Modelling the optimum interface between open pit and underground mining for gold mines

TL;DRAbstract

The open pit to underground transition problem involves the decision of when, how and
\nat what depth to transition from open pit (OP) to underground (UG). However, the
\ncurrent criteria guiding the process of the OP – UG transition are not well defined and
\ndocumented as most mines rely on their project feasibility teams’ experiences. In
\naddition, the methodologies used to address this problem have been based on
\ndeterministic approaches. The deterministic approaches cannot address the
\npracticalities that mining companies face during decision-making, such as uncertainties
\nin the geological models and optimisation parameters, thus rendering deterministic
\nsolutions inadequate.
\nIn order to address these shortcomings, this research reviewed the OP – UG transition
\nproblem from a stochastic or probabilistic perspective. To address the uncertainties in
\nthe geological models, simulated models were generated and used. In this study,&

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