The "shovel - Dump Truck" Tandem in Open-Cast Mining

Summary In surface mining, loading and haulage operations represent the economic heart of production, accounting for up to 60% of operating costs. A mine‘s overall performance therefore largely depends on the efficiency of the "shovel - dump truck" tandem.This book offers a rigorous, practical and directly operational approach to optimizing this strategic tandem. Through clearly defined fundamental concepts, tried-and-tested analytical models and essential formulas, the author guides the mining engineer through a detailed understanding of loading and haulage cycles, machine synchronization, fleet sizing and optimal shovel-truck coupling.Illustrated with real-life case studies from open-cast mines, this book is a decision-making tool, a teaching aid and a field manual in one. It is aimed at mining engineers, production supervisors, students and consultants wishing to achieve lasting improvements in productivity, profitability and cost control in open-cast mining operations.