Pattern search method for accelerating Stope boundary optimization problem in underground mining operations

The Stope Boundary Optimization (SBO) problem refers to the layout design of production areas (stopes) in an underground mining operation. It falls within domain strategic mine planning and a model that addresses this aims maximize profitability, offers optimal management mineral resources facilitates decision making around capital investments. SBO is computationally complex method solution reasonable computation time does not exist. In article, combination new greedy algorithm pattern search technique with integer programming proposed. An implementation proposed on three realistic case studies confirms its efficiency generating robust solutions better optimality gap considerably less computational effort.