Simulation for performance enhancement of systems: case study of an open-cut coal mine operation

Managing an open-cut coal mine operation is a complex resource allocation p roblem. The complexity of such a real life system makes the application of analytical tools as problem solvers impossible. In this paper, a simulation technique is proposed as an analysis tool that proves to be an adequate, E ffective and economically efficient problem solver in the case of resource allocation and utilization for coal removal in an open-cut mine. The implem entation described in the paper was developed using the SLAMSYSTEM modellin g environment. It provides an easily adaptable management style program tha t may be applied in the performance enhancement process in any open-cut con figuration.