Evaluating the performance of the DISPATCH algorithm, a commercial software, in the Sungun copper mine

Intelligent transportation systems are being widely adopted in open-pit mines worldwide to improve production, achieve planning goals, ensure quality control, monitor equipment, and reduce operational costs. These systems aim to optimize mining processes related to transportation activities, resulting in reduced wasted time, increased profitability, and lower operational costs. In Iran, the transportation system in mining involves fixed allocation and encounters several challenges. Resolving these issues is crucial for the successful implementation of mining fleet management systems in the country. Therefore, this research aims to implement the DISPATCH algorithm, a commercial software, to evaluate and investigate its performance in one of Iran's major mines, the Sungun copper mine. For this reason, a discrete-event simulation model was constructed in Arena software to implement the developed system based on the case study data. The results show that the production rate in the DISPATCH system, with improved fleet efficiency and reduced waiting time, has a growth rate of ۱۷.۴ percent compared to the actual dispatching strategy in the mine. In other words, replacing intelligent transportation systems with traditional dispatching methods can manage the loading and hauling process more efficiently with lower costs and higher productivity.

Keywords:

real-time truck dispatching , DISPATCH system , discrete-event simulation , Sungun copper mine , open-pit mining