Optimization of Truck-Loader haulage system in an underground mine: A simulation approach using SimMine

working face and transporting it to the dumping point where it is reloaded into trucks for further transportation. In some cases, trucks can be loaded directly at the working face or at a dumping point. Due to a limited size of the drifts and the ramps used in transporting material, the size of the haulage equipment is an important factor to consider when seeking to optimize the haulage system. This paper studies the haulage system of a mine which operates a fleet of three Load-Haul-Dump (LHD) machines and three dump trucks, using SimMine simulation software. Its aim is to evaluate the effect of increasing the number of trucks on the overall mine throughput. The results indicated that the capacity of the existing loading equipment does not match the number of trucks; this affects the haulage system and the mine production. The study resulted in the recommendation to increase the fleet of dump trucks.Godkänd; 2012; 20121012 (abusal