Simulation Modelling of Underground Hardrock Mining Operations Using Witness

This paper discusses simulation modelling of underground mining operations at a typical mine in the Sudbury mining area in Ontario, Canada. The PC simulation software, WITNESS Version 7 Release 6.0 by AT&T ISTEL, is used to model the drilling, blasting, hauling and ground support operations. Simulation is used to investigate the development mining cycle and determine the capabilities and flexibility of WITNESS to accurately represent the mining system under consideration. The simulation study discussed in this paper provides a first step in determining the successful application of WITNESS in the underground operational aspects of the mining industry.