S. Mohammadi; M. Ataei; R. Khalokakaei; E. Pourzamani
Abstract
Optimization of the exploitation operation is one of the most important issues facing the mining engineers. Since several technical and economic parameters depend on the cut-off grade, optimization of this parameter is of particular importance. The aim of this optimization is to maximize the net present ...
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Optimization of the exploitation operation is one of the most important issues facing the mining engineers. Since several technical and economic parameters depend on the cut-off grade, optimization of this parameter is of particular importance. The aim of this optimization is to maximize the net present value (NPV). Since the objective function of this problem is non-linear, three methods can be used to solve it: analytical, numerical, and meta-heuristic. In this study, the Golden Section Search (GSS) method and the Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA) are used to optimize the cut-off grade in mine No. 1 of the Golgohar iron mine. Then the results obtained are compared. Consecuently, the optimum cut-off grades using both methods are calculated between 40.5% to 47.5%. The NPVs obtained using the GSS method and ICA were 18487 and 18142 billion Rials, respectively. Thus the value for GSS was higher. The annual number of iterations in the GSS method was equal to 18, and that for ICA was less than 18. Also computing and programming the process of golden section search method were easier than those for ICA. Therefore, the GSS method studied in this work is of a higher priority.
M. M Tahernejad; M. Ataei; R Khalokakaie
Abstract
Iran has high potential and unique stone reserves in terms of variety of color, texture, quality, and economic value; nevertheless, in spite of growing mine production during the past decade, in many instances this potential has been overlooked. Therefore it is necessary to investigate strategic factors ...
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Iran has high potential and unique stone reserves in terms of variety of color, texture, quality, and economic value; nevertheless, in spite of growing mine production during the past decade, in many instances this potential has been overlooked. Therefore it is necessary to investigate strategic factors of these mines. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and determine the best strategies for Iran’s quarries. To this end, the mines were analyzed using the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) approach in combination with Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP). Firstly, an environmental analysis was performed and then the SWOT factors were identified. In this way, the sub-factors which have very significant effects on the mines were determined. Using the SWOT matrix, alternative strategies were developed. Subsequently, the strategies were prioritized and the best strategies for these mines were determined. The results show that conservative strategies are the best strategy group for Iran’s quarries.
