Integrated scheduling of a multi-site mining supply chain with blending, alternative routings and co-production

This paper proposes a multi-site global optimisation model of blending operations, alternative routings and order scheduling with co-production flow. It is performed in phosphoric supply chain owning three open-pit mines different geological structures chemical compositions, each having dry plant. One main challenge the phosphate industries to produce merchantable ores (MO) that verify quality charter (chemical composition) heterogeneous source (SO). Thus, process SO followed by treatment mostly necessary obtain required MO. Six exist an MO; one them involving calcination plant generates co-product. The objective determine least costly production programme set MO orders be delivered within precise time windows, given quantities compliance specific charter, assigning for its plant, routing, blend SOs schedule; it also defines feeding plants. A real case study illustrates proposed model.