Impact of hauler scale in mine planning

Abstract: Equipment selection is one of the most important decisions made in mine planning. Size of equipment affects decisions from size of pit to total cost of operation. There are some factors in equipment size selection which are currently incorporated into mine planning process and others are not. This study analyses hauler scale impacts on aspects not incorporated into conventional mine planning including expansion of roads to accommodate larger equipment, road layer thickness variation depending on hauler size, the rate of increase of rolling resistance and fuel consumption and emissions. Results obtained indicate a huge impact in cost and therefore their consideration in mine planning is highly recommended.