Abstract
Stochastic optimization of open pit mine production scheduling maximizes the expected NPV of a mine’s extraction sequence while satisfying production constraints and minimizing deviations from targets. Past approaches define block accessibility through slope constraints, without explicit consideration of equipment access, resulting in schedules that require modification to accommodate the placement of infrastructure required to facilitate equipment access to scheduled mining blocks. To address this issue, the joint stochastic optimization of life-of-asset mine production scheduling and ramp design is proposed, ensuring feasible equipment access to the scheduled mining blocks. An application at a gold mine demonstrates the value of considering the complex relationship that exists between ramp design, equipment access, and production scheduling during optimization.