability of the corresponding slopes.The present study provides a general framework for analyzing the water filling’s effect on slope stability based on a new water filling index,which can indirectly consider the factors affecting the process and efficiently quantify the filling speed’s influence.The assumptions of the proposed approach are thoroughly discussed,and the range of the water filling index is identified.Furthermore,the safety factor is calculated using the finite element method with the shear strength reduction technique during the filling process for various conditions(soil properties,slope geometry,hydraulic conditions,and water filling speed).Results are presented as normalized stability charts for practical use.During the water filling,the stability gradually decreases until the reservoir reaches a critical level of 10%e40%of the total height;it then increases to even more stable conditions than the initial one.Overall,the present analysis allows for the preliminary stability evaluation of a coal mine during the formation of a pit lake and the appropriate quantification of the water filling’s effect.

High precision slope deformation monitoring model based on the GPS/Pseudolites technology in open-pit mine

As the number and geometric intensity of visual satellites are susceptible to large slopes in open-pit mines, we propose integration of GPS/Pseudolites (PLs) positioning technology which can increase the number of visible satellites, strengthen the geometric intensity of satellites and provide a precision solution for slope deformation monitoring. However, the un-modeled systematic errors are still the main limiting factors for high precision baseline solution. In order to eliminate the un-modeled systematic error, the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) theory is employed. The multi-scale decomposition and reconstruction architecture are defined here on the basis of the EMD theory and the systematic error mitigation model is demonstrated as well. A standard of the scale selection for the systematic error elimination is given in terms of the mean of the accumulated standardized modes. Thereafter, the scheme of the GPS/PLs baseline solution based on the EMD is suggested. The simulation and experiment results show that the precision factors (DOP) are reduced greatly when PLs is located suitably. The proposed scheme dramatically improves the reliability of ambiguity resolution and the precision of baseline vector after systematic error being eliminated, and provides an effective model for high precision slope deformation monitoring in open-pit mine.

Dynamic phase-mining optimization in open-pit metal mines

Three important aspects of phase-mining must be optimized:the number of phases,the geometry and location of each phase-pit(including the ultimate pit),and the ore and waste quantities to be mined in each phase.A model is presented,in which a sequence of geologically optimum pits is first generated and then dynamically evaluated to simultaneously optimize the above three aspects,with the objective of maximizing the overall net present value.In this model,the dynamic nature of the problem is fully taken into account with respect to both time and space,and is robust in accommodating different pit wall slopes and different bench heights.The model is applied to a large deposit consisting of 2044 224 blocks and proved to be both efficient and practical.

Application of open-pit and underground mining technology for residual coal of end slopes

Given the conditions of residual coal from the boundary of a flat dipping open-pit mine,which uses strip areas mining and inner dumping with slope-covering,we propose an open-pit and underground integrated mining technology for residual coal of end slopes.In the proposal a conveyance road and ventilation conveyance near the slope are built,corresponding to the pit mining area and the surface coal mine dump,as well as an interval haulage tunnel and air-inlet tunnel.The outcome shows that such mining method may reduce the effect to slope stability from underground mining,it does not affect the dumping advance and has a high recovery rate of residual coal resources.The working face is timbered by single hydraulic props,transported by a scraper conveyor and supported by coal walls.This method of mining is one of layered top coal caving,with high resource recovery,low production cost where positive economic benefit can be realized.

Development and characterization of formulation of dust-suppressant used for stope road in open-pit mines

The components of dust-suppressant were determined based on the analysis on characteristics and mechanisms of road dust raising in open-pit mines. The components were initially selected from moisture agent, coagulation agent and surfactant. The optimal formulation was determined based on orthogonal test and using the water loss rate as the evaluation index. The performances of moisture releasing and adsorption, wind resistance of optimal formulation in the natural environment were tested. The results show that the formula obtained in experiments provide a good performance of moisture absorption and water retention, and it also had a good dust preventing and controlling performance due to its high surface strength and consolidation under dry conditions. It has good application prospects considering the wide variety of sources for materials and the simple preparation process.

Key factor analysis and model establishment of variation of rock face temperature in a deep open-pit mine

In recent years, with the increase of the depth of open-pit mining, the pollution level has been on the rise due to harmful gases and dust occurring in the process of mining. In order to accelerate the diffusion of these air pollutants, the distributed regularity of the rock face temperature which is directly related to the air ventilation in deep open-pit mines should be studied. Here, we establish the key factors influencing the rock face temperature in a deep open-pit mine. We also present an empirical model of the rock face temperature variation in the deep open-pit mine, of which the performance is interestingly high compared with that of the field test. This study lays a foundation to study the ventilation thermodynamic theory in the deep open-pit mine, which is of great importance for theoretical studies and engineering applications of solving air pollution problem in deep open-pit mines.

Parameter inversion and location determination of evolutionary weak layer for open-pit mine slope

In light of the complex and dynamic mechanical properties of evolving weak strata in open-pit mines,and the consequent difficulty of determining their mechanical parameters,this study uses the ultimate balance theory,along with the back analysis method combined with monitoring data on field displacement,to carry out parameter inversion using the FLAC3D numerical simulation software.The edge slope of a working pit of the Weijiamao open-pit mine was used as research object to this end.As the results obtained by the constitutive model were consistent with the field monitoring data,the evolving weak strata in the slope and the position of the landslide in the mine could be obtained.The landslide was directed northeast.The mechanism of the edge slope of the working pit was identified as unloading shear failure,and the feasibility of the method of parameter inversion was verified.The internal friction angle φand cohesion C of evolving weak strata in the slope of the open-pit mine were also obtained,where this compensated for the deficiency of laboratory tests and enabled the transformation from qualitative to quantitative analysis.This can provide a reliable basis for the safe operation of open-pit mines.

Sensitivity analysis for parameters of a monitoring system for steep slopes of open-pit mines

Monitoring the stability of steep slopes of open-pit mines is a major issue relating to production safety in mines.In order to determine the technical parameters of a new type of supervising system applied in monitoring steep slopes of open-pit mines,the MSARMA method was used to establish analytical models for the monitoring system,given various parameter settings based on the description of mechanical monitoring principles.We used this sensitivity analysis to conclude that the setting of the most sensitive location of a mechanical monitoring system should be within a range of 1/5～1/2 of the lower part in a vertical direction of steep slopes,with a rational and feasible range of the dip angle setting between 0°～20°.Given the analytical results of our on-site experiments,we have shown that the parameters determined reflect the stability of steep slopes accurately and effectively.These conclusions provide a basis for the application of a new type of steep slope stability monitoring technology in open-pit mines.

Availability-based simulation and optimization modeling framework for open-pit mine truck allocation under dynamic constraints

We present a novel system productivity simulation and optimization modeling framework in which equipment availability is a variable in the expected productivity function of the system. The framework is used for allocating trucks by route according to their operating performances in a truck-shovel system of an open-pit mine, so as to maximize the overall productivity of the fleet. We implement the framework in an originally designed and specifically developed simulator-optimizer software tool. We make an application on a real open-pit mine case study taking into account the stochasticity of the equipment behavior and environment. The total system production values obtained with and without considering the equipment reliability, availability and maintainability (RAM) characteristics are compared. We show that by taking into account the truck and shovel RAM aspects, we can maximize the total production of the system and obtain specific information on the production availability and productivity of its components.

Cut slope reinforcement technique in open-pit mines

The design and practice in supporting the cut slope of an open-pit mine wereintroduced, in which the high pressure grouting method was used in reinforcing the weak formation inthe slopes. Based on a detailed geological survey of the slope, a theoretical analysis was carriedout, and the design parameters were proposed, where the Tresca or Mohr-Coulomb yield criteria wasemployed. A patent technology, named 'Technology of high pressure and multiple grouting in differentlevels within a single hole', was employed in the construction. Anchor bars were also installed asgrouting proceeds. This method combines anchoring and grouting comprehensively and was foundsuccessful in practice.

Optimization model of truck flow at open-pit mines and standards for feasibility test

In order to increase production efficiency at open-pit mines, on the basis oflinear programming, a practical mathematical model for optimizing truck flow was developed, whichimproved the traditional fixed manual schedule method. The model has advantages from linearprogramming and objective programming, makes most handling points working at full capacity and keepsan optimized ratio between trucks and excavators. For ensuring feasibility of the model inpractical production, four standards for feasibility test were proposed. The model satisfied all thestandards. The application in a large scale open-pit iron mine indicated that the model reduced thenumber of required trucks by 10 percent compared with the fixed manual schedule method.

Circle geometric constraint model for open-pit mine ore-matching and its applications

The circle geometric constraint model （CGCM） was put forward for resolving the open-pit mine ore-matching problems （OMOMP）. By adopting the approaches of graph theory, block model of blasted piles was abstracted into a set of nodes and directed edges, which were connected together with other nodes in the range of circle constraints, to describe the mining sequence. Also, the constructing method of CGCM was introduced in detail. The algorithm of CGCM has been realized in the DIM1NE system, and applied to a short-term （5 d） program calculation for ore-matching of a cement limestone mine in Hebei Province, China. The applications show that CGCM can well describe the mining sequence of ore blocks and its mining geometric constraints in the process of mining blasted piles. This model, which is applicable for resolving OMOMP under complicated geometric constraints with accurate results, provides effective ways to solve the problems of open-pit ore-matching.

Effect of digital elevation models on monitoring slope displacements in open-pit mine by differential interferometry synthetic aperture radar

Displacement monitoring in open-pit mines is one of the important tasks for safe management of mining processes.Differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar(DInSAR),mounted on an artificial satellite,has the potential to be a cost-effective method for monitoring surface displacements over extensive areas,such as open-pit mines.DInSAR requires the ground surface elevation data in the process of its analysis as a digital elevation model(DEM).However,since the topography of the ground surface in open-pit mines changes largely due to excavations,measurement errors can occur due to insufficient information on the elevation of mining areas.In this paper,effect of different elevation models on the accuracy of the displacement monitoring results by DInSAR is investigated at a limestone quarry.In addition,validity of the DInSAR results using an appropriate DEM is examined by comparing them with the results obtained by global positioning system(GPS)monitoring conducted for three years at the same limestone quarry.It is found that the uncertainty of DEMs induces large errors in the displacement monitoring results if the baseline length of the satellites between the master and the slave data is longer than a few hundred meters.Comparing the monitoring results of DInSAR and GPS,the root mean square error(RMSE)of the discrepancy between the two sets of results is less than 10 mm if an appropriate DEM,considering the excavation processes,is used.It is proven that DInSAR can be applied for monitoring the displacements of mine slopes with centimeter-level accuracy.