A systems model combining process-based simulation and multi-objective optimisation for strategic management of mine water

This paper presents a hierarchical systems model, which integrates a simulator of the mine water use process with a multi-objective optimiser for assessing mine water management strategies. The simulator advances prior tools in simulating complicated strategies by placing operation rules on model objects and process states. An optimisation framework that interacts with the simulator is used to identify optimal strategies for water storage, use and reuse that are 'fit-for-purpose', easy to handle, and economic. The model has been used to assess mine water use strategies in a coal mine in Queensland, Australia. The simulation results indicate that some tested strategies could reduce water use costs by more than 40%, and raw water needed by more than 50%. Further, the optimisation revealed more easy-to-handle strategies that could save more than 40% of pipeline water and reduce the risks of penalties associated with discharge and of losing production due to insufficient water.