Simulation is a tool that can be used to predict and evaluate the performance of mining systems. It has been used for various applications such as fleet optimization in underground mining, comparison of timing and efficiency between drills, and mine-to-mill production systems. Due to the availability of a large number of simulation tools, careful selection should be made depending on the type of problem to be simulated. The study presented in this paper aims to compare two different simulation tools, AutoMod and SimMine, by comparing the two underground loading models created. This is achieved by analysing different equipment alternatives for possible future conditions when the mine depth increases. Both tools produce statistically equivalent results for simulated production. The paper presents a discussion regarding the choice of software and based on the study, SimMine is recommended for easy, fast modelling, whereas AutoMod, with its wider palette of software features and facilities provided, is recommended for more enhanced and detailed mining simulations. The study is based on the mining operation in the Kiirunavaara underground mine in Sweden, and the simulation is conducted based on a fixed production target.

In an environment of rising energy prices and mining at greater depths, cost-efficient loading and hauling equipment is essential. Conducted at an underground mining operation, this study analyzes the energy consumption and gas emissions of diesel and electric load-haul-dump machines (LHDs) with similar bucket capacities. Based on energy prices from the first quarter of 2014, results of discrete event simulation show that energy costs for diesel and electric LHDs are US$0.24/t and US$0.07/t, respectively. Also, diesel LHDs emit 2.68 kg CO2 per litre of diesel fuel, whereas using electric machines reduces the need for ventilation to mitigate engine heat and emissions and reduces energy costs.

Load-haul-dump machines (LHDs) are typically used in underground metal mining opera-tions. Delays or inappropriate use of LHDs can result in production loss. Optimized LHD use is especially crucial in larger mines because longer travel distances increase heat, dust, and gas emissions, which in turn increase ventilation costs. This study, conducted at an existing Swedish sublevel cave underground mine, used discrete event simulation and the AutoMod™ DES tool to determine the ventilation costs related to using too many diesel LHDs in a production area with reduced ore pass availability. When fewer ore passes are available, ventilation costs related to operating LHDs in the production area were found to increase by as much as 200, 224, and 306% for one, three, and six LHDs in operation, respectively.  

Orepass failure is a well-known problem in deep mines, and the risk of losing an orepass is associated with severe production disturbances. In the near future, one possible scenario in the Loussavaara Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag (LKAB) Malmberget mine is to concentrate the mining operation in fewer, but larger, production areas. In this paper we evaluate the effects of orepass loss on loading, hauling, and dumping operations and production rates using discrete event simulation, by simulating part of the Malmberget mine loading and hauling system under different environmental and operational constraints.