Discrete-event simulation offers numerous benefits for haul truck simulations. It provides a realistic representation of real-world scenarios, incorporating factors like traffic, loading/unloading, and route variability. This flexibility allows for the testing of different scenarios, leading to optimized trucking operations and cost reduction through improved resource allocation and scheduling.

Moreover, it helps in risk mitigation by assessing the impact of unexpected events, facilitating better risk management. The simulation also aids in evaluating key performance indicators such as delivery times, utilization, and throughput, supporting performance improvement. Decision-makers can make informed choices regarding fleet size, routing, and scheduling with the valuable insights gained from the simulation. It can be scaled to model various aspects of truck haulage, from individual vehicles to entire logistics networks. Furthermore, discrete-event simulation assists in process optimization by minimizing idle time and maximizing resource utilization. It enables continuous monitoring and adjustment of truck haulage strategies, leading to ongoing improvements.

Lastly, it serves as a valuable training tool for personnel, enhancing their understanding of the logistics process.

Exemplary haul truck simulation models in mining industry

Here are some relevant simulation examples from mining operations. The first example was already shared on the SCDA blog a while ago, in a case study report written by Jaco-Ben Vosloo from The AnyLogic Modeler. It shows a open cast mine simulation example, including haul truck systems for material transport.

Next, a public model that I took straight from the AnyLogic Cloud. It features a coal mine simulation example, including haul trucks transporting material from the shovels where they are loaded.

Lastly, a SimPy example in Python, animated with DesViz. I shared this example in a recent blog post. It demonstrates a Python model developed in SimPy for simulating haul truck transport from shovel loading stations to crusher facilities. The simulation model and its results are animated using DesViz, a library originally developed by Paul Corry.

If you are interested in developing SimPy model for discrete-event simulation in Python you can benefit from the following examples shared by me in the past:

• Link: Job shop SimPy Python simulation
• Link: Truck haul simulation animation in Python
• Link: Visualizing SimPy job shop simulation

Related content for haul truck simulation and mining

Here are some related articles that take you further in your understanding of haul truck simulation and its use cases in mine simulation:

• Link: Truck haul simulation animation in Python
• Link: Open-cast mine simulation for better planning

Linnart Felkl

Data scientist focusing on simulation, optimization and modeling in R, SQL, VBA and Python