An overview of models for truck dispatching in open-pit mines

A.Y. Voronov, D.M. Dubinkin, Y.Y. Voronov
T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №6 / 2022 р. 111-121

Abstract: Nowadays, it is difficult to imagine an open-pit mining (OPM) enterprise without an automated dispatching system operating in it, which provides control over the operation of technological shovel-truck systems (STS). The objective of this article is to review and document the mine dispatching systems' (DS) models and algorithms. The purpose is to understand these algorithms and the proposed academic solutions in this area to identify any gaps in the current literature and to open up opportunities to establish research questions that need to be addressed in an integrated simulation and optimization operational planning research framework. In this article, we review industrial mine dispatching systems and the main academic models behind such systems. The dispatching systems are divided into three subsequently related problems to review: the shortest path, production optimization and real-time dispatching. Finally, the limitations of current algorithms for dispatching systems are documented in terms of mining practice feasibility and optimality of the solution on large-scale problems. The results of this literature review enable us to evaluate the logical links between major components of an integrated simulation and optimization operational planning framework with current theory of mine dispatching systems.

Keywords: open-pit mine, shovel-truck system, management, dispatching, modeling, optimization

Acknowledgements: This work was financially supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russian Federation under Agreement №075-15-2022-1198 dated 30.09.2022 with the Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University on complex scientific and technical program of full innovation cycle: "Development and implementation of complex technologies in the areas of exploration and extraction of solid minerals, industrial safety, bioremediation, creation of new deep conversion products from coal raw materials while consistently reducing the environmental impact and risks to human life" (the "Clean Coal - Green Kuzbass" Integrated Scientific and Technical Programme of the Full Innovation Cycle) as part of implementing the project "Development and creation of an unmanned shuttle-type mine truck with a payload of 220 tonnes" in terms of research, development and experimental-design work.

For citation: Voronov A.Y., Dubinkin D.M., Voronov Y.Y. An overview of models for truck dispatching in open-pit mines. Russian Mining Industry. 2022;(6):111–121. https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2022-6-111-121

Article info

Received: 29.10.2022

Revised: 17.11.2022

Accepted: 19.11.2022

Information about the authors

Artyom Y. Voronov – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Assistant Professor, T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation

Dmitry M. Dubinkin – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Assistant Professor, T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8193-9794; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Yuri Y. Voronov – Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation

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