Underground Mining: Underground Haulage

As part of a feasibility study into the Cadia Ridgeway underground mine, TSG personnel conducted simulation of the decline and haulage movements. The primary objective was to determine if the system of hauling material along the decline would allow the required tonnes to be moved. The secondary objective was to determine if an increase in non-hauling traffic would result in a degradation of the system whereby production targets would not be met.

The main component of the model is the decline which is a single lane road and thus passing is difficult. Passing is allowed at various points along the decline where one vehicle must pull over and let the oncoming vehicle pass.

The model consists of many vehicle types including haulage trucks, graders, 4WDs and concrete trucks. Each truck type has its own speed, loading times etc. Other data that can be adjusted included shift information, truckload sizes, frequency of other traffic, truck availability etc.

Conclusion

The study determined the number of haulage trucks required to achieve the desired ore tonnes. It also determined the allowable concrete truck movements that would not impact on the required ore tonnage.

To increase confidence in the results, sensitivities where performed on the main data points to determine if the choice of data would influence the results of the study.