Optimising mine planning through integrated algorithms for sustainable outcomes

MRIWA-supported research at Curtin University has delivered a new optimisation framework for open-pit mining complexes. The project integrates production scheduling and waste management into a single decision-making model, improving coordination across pits, processing streams, and waste facilities.  

Results show higher economic value, reduced haulage and emissions, and more effective waste placement compared with conventional approaches. The work also demonstrates that advanced metaheuristic algorithms can solve large, complex planning problems within practical timeframes. These outcomes support more sustainable and efficient mining operations in Western Australia while advancing data-driven decision-making across the sector. 

Read MRIWA report M10430 summarising the findings of this research