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Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 1994; v. 79; p. 141-155;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.SP.1994.079.01.14
© 1994 Geological Society of London

Case histories

The optimal design of quarries

P. A. Dowd

Department of Mining and Mineral Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK

This paper describes the various general approaches to the optimal design of pits and quarries. Three types of deposit and corresponding numerical models can be distinguished and in each case a particular method of optimization can be used. In the most general case computer methods must be used to construct optimal pit/quarry outlines on the basis of a regular, three-dimensional revenue/grade block model. The paper includes a Fortran algorithm for a simple implementation of the Lerchs-Grossmann method for optimal pit/quarry design.