Mathematical Models for Optimizing the Global Mining Supply Chain

Abstract

The present chapter discusses the application of intelligent decision-support systems – mathematical programming-based in particular – to operations management within the mining industry. The underlying production and distribution planning and scheduling problems have often been addressed individually, in disregard of upstream and downstream operations. A supply chain approach to mining operations, however, requires an integrated perspective which takes into account mine, railway and port operations, as well as domestic and international supply stations served by appropriate logistics channels. Three main topics are discussed here: recent operations research developments in the mining industry; integrated approaches towards the development of decision-support systems to address a global mining supply chain; and possible solution approaches to the integrated problems. The main thread is oriented to mathematical programming approaches, but relevant applications of simulation and artificial intelligence techniques are also discussed.