A Discrete-Event Simulation for a Truck-Shovel System

Computer-based truck dispatching systems are widely used to improve equipment utilisation and productivity in open-pit mines. Such systems should be based on models that reflect the realistic operation of a truck-shovel system and utilise a suitable simulation tool. In this paper, a discrete-event truck-shovel simulation model, referred to as Truck and Shovel JaamSim Simulator (TSJSim), was developed. The TSJSim simulation model may be used to evaluate the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the truck-shovel mining system in an open-pit mine. TSJSim considers a truck as an individual traffic vehicle unit that dynamically interacts with other trucks in the system as well as other elements of the traffic network. The developed model provides the capability for evaluating the impacts of bunching, intersection traffic management and truck-allocation strategies on a surface mine truck-shovel system. The model can also be used to estimate the optimal truck fleet size for the entire truck-shovel network within a mine.