Pit Optimization

Pit optimization determines the ultimate pit limits. Lerchs-Grossmann Algorithm - Industry-standard method - Maximizes NPV Net Present Value - Creates nested pit shells at different revenue factors Inputs - Block model with grades - Processing recovery curves - Mining and processing costs - Metal prices - Geotechnical parameters slope angles Outputs - Ultimate pit limit - Phase pushback designs - Tonnage schedules - Strip ratio by period Sensitivity Analysis - Test different metal prices - Vary cost assumptions - Assess geological uncertainty

All lessons in Open Pit Geology — Return to the complete Open Pit Geology course outline.
Previous lesson: Pit Wall Geotechnics — Understanding pit wall stability is critical for safe and efficient mining. Failure Modes Planar Sliding along a single plane bedding, fault .
Next lesson: Mine Planning Integration — Geologists must integrate with mine planning for effective operations. Short-Term Planning - Weekly mining schedules - Grade control input - Equipment…

Verification resources

Cross-check terminology, classification, methods, and safety with these authoritative external resources.

Mineral Exploration Best Practice Guidelines — Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. Professional guidance for geological data, sampling, interpretation, security, and QA/QC.
The life cycle of a mineral deposit — U.S. Geological Survey. Scientific context for mineral deposits, extraction, processing, and reclamation.
A mathematical programming viewpoint for solving the ultimate pit problem — European Journal of Operational Research. Peer-reviewed formulation of the Lerchs-Grossmann ultimate-pit problem as a maximum-closure problem based on block values and precedence constraints.

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Pit Optimization

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Verification resources