Intelligent integrated mining and mineral processing systems

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The Canadian mining industry is faced with ever-increasing complexities due to intense global competition. The Canadian mining industry with the perspective of enormous investments in the Alberta new oil sands projects and the diamond industry needs to push the limits of technology by innovation. Mining and mineral processing are generally viewed as separate functions within the design and planning of a mining complex. Optimization of each stage is generally carried out in isolation without regard to interdependencies among the components. Separate optimization of each stage does not guarantee that the overall process is optimized. In complex mining operations, small deviations from the optimal strategy could result in the loss of millions of dollars. The key aim of this research is the optimal integration of mining and mineral processing systems. The primary objective of the proposed research is to develop an intelligent framework for optimal mine planning and mineral processing design. The outcome of the research is expected to lead towards seamless integration of optimal mine and mineral processing engineering design. The overall result is to lower energy costs and increase efficiency in all phases of mining and processing through better control over production processes. The contributions of this research would be a methodology that maximizes the net present value of the mining operation while enforcing the optimum plant feeding conditions, which will spur growth and competitiveness in the Canadian mining industry. The primary benefit of this proposal will be for Canadian companies and the energy sector, which will directly affect the consumers.