A review of underground stope boundary optimization algorithms

Optimization is a key aspect of the mine design and planning process. A number of algorithms and techniques have been developed to optimize mines. However, most of these techniques focus on open pit optimization to an extent that some authors argue that open pit limit optimization has reached saturation level. Optimization of underground mines only received attention in recent decades and has been focused on three main areas including stope boundary optimization. This paper reviews and analyzes literature on algorithms developed to date for stope boundary optimization. There has been an increase in the number of algorithms developed to optimize stope layout. Most of these algorithms are heuristic, consider stope dimension as one of the constraints and optimize layouts in three dimensional space. However, all these algorithms are based on deterministic orebody models, therefore, fail to consider uncertainty intrinsic in ore deposits. Also, none of these algorithms guarantee optimal stope layout solution in three dimension. Consequently, there is a need for further research in the field of stope boundary optimization.