Optimum dragline selection for strip coal mines

A model is presented by means of which the optimal dragline selection may b e made. An outline is given of the methodology that was adopted in developi ng a series of generic algorithms to first define and then formularize the need to extend the working bench under a nat-lying topography and coal seam . Rehandle percentages were calculated for four generalized extended bench geometries, in each of which the percentage rehandle varied according to th e relative positions of the extended bench and pit. A set of geometric and simulative equations was developed on which a model for the optimal selecti on of a dragline was based. Finally, a typical application was tested throu gh the use of data associated with a hypothetical strip-mining operation.