Scenario creation and editing
Preparing the input file
A MineTwin OpenPit scenario is defined in an Excel file containing all required input data.
Creating a scenario in MineTwin OpenPit is possible in two ways:
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In the application interface – all source data, such as haul road network elements, equipment types and units, equipment and haul truck schedules, assignment of equipment and trucks to mining areas, etc., are added/deleted manually directly in the application. The enterprise’s haul road network topology can be added to a scenario by importing road centerlines in .dxf format.
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By importing a template with source data – when creating a new scenario, the application allows the user to import the core data from a pre-filled Excel template.
Launching the application, loading the editing mode
To install the MineTwin OpenPit application on your computer, you need to unzip the "MineTwin" folder and save it on your local computer.
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MineTwin OpenPit is launched from the unzipped folder by launching the MineTwin.exe (
). -
If MineTwin is launched on a PC for the first time, the system will report that the license was not found.
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After clicking on the "OK" button, a license entry window will open, where you need to enter the received license key.
If the key is correct and is not activated on another PC, MineTwin OpenPit will be launched.
-
If there is no commercial license, you can use a trial license by clicking on
. -
If there is no access to the Internet while the application is open, you must connect to the Internet or contact the developer, presenting a unique PC ID, which opens when you click on
.
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After launching MineTwin OpenPit the application’s working window will open. On the left side of the window, on the Welcome page tab, the following functions are located:
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Create a new scenario – this function creates a new scenario file that requires manual data entry and/or data import
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Open one of your resent scenarios – this function displays a list of recently opened scenarios on the panel for quick switching between them
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Open a scenario from our standart library* – this function opens a window with a set of demonstration scenarios
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Save scenario import template – clicking this function downloads an Excel file of the established format to your PC, which is used to fill in the core data and subsequently create a scenario by importing it.
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Visit our website – this function redirects to the website of Amalgama LLC.
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If the file contains errors, a list will appear showing the relevant sheet, row, and column—fix them either directly in Excel or using the tool’s interface.
After opening the scenario in the MineTwin OpenPit interface, the scenario editing mode window will open, the appearance of which is shown in the figure.
In the editor interface, windows can be resized by dragging their borders and relocated by dragging the title bars.
Double-click a window tab to maximize it; double-click again or use Reset perspective in Tools menu to revert it.
Tools and windows in the scenario editor
The scenario editor allows you to create, review, edit and save scenarios.
Toolbar
There is a toolbar at the top of the editing module.
The Menu element of menu bar contains the following items:
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Create a new scenario (
) -
Open scenario (
) -
Open study (
) -
Import scenario from template (
) – this function creates a new scenario by importing the filled-in source data template -
Save scenario (
) -
The "Save As" function (
) -
Exit (
).
The Mode menu is used to switch between the modes:
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Editor (
); -
Simulation (
); -
Study (
);
The Tools menu contains the following items:
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Validate scenario after its creation/editing (
) -
Reset perspective (
) -
Collect detailed statistics (
) -
Save Report (
) -
Set allocated memory (
) - the function allows you to set the amount of RAM used during simulation -
User settings (
). The user can choose the map panning/rotation method that suits them best in 2D and 3D modes
-
Language switch (Russian and English are available) (
)
The Help menu contains:
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Link to the tutorial and documentation site (
) -
Information about the license under which the system is open (
) -
Manual update check (
) -
Automatic check for updates on startup (
)
If it is necessary to undo/redo a canceled action, use the buttons 
.
The button 
synchronizes graphs in the simulation mode.
The button 
allows you to upload simulation results to an Excel file (general statistics, costs, equipment performance indicators, etc.)
The buttons 
moves to previous/next object in the scenario.
The button 
searches any scenario element by its name.
Model tree
All scenario objects and entities data (parameters of blocks, dump areas, equipment units, equipment operation schedules, etc.) are displayed in the form of a tree and are grouped by types. For each type of object/entity, the number of units of the object/entity is shown.
Blocks of the model tree can be expanded/minimized for easy viewing.
Objects
The Objects window displays a list of all units of objects/entities of the type selected in the object tree, for example, a list of all loaders, excavators, blocks, etc.
At the top of the "Objects" window, there is a toolbar with functions for adding, deleting, copying objects, and moving objects up and down.
When you hover the mouse over the icon, the name of the function performed by the corresponding button will be displayed.
The column with the 
icon allows you to highlight a locatable object on the map by double-clicking its row.
Sorting of all columns of the data table is available in the table, as well as filters. To apply a filter, right-click on a line in the required column and set the required filter.
To remove the filter, use the "Remove filter" button in the pop-up window.
You can copy or export the contents of the entire table, or selected rows/cells, to Excel for further analysis.
Most columns in the table are editable. To edit the value in a single cell, left-click it.
To set the selected value to all other elements in a column, right-click it and select the 
Set to XX elements menu item — for example, to set the same explosives magazine for all chargers.
You can also filter the rows beforehand (e.g., by equipment type) and then the selected value will be assigned only to the filtered cells — for instance, to set the same work area for all excavators of the same type.
Properties
In the Properties window, the properties of the unit of the object/entity selected in the list in the "Objects" window are displayed/edited. To edit the properties of the object, select the object in the list (the "Objects" window) and browse to the "Properties" window.
To change the parameters, the values of which are limited by the enumeration, the required value is selected from the drop-down list and removed by clicking the 
button to the right of the field.
To update the data, use the button 
.
From the properties of the object unit, you can go to the properties of related objects, for example, from the properties of the equipment unit to the properties of the type of this equipment unit or the properties of its base node. To do this, click on the arrow to the right of the field.
The button 
allows you to define a different base node by selecting it on the map in 2D mode.
The button 
highlights the selected node in the graphical editor (on a 2D map).
To move the object unit on the mine map to the point of its base node, use the button .
All durations in MineTwin can be set to a constant value or one of the distributions (normal, truncated normal, uniform, triangular). To set the duration, you can either go to the pop-up window by clicking on the … button to the right of the duration value field and select the appropriate distribution in the window or edit the value in the duration value field directly.
The time of occurrence of all periodic events in MineTwin can be set by the exact time or by some frequency (every n-th day of the month, every last day of the month, every week, every n days).
Map
The Map window displays a mine plan in two dimensions. You can edit the plan in this mode directly.
View controls
Zooming in/out of the mine plan is performed by the mouse wheel. The plan is moved with the mouse while holding down the right mouse button.
The buttons 
in the bottom right corner allow you to zoom in and out on the map.
The buttons 
allow to move the map.
The button 
allows you to center the map.
The button 
allows you to toggle grid on the map and rulers at the sides.
Map Upper Toolbar
The button 
allows you to enable/disable the display of a geographical map of the area.
The button 
activates the default highlight of the mine arcs, and the button 
activates the mine zones highlight of the arcs.
In the graphic editor MineTwin OpenPit, the viewing of individual sections of the mine field located at a given depth is available.
The button 
is used to set the range in the Z-coordinate of the mine nodes for viewing, for example, from -140 to -120.
After you’ve set the Z-coordinates, only objects with the Z-coordinates in the set range will be shown.
Clicking the button again will remove the filter.
The button 
allows you to determine the shortest distance between two nodes of the mine field. After clicking on this button, a label 
appears, which must be placed on the node of the beginning of the path and clicked with the mouse. Then the second label 
will appear, which must be set on the destination node. After that, the route between the nodes will be highlighted on the map, and information about the distance between the selected mine nodes will appear in the "Distance meter" window that opens.
To exit the distance measurement mode, use the "Esc" key.
The button 
toggles highlight of the isolated (not connected) sections of the map with different colors.
Quick map editing controls
Some quick map editing controls are also placed on the upper toolbar:
The button 
allows you to quickly change the direction of the arc.
The button 
allows you to quickly change the direction of the conveyer.
The button 
optimizes arc bending points - removes bending points that are on the same line between two consecutive bending points of selected mine arcs or all arcs of the scenario if no arc is selected.
The button 
divides mine segments by mine nodes that are in vicinity (2.5 m distance or less) and then connects them to that nodes. The action is taken only for selected segments. If no segments are selected, then the action is performed for entire map.
DXF file import
MineTwin OpenPit supports importing graphical data from third-party IT systems in DXF (.dxf) format.
Clicking the 
button opens a dialog where you can select the DXF file, choose the required layers, and import them into the scenario.
If the parameters of the imported topology are specified in a non-metric system (e.g., feet), you need to multiply the coordinates by the appropriate conversion factor to convert them to metric units.
When importing geometry, the following line types can be assigned:
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ROAD — road axis for the movement of self-propelled mobile equipment
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RAIL — railroad track axis
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CONVEYOR — conveyor line axis
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LAYOUT — polylines of the layout layer used as auxiliary elements when working with the Map; they are not involved in simulation
By default, all imported lines are assigned the ROAD type.
Left toolbar (palette)
The left panel of the editor window (palette) contains objects that can be added to the plan: mine nodes, arcs, block and mine segments, fueling/ recharging stations, storage, processing plants, crushers, dump areas and text labels.
A mine polyline arc and a layout polyline are created by successively placing vertices/points of the polyline with the mouse. Drawing is completed by double‑clicking the left mouse button. If you start drawing a polyline arc from a transport network node and/or finish on an existing similar node, the line connects to these nodes and edges, forming a single network.
To add an block or a mine segment, left‑click the corresponding object on the palette, then left‑click the desired edge on the map.
To add other objects from the palette, left‑click the object on the palette, then click at the location on the map where you want to place the object.
In the Map window, multiple selection and moving of objects is available. To do this, select the objects with the mouse and move them using the keyboard arrow keys.
When you select the object unit in the list of objects window, the corresponding object is highlighted on the map.
Map 3D
The Map 3D window displays a mine plan in three dimensions. The plan in this mode is available only for viewing.
The plan is moved with the mouse while holding down the left mouse button, rotated - while holding down the right mouse button.
The button in the upper left corner allows you to center the 3D map.
The buttons allow you to zoom in and out on the 3D map of the mine.
The button activates the illumination of the mine arcs by default, and the button activates the illumination of the arcs by mine zones.
Maps in 2D and 3D are synchronized: when you select an object on one map, it is highlighted on the other.
Errors
After creating/editing a scenario, you need to check its correctness using the "Validate scenario" button in the "Tools" button menu on the toolbar.
If the data is set incorrectly or there is not enough data, an error message will appear, a list of which will be shown in the "Errors" window.
Error messages can be of two types:
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errors that make scheduling impossible;
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warnings about the lack of some data that do not interfere with scheduling.
Clicking on each line of the error list in the Properties window opens the properties of the object in which the error occurred, and you can quickly fix it.
The button 
in the upper right corner of the "Errors" window serves to update the error list after they have been fixed.
Scenario
Scenario - the root object of the model. The Scenario object tree element contains global parameters related to the scheduling and simulation of an open-pit mine.
On the General tab, you will find:
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File name
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Begin and end date - date and time for planning and simulation
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Simulate refueling and recharging - when checked, refueling and recharging are simulated; when unchecked, fuel and energy demand is calculated but the movement to the station and the refueling/recharging process are not simulated
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Stop when no ore mine - stop the simulation if there is no ore remaining in the mining fronts, even if specified end date has not yet been reached
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Description — comments on the scenario (optional).
The Scheduling tab contains parameters that define the planning rules:
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Scheduling mode — in MineTwin OpenPit currently only one planning mode is available – the Target value plan, which defines how much ore mass and of what quality must be extracted in each planning period for the entire pit/mine
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Target adherence type — one of two options for target adherence policy:
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Maximize mass with exact match to grade — the scheduler tries to meet the planned ore quality and volumes. It does not exceed planned production volumes even if there are free work faces and equipment. If work faces, equipment, or ore of the required quality are insufficient, the scheduler prioritizes achieving the target ore quality, even at the cost of reducing tonnage
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Maximize mass regardless of grade — the scheduler maximizes production regardless of quality. It seeks to reach target volumes for both ore and waste and to avoid situations where one target is missed while the other is greatly exceeded. After hitting both targets, equipment is distributed approximately evenly between ore and waste to maximize both
-
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Excavator relocation distance quantum, m — this parameter defines the search radius for an excavator’s next work location. After an excavator completes work in a block, its next work location is searched for within the specified radius. When all blocks within this radius have been processed, the radius is doubled, and the search for a work location is conducted within the new, doubled radius. If no work is found there either, the search is performed across any range
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Percentile for RV estimation, % – a technical parameter that defines the fluctuation range of random variables. The result of the calculation is a number that does not vary during the planning process. For example, with a uniform distribution of operation duration from 5 to 10:
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If the percentile is set to 0 % – the minimum possible value of 5 will be used in planning
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If the percentile is set to 100 % – the maximum possible value of 10 will be used in planning
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If the percentile is set to 20 % – the value 6 will be used in planning, because with 20% probability in a uniform distribution from 5 to 10, the value will be between 5 and 6
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If the percentile is set to 40 % – the value 7 will be used
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Haulage scheduling mode:
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Shiftwise only – tasks are generated only at the start of each shift and are not updated during the shift
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Dynamic only – a new task is assigned to each haul truck immediately upon completion of its previous trip
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Shiftwise and dynamic – tasks are generated on a shift basis but are supplemented dynamically if a truck becomes idle (e.g., due to excavator breakdown or early completion of work).
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The Advanced tab contains additional technical settings
When to check the fill level of the planned dump location and choose alternative dump locations for trucks:
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Before moving to unloading location - when this parameter is enabled, trucks will check the fill level of the scheduled dump area/ ore pass before beginning to unloadw
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Before joining queue - when this parameter is enabled, trucks will check the fill level of the scheduled dump area/ ore pass before joining the queue for unloading
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Before unloading started - when this parameter is enabled, trucks will check the fill level of the scheduled dump area/ ore pass before starting to travel to the dump area/ ore pass
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Precision settings for comparing Distance, Velocity, and Time during simulation
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Random seed — an initial value used in random number generators to create a sequence of random numbers. It serves as a "starting point" that determines which numbers will be generated. Using the same random seed ensures that the simulation results for a scenario are identical on every simulation run. Running the same scenario with a different random seed may produce different simulation results.
On the Expenses tab, you specify:
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Monthly fixed costs of the pit/mine, USD
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Fuel price, USD/liter to be used when calculating fuel costs
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Power price, USD/kWh - for charging self-propelled equipment with electric motors (rechargeable batteries).
The Map tab also contains technical parameters related to map settings:
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Absolute coordinates X and Y
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Map Scale
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Base map location X and Y — offset coordinates of the origin on the geographic map
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Base map zoom — base scale on the geographic map: an integer from 2 to 18. Recommended value: 14. 2 is the smallest scale (entire world visible), 18 is the largest (maximum zoom-in).
Map
The Map model tree group contains the following elements of an open-pit mine:
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Mine nodes
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Mine arcs
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Zones
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Mine areas
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Mine segments
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Layout layers
Mine node
Mine node - an element of the mine transport network graph, which corresponds to one point in three-dimensional space.
The mine node is characterized by the following parameters:
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Unique Identifier
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X-, Y- and Z-coordinates
Mine arc
Mine arc - an element of the transport network graph that connects two mine nodes.
The mine arc is characterized by the following parameters:
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Unique Identifier
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Type — one of the following types: Road (non-rail), Rail or Conveyor
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Is bidirectional — parameter indicating whether travel along this mine arc is possible in both directions (two-way road)
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Opposite moving allowed — a parameter specifies whether simultaneous movement in the opposite direction is allowed. If not, the equipment will stop in front of the arc to allow those traveling in the opposite direction to pass
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Moving overtaking allowed — a parameter specifies whether passing of slower vehicles traveling in the same direction is permitted on this arc
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Stopped overtaking allowed — a parameter specifies whether a moving vehicle may overtake or bypass a stopped vehicle on this arc
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Stopped overtaking delay, min — a parameter defines the additional delay required for a vehicle to overtake or bypass a stopped vehicle on this arc
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Road quality — a factor that adjusts the base speed of equipment when traveling along this mine arc
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Rolling resistance, % — the resistance that occurs when tires of self-propelled wheeled equipment roll on the road surface. This parameter affects the equipment’s travel speed when the speed calculation rule "Rimpull curve based" is applied
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Speed limit, km/h — maximum speed of movement for all moveable equipment on this arc. The actual speed can be lower due to individual equipment settings
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Length — system-calculated length of the segment, taking into account the mine arcs it comprises
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Grade, % — arc gradient (slope) is automatically calculated by the system as the ratio of the vertical rise (difference in z-coordinates) to the arc length, expressed as a percentage
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Set custom length — parameter allowing to set an arbitrary length for the mine arc, disregarding actual coordinates and scaling
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Custom length,m — conditional/override length of the mine arc
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Zone — zones serve for color-coding mine arcs. For example, a user can create a transport network zone indicating roads requiring clearing and then apply this zone (color) to all arcs that need clearing
On a separate Nodes points tab of the arc properties, the arc structure is shown: links to the start and end nodes and the list arc bend points.
In the Restrictions tab, you can prevent certain equipment types from moving along the arc by checking them.
On the Mine segments tab of the arc properties, there is a link to the mine segment of which this arc is a part.
Zones
In the Zones object, a list of options for the color marking of arcs on the map is specified. For example, you can create a zone of the mine field, indicating the roads to be cleaned, and then apply this zone (color) to all arcs that require cleaning.
A zone is characterized by a unique identifier and color.
The Mine arcs tab of the zone properties contains a list of the mine arcs included in this zone.
Here, you can add arcs by selecting them on a mine field using the button 
or remove an arc from the list (
).
Mine areas
A mine area is used to logically combine several adjacent blocks. Specific equipment/ transport unit may be assigned to areas.
A mine area in MineTwin OpenPit has following parameters:
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A unique Identifier
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Max active mining fronts count - a parameter that limits the number of concurrent active blocks within a mine area, even when sufficient equipment is available. For example, if 10 blocks are available for extraction, but the user sets the limit to 5, only 5 blocks will be worked on simultaneously. Work on the sixth block will only begin once operations in one of the first five are completed, and so on
Mine segments
Mine segment - an ordered set of mine arcs used to define the location of a block. A mine segment is represented by a directed polyline in three-dimensional space.
The mine segment has following General parameters:
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Unique Identifier
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Length, m - automatically calculated as the sum of the lengths of the mine arcs of which this segment consists
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Mine area - a mine area to which this mine segment belongs
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Block - a link to a block located within this mine segment
The Mine arcs tab of the mine segment properties contains a list of the mine arcs that this segment consists of.
Here, you can add an arc by selecting it on a mine field using the button or remove an arc from the mine segment ().
Layout layers
The Layout layers element of the object tree contains a list of layers, each of which includes two groups of objects: Layout polylines and Text labels. Layout layer objects serve as supplementary information when working with the map and are not involved in modeling. Layer properties allow enabling/disabling its visibility and editability.
Layout polylines
The Layout polylines group of the selected Layout layer contains a set of polylines created in the application or imported from a .dxf file. Adding a new element to the map is possible
using the 
button from the palette located on the left side of the 2D map window. Polyline properties include:
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Unique Identifier
-
Color — ability to set the color by selecting from a palette
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Width — line thickness in pixels
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Show arrow — function to enable/disable the display of an arrow at the last point of the polyline
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Layer — move the layout polyline to the desired layer by selecting from the list of available layout layers
Text labels
The Text Labels element lists the text labels added to the map. You can add a new item to the map using the 
button from the toolbar
on the left side of the 2D map window. In the properties window you can enter the label text and set the font size and color, assignment to a layout layer from the list of those available in the scenario.
Energy
Energy object tree group contains the following mine/pit elements:
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Fueling stations
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Recharging stations
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Recharging bays
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Fixed battery types
-
Swappable battery types
Fueling stations
A fueling stations is a transport infrastructure element designed for refuelling equipment with fuel.
The fueling station has the following parameters:
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Unique Identifier
-
X-, Y- and Z— coordinates
-
Fueling position — link to the mine node where the equipment unit is located while refueling at the fueling station
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Mine areas - when specifying areas, this fueling station will only serve self-propelled equipment that belong to those areas
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Fueling place count - number of simultaneous refueling positions
Recharging stations
Recharging stations — a transport infrastructure element designed for recharging batteries that are structurally integrated into the equipment and cannot be removed from it.
The General properties of a recharging stations include:
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Unique Identifier
-
X, Y, and Z— coordinates of the transport network node at which the station is located
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Recharging position — identifier of the transport network node at which the equipment unit is positioned during battery recharging
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Mine areas — mine areas whose equipment may be recharged at this station
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Recharging places count — number of equipment units that can be recharged simultaneously at this station.
On the Allowed batteries tab, you may select from the list the types of fixed batteries that can be recharged at this station. The types and specifications of fixed batteries are populated in the Fixed battery types object group.
To select the permitted types, tick the Select field. The 
button allows you to select the entire list of fixed battery types,
while the 
button clears all selections.
Recharging bays
Recharging bays — a transport infrastructure element designed for exchanging depleted batteries with fully charged ones and for recharging discharged batteries.
The General properties of a recharging bays include:
-
Unique Identifier
-
X, Y, and Z— coordinates of the transport network node at which the station is located
-
Recharging position — identifier of the transport network node at which the equipment unit is positioned during battery recharging
-
Mine areas — mine areas whose equipment may be recharged at this station
-
Recharging places count — number of equipment units that can be recharged simultaneously at this station.
On the Allowed batteries tab, you may select from the list the types of swappable batteries that can be recharged at this station. The types and specifications of swappable batteries are populated in the Swappable battery types object group. To select the permitted types, tick the Select field.
The button allows you to select the entire list of swappable battery types, while the button clears all selections.
On the Initial stock tab, specify the quantity of fully charged batteries of each type (if any) available at the start of the simulation. If the station has no stock of charged batteries, this tab is left blank.
Fixed battery types
Fixed battery types are characterised by the following General properties:
-
unique Identifier
-
Battery capacity, kWh — the capacity of a fully charged battery
-
Battery min capacity, kWh — the capacity value at which the equipment unit begins travelling to the recharging station
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Charging rate, kW — the charging power rate at which energy is transferred from the station to the battery per hour.
Swappable battery types
Swappable battery types are characterised by the following General properties:
-
unique Identifier
-
Battery capacity, kWh — the capacity of a fully charged battery
-
Battery min capacity, kWh — the capacity value at which the equipment unit begins travelling to the recharging station
-
Charging rate, kW — the charging power rate at which energy is transferred from the station to the battery per hour.
Ore
The Ore model tree group contains the following elements of an open-pit mine:
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Ore types
-
Materials
-
Blocks.
Ore type
Ore - All minerals and empty rocks that are broken up during mining operations. The Ore type model tree element contains a list of all ore types that can be used for scheduling.
Ore types are used to determine haulage destinations for ore from blocks. For example, ore from a block containing the "Oxidized" type will be hauled only to dump locations that accept ore of this type.
For each ore type, the following properties must be set:
-
Unique identifier and name
-
Mining type: production or development.
Material
Material - A type of substance contained in the ore mass. The Material model tree element contains a list of all materials that can be used for scheduling.
The following properties must be set for each material:
-
Unique identifier and name
-
One of two logic Material types: substance or empty rock.
Materials are used to calculate ore quality in a block — that is, the grades of the various valuable minerals it contains.
Block
The block is a part of the bench planned for development. The bench is a part of the open mine wall in the form of a step. In MineTwin OpenPit terms, a block is where the equipment performs operations. On the mine plan, the block corresponds to the mine segment. Block properties are set on several tabs:
General tab
Here you set the following main parameters:
-
Unique identifier and name
-
Density, t/m3 - ore mass per unit volume minus the volume of pores, voids and cracks, in t/m3
-
Fragmentation rate - the increase in the volume of ore mass during destruction
-
Priority - priority of the block
-
Unmined passage allowed - а parameter indicating whether passage through the block is available before and during its mining
-
Ore type - one of the possible types of ore in the scenario
-
Mine segment - link to the mine segment that corresponds to the block
-
Mine segment length, m - length of the mining segment corresponding to the block
-
Mine area - sets mine area for the block
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Nearest suitable Dump Area - shows the nearest unloading point with a compatible ore type for hauling ore from the block
-
Use only allowed destinations - when this option is enabled, ore from the block will be hauled only to the dump locations specified on the Allowed destinations tab, in the order defined there.
Advancement type
For each block, you must define parameters that describe a and set the block’s initial state at the start of planning.
The Advancement type tab provides parameter sets for four methods:
-
Block — a method involving sequential operations of drilling vertical holes, charging, and loading out the entire block’s ore in a single cycle.
-
Front - front advancement of the block with horizontal drilling
-
Top surface - block advancement with vertical drilling, charging, and loading out the extraction block in sections of a specified length.
-
Dozing - moving ore mass with dozers.
Block
When using the Block advancement type, specify the following parameters for the block:
-
Wells count for the entire block
-
Width, m
-
Height,m
-
Thickness, m
-
Max drilling machines count - number of drill rigs, that can operate in the block simultaneously
-
Initial state:
-
Not started — the block has not been worked yet
-
Drilling — drilling has already begun; additionally specify the number of holes already drilled
-
Drilling completed — the block is awaiting charging of the drilled holes
-
Haulage — ore haulage is in progress; additionally specify the amount of ore to be hauled and the length of the block over which this ore is located
-
Front
With the Front advancement type, the following parameters must be set for the block:
-
Drilling depth, m
-
Drilling wells per 1 m2 face
-
Empty length, m - The length of the block part where drilling, breaking and transportation of ore mass have already been fully completed
-
Drilling and charging cycle started - A parameter that indicates that drilling or charging is started but not yet completed in the block
-
Length with ore, m - The length of the block part where drilling, charging and breaking of the ore mass are completed and the haulage of the ore mass is required
-
Ore mass to haul, t
-
Drilled wells count
-
Charged wells count
-
Width, m
-
Height, m
Top surface
With the Top surface advancement type, the following parameters must be set for the block:
-
Drilling wells per m2 face
-
Empty length, m - the length of the block part where drilling, breaking and transportation of ore mass have already been fully completed
-
Drilling and charging cycle started - A parameter that indicates that drilling or charging is started but not yet completed in the block
-
Length with ore, m - the length of the block part where drilling, charging and breaking of the ore mass are completed and the haulage of the ore mass is required
-
Ore mass to haul, t.
-
Drilled wells count
-
Charged wells count
-
Width, m
-
Thickness, m
-
Drilling length, m.
-
Max drilling machines count - number of drill rigs, that can operate in the block simultaneously
Advancement delays
In the block properties on the Advancement delays tab, you can set delays after each stage of block advancement. This feature is designed for modeling technological pauses before the start of the next stage of work.
To create a waiting period, click the 
button, then in the row select the advancement step after which the delay will be added, specify its duration in hours, and add a description that will be displayed on the Gantt chart.
Prerequisites
MineTwin OpenPit allows you to set prerequisites between blocks:
-
prohibit drilling the block until the blocks connected to it have been blasted
-
prohibit charging and blasting the block until the blocks connected to it have been completely advanced.
In the figure above, drilling in Purple 3 begins only after blasting in Purple 1 and 2 is completed, and charging in Purple 3 begins only after haulage of ore from Purple 1 and 2 is finished.
The button 
allows you to select related blocks on the map, and the button 
allows you to add related blocks from the list. The button 
removes related blocks from the list.
Material mix
The Material mix tab is mandatory and must be filled in.
The buttons 
allow you to add/remove material to block properties.
The button 
allows you to edit the material mix in a separate window.
For each material, its proportion in the mix of the ore mass must be specified (from 0 to 100%). The total fraction of the material mix should be equal to 100%. When editing the material composition in a separate window, clicking the % button will automatically calculate the value for the selected material that brings the total content of all materials to 100%.
Outbound rules
The Outbound rules tab contains the list of dump locations for ore from the block. If haulage should be routed by ore type to the nearest suitable dump location, you do not need to fill out this table.
The button allows you to select dump locations from the map, and the button allows you to add dump locations from the list. The button removes dump locations from the table.
The arrow buttons allow to change the relative order of locations. The locations will always be used in specified order.
Unavailabilities
The periods of unavailability for advancement can be set for the block. No equipment or transports will be scheduled in the block during these periods.
The buttons allow you to add/remove block periods of unavailability.
Note that unavailabilities can be scheduled based on priority, and the cost associated with them can be specified.
Creating a Block
You can add a block to the scenario in two ways:
-
By clicking the
button in the Blocks list. -
By using the Block button
on the 2D map left toolbar — when add mode is enabled, click a mine arc.
In both cases, a new row with a unique identifier and name will appear in the Blocks list.
If you need to assign the same properties to multiple blocks, you can set the properties for a single block, then copy its pattern and apply it to other blocks.
To create a block pattern (so you can copy its characteristics and transfer them to other blocks), use the 
button on the Blocks list toolbar. You can also choose Create block pattern from the context menu, and then apply the pattern’s properties to any other block in the list by clicking the target block’s row and selecting Apply block pattern.
The 
button sets, for all blocks in the Haulage state, the length of the block over which the ore is located to be equal to the entire block length.
The 
button deletes all dependency records in the block properties.
Material flow
MineTwin OpenPit allows you to simulate the movement and processing of ore mass after its excavation from blocks. The mine elements serving the transportation and further processing of the ore mass can be combined into a connected system, the diagram of which is shown in the figure below.
The ore mass goes from the dump areas or the storages to crushers, processing plants and conveyors, and then goes back to the storages for further processing or storage.
Elements of the system of transportation and processing ore mass are combined into a block of the model tree "Material flow":
-
Dump areas
-
Storages
-
Crushers
-
Conveyors
-
Processing plants.
Dump area
Dump area - a location of the ore mass (empty (overburden) rocks and useful minerals) on the surface.
General tab
The dump area is characterized by the following main parameters:
-
Unique identifier
-
X-, Y- and Z-coordinates
-
Included - when checked, indicates that this dump area will be used in simulation
-
Mine areas - optional parameter. If specified, then:
-
Only ore mass from blocks with the same area will be hauled to this dump location
-
During bulldozer leveling/formation of the dump at this location, only dozers assigned to this area will be used
-
-
Unloading points count is a parameter that indicates the number of simultaneously unloaded vehicles
-
Capacity, t of the dump area
-
Requires leveling - if checked, then leveling is scheduled when leveling threshold is met
-
Can pass through when not leveled - when checked, then movement through the dump area is not restricted while leveling
-
Leveling required after every X t - the amount of ore mass in tons, at which stockpile/dump formation by dozers is required.
-
Mined ore recognition rule — a rule that defines when material should be counted as mined for statistics:
-
Consider mined if no outflow — ore mass delivered to this dump area is counted as mined only if the dump area is a terminal storage point, i.e., it has no connection to a conveyor, crusher, etc and is not an intermediate stockpile.
-
Always consider mined — any ore mass delivered to this dump area is always counted as mined.
-
Never consider mined — ore mass delivered to this dump area is never counted as mined (it should be accounted for at a later stage of the material flow).
-
-
In flow connector - link to the mine node of the transportation network from which the ore mass enters the dump area via trucks
-
Out flow connector - link to the object that has compatible in flow (crusher, processing plant or mine node for conveyor loading point) to receive ore mass from this dump area.
Initial stock
On the Initial stock tab the volumes and characteristics of the mining mass stored in the dampf area at the start of simulation are set:
-
Capacity, t
-
Initial quantity, t of ore mass at the dump area at the start of scheduling
-
Initial stock density, t/m3 of ore mass at the dump area at the start of scheduling
-
Material mix - filling of the storage location with materials in their percentage ratio at the start of planning
If the dampf area is empty at the start of simulation, the material composition does not need to be filled.
Inbound rules
On the Inbound rules tab, restrictions on the incoming flow of mining mass are set:
-
Maximum relative stock to accept trucks, % — the dump area fill level at which trucks stop hauling material to this location and, if alternatives exist, start hauling to alternative dump locations.
-
Allowed grade interval of inbound ore:
-
Minimum quality, % of ore mass that can be transported to the dump area
-
Maximum quality, % of ore mass that can be transported to the dump area
-
-
Allowed ore types - in the "In allowed" column, a mark must be placed next to the type of mining mass that the dumpf area can inbound
The buttons 
are intended for setting/clearing marks opposite the entire list of ore types.
Outbound rules
If the dumpf area is an intermediate storage location, the Outbound rules tab specifies subsequent transport destinations for the mining mass from this dumpf area.
The order of the other dump areas on this tab defines the priority of destinations (top is highest priority, bottom is lowest priority).
Using the button 
you can select objects from the 2D map, button 
– select from the list, button 
deletes the row.
Buttons 
allow swapping rows.
Button 
allows navigating to the properties of the selected removal place.
Button 
updates data, including the distance value from the current dampf area to the selected one.
Unavailabilities
Unavailability of the dampf area may be due to any reasons, for example, seasonal access. If there are no such periods in the modeled interval, the tab is not filled; if present, the following data is filled:
-
Begin date and End date of the unavailability period
-
Total duration, hours - calculated automatically
-
Description - information is not mandatory to fill
-
Priority - an integer specifying the order in the hierarchy of unavailabilities for this unloading place. The lower the value, the higher the priority
-
Costs, USD - an optional parameter, filled if costs calculation is present and required
Storage
Storage - a place for intermediate storage of ore mass.
The storage is characterized by the following general properties:
-
Unique identifier
-
X-, Y- and Z-coordinates
-
Capacity, t
-
Input conveyor blockage threshold, % - is used to determine when to resume the operation of in-flow conveyor. For example, if a storage is filled to its maximum capacity of 10,000 t, the conveyor feeding ore mass into it stops (is blocked). Ore mass from the storage is then delivered to the crusher. The conveyor will resume operation only when the amount of ore mass in the storage drops to the specified level, e.g., 30% (i.e., when only 3,000 t remain in the storage).
-
Mined ore recognition rule — a rule that defines when material should be counted as mined for statistics:
-
Consider mined if no outflow — ore mass delivered to this dump area is counted as mined only if the dump area is a terminal storage point, i.e., it has no connection to a conveyor, crusher, etc and is not an intermediate stockpile.
-
Always consider mined — any ore mass delivered to this dump area is always counted as mined.
-
Never consider mined — ore mass delivered to this dump area is never counted as mined (it should be accounted for at a later stage of the material flow).
-
-
In flow connector - link to to the object from which the ore mass enters the storage: crusher, processing plant or conveyor unloading point
-
Out flow connector - link to the object that has compatible in flow (crusher, processing plant or mine node for conveyor loading point) to receive ore mass from this storage.
The Visualization tab is intended for creating text labels for the object.
Crusher
Crusher - Equipment for crushing, mechanical impact on the rock to destroy it.
The crusher is characterized by the following main parameters:
-
Unique identifier
-
X-, Y- and Z-coordinates
-
Performance, t/h - the maximum possible outflow (as well as inflow) from the crusher if always supplied with ore mass
-
Output bunker threshold, % - is used to determine when to resume the operation of the crusher. For example, if an output storage is filled to its maximum capacity of 10,000 t, the crusher will stop (is blocked). The crusher will resume operation only when the amount of ore mass in the output storage drops to the specified level, e.g., 30% (i.e., when only 3,000 t remain in the storage).
-
In flow connector - link to to the object from which the ore mass enters the crusher: storage or dump area
-
Out flow connector - link to the object that has compatible in flow (storage or conveyor loading point) to receive ore mass from this crusher.
You can set periods of unavailability for the crusher.
The buttons 
allow you to add, copy or remove crusher unavailabilities.
Conveyor
Conveyor - A continuous-action mechanism for transporting ore mass. The ore mass can enter the conveyor from dump areas, storages, crushers and processing plants and is transported to storages, crushers and processing plants.
The conveyor is characterized by the following main parameters:
-
Unique identifier
-
Performance, t/h of ore mass transportation
-
Speed, m/s - conveyor belt speed, m/sec
-
Reversible - if checked, allows conveyor to work in the reverse direction during time periods, specified on the Reversions tab
-
Output bunker capacity, t and Output bunker threshold, % - A technical parameters used to prevent the simulation from stopping with an error. In reality, conveyor overflow is an emergency situation. In the simulation, excess material is sent to an internal virtual buffer, and once it fills up to the specified value, the conveyor stops (is blocked). This may occur if material is fed onto one conveyor from multiple conveyors, or if a downstream conveyor stops due to a break or failure. When the capacity of this internal virtual buffer will go below specified threshold, if the conveyor was blocked, it will resume its operation.
In the Mine arcs tab, you can set the list of mine arcs of the conveyor type that make up the given conveyor. One conveyor can consist of several arcs.
Mine arcs are added by selecting them on the map using the button and removed from the conveyor using the button .
On the Reversions tab, you can set the time periods during which the conveyor operates in reverse mode (opposite direction).
On the Usage tab, you can set the initial state of parameters related to conveyor maintenance based on operating hours since last maintenance:
-
Time,h — the total elapsed time since last maintenance.
-
Working time, h - total operating time of the conveyor since last maintenance.
You can set periods of unavailability for the conveyor on the tab Unavailabilities.
The buttons allow you to add, copy or remove conveyor unavailabilities.
Processing plant
Processing plant - A mining enterprise for the primary processing of ore mass to obtain technically valuable products suitable for industrial use.
The processing plant is characterized by the following main parameters:
-
Unique identifier
-
X-, Y- and Z-coordinates
-
In flow connector - link to the object from which the ore mass enters the processing plant: storage or dump area
-
Out flow connector - link to the object to which the ore mass enters from the processing plant: storage or conveyor loading p[oint
-
Performance in tons per hour
You can set periods of unavailability for the processing plant.
The buttons allow you to add, copy or remove processing plant unavailabilities.
Parameters of mobile equipment
Mobile equipment in MineTwin OpenPit is grouped by types. Equipment type is an entity used to group equipment units with the same basic characteristics.
The Equipment types object tree element contains lists of all equipment types that can be used for scheduling/simulation:
-
Truck types
-
Excavator types
-
Drilling machine types
-
Loader types
-
Charger types
-
Dozer types.
Scheduled repairs (maintenance sets), scheduled downtime period sets and unscheduled (emergency) repairs sets (unplanned events) are specified in the context of equipment types.
For equipment types, the parameter Bypassing enable in passing manoeuvres is specified, which determines whether equipment of this type takes part in passing manoeuvres when travelling along roads for which such manoeuvres are required (mine arcs of the Road type with the Opposite moving allowed, and Moving overtaking allowed and Stopped overtaking allowed functions enabled. When traveling on the same arc, equipment passes according to the following rules:
-
If two units are moving in opposite directions, the second one waits at a mine node until the first completes its travel along the arc
-
If two units are moving in the same direction, they cannot overtake each other on the arc; overtaking is only possible at a node
-
If a piece of equipment has stopped on a road section, the second piece will require additional time to go around it. If a piece of equipment has stopped on an edge with the Overtaking stopped equipment function disabled, then the equipment participating in passing manoeuvres will stop before this edge and wait until the road is clear.
Additionally, maintenance costs for equipment types are specified at the equipment type level. On the Cost tab, the following cost parameters can be filled in for all equipment types:
-
Monthly fixed cost, USD
-
Cost per active shift, USD
-
Cost per working hour, USD
-
Cost per 1 kilometer traveled, USD.
Filling in these parameters is optional and is used when estimating operational expenditures during the simulation.
MineTwin OpenPit contains the built-in reference book of commonly used equipment types. You can create an equipment type by going to the directory and selecting the required types of equipment.
Truck types
Truck is a machine designed for loading and transporting ore mass.
The following properties must be set for each truck type:
-
Unique Identifier
-
Bypassing enabled - if checked, the equipment unit of this type will participate in bypassing maneuvers when traveling along the arcs that require vehicle bypassing
-
Capacity,t of trucks of this type
-
Volume, m3 - the maximum quantity of ore that can accommodate the truck of this type
-
Dumping duration, min
-
Empty wight,kg - empty haul truck mass in kilograms. This parameter is used in speed calculations based on tractive Rimpull curves
-
Speed factor distribution - this parameter allows specifying speed variability within a defined range. The parameter can be a constant or a random variable with one of the built-in distribution functions
-
Speed calculation - one of three options for calculating the speed of rock mass haulage equipment:
-
Using only the maximum speed of this equipment type. In this case, travel speed will depend solely on road quality
-
Speed calculation accounting for road gradient. In this case, simulation uses linear interpolation of a tabular speed function defined on the Speed by grade tab. If the defined maximum speeds are lower than those in the table, the maximum speeds will be used. The speed calculated based on gradient is also adjusted by the road quality coefficient
-
Speed calculation accounting for rolling resistance, which occurs when wheeled equipment tires roll on the road surface. In this case, a function of vehicle speed versus the force it exerts on the road is used. This function is defined on the Rimpull curve tab. The speed obtained by any of these rules is adjusted for road quality. On all arcs with a road quality of 1, the speed will equal the calculated value. On arcs where road quality is not 1, the speed will be adjusted by the specified coefficient. The speed factor distribution is also applied to the calculated speed.
-
-
Max empty speed, km/h - absolute maximum speed of moving empty. Note that the actual speed may depend on rimpull curve data, angle-based speed settings and road quality. But the resulting speed of moving empty can never be greater than this value
-
Max loaded speed, km/h - absolute maximum speed of moving loaded. Note that the actual speed may depend on rimpull curve data, angle-based speed settings and road quality. But the resulting speed of moving loaded can never be greater than this value
Speed by grade
On the Speed by grade tab, the speed characteristics of haul truck types are defined as a function of road gradient angle. For each range of angles, the corresponding travel speeds with and without load are indicated. Intermediate values are determined by linear interpolation and are displayed on the graph.
Rimpull curve
On the Rimpull curve tab, values describing the relationship between tractive effort (the tractive force available at the wheels) and the travel speed of a haul truck of this type can be specified. Intermediate values are determined by linear interpolation and are displayed on the graph.
Energy consumption
On the Energy Consumption tab, one of three available energy source options must be selected: Fuel, Fixed battery, or Swappable battery. After selecting the energy source, the corresponding energy consumption parameters must be filled in.
When Fuel is selected as the energy source, the following values are specified:
-
Fuel tank capacity, liters
-
Fuel tank volum, liters
-
Fuel tank min volum, liters — the minimum volume of fuel in the tank that cannot be utilised
-
Angle based fuel consumption — if this checkbox is selected, fuel consumption for haul trucks of this type is calculated based on fuel consumption curves vs. road gradient; otherwise, a constant consumption rate is used for various states (loaded, empty, idling). The dependencies are entered in tabular form for travel with load and without load. Road gradient is specified as a percentage, and the curves on the chart are generated automatically
-
Empty fuel consumption rate, l/hour — constant consumption rate when travelling without load, used if the effect of road gradient does not need to be taken into account
-
Loaded fuel consumption rate, l/hour — constant consumption rate when travelling with load, used if the effect of road gradient does not need to be taken into account
-
Idling fuel consumption rate, l/hour — constant consumption rate when the haul truck is not in motion
-
Fueling rate, l/min — the refuelling rate for haul trucks of this type
-
Fueling preparation time, min — the delay required to prepare haul trucks of this type before refuelling begins. This may be specified as either a constant or a random variable.
When Fixed battery is selected as the energy source, the following values are specified:
-
Empty power consumption rate, kW
-
Loaded power consumption rate, kW
-
Idling power consumption rate, kW
-
Recharding preparation duration, min — the delay before charging begins. This may be specified as either a constant or a random variable
-
Battery type — selection of a battery type from the list available in the scenario.
When Swappaable battery is selected as the energy source, the following values are specified:
-
Empty power consumption rate, kW
-
Loaded power consumption rate, kW
-
Idling power consumption rate, kW
-
Battery mount duration, min — the delay before charging begins. This may be specified as either a constant or a random variable
-
Battery dismount duration — selection of a battery type from the list available in the scenario.
Excavator types
Excavator is the equipment designed for excavation (mining) of ore mass in an open-pit mine from the pile and loading into trucks or dumping.
The following basic properties must be set for each excavator type:
-
Unique Identifier
-
Bypassing enabled - if checked, the equipment unit of this type will participate in bypassing maneuvers when traveling along the arcs that require vehicle bypassing
-
Speed, km/h
-
Shovel capacity, m3
-
Loading/ unloading cycle duration, min
-
Setup duration after relocations, in hours. The preparation duration can be set by a constant value or by one of the distributions .
On the Cost tab, the costs for maintenance and servicing of equipment of this type are entered.
Drilling machine types
Drilling machine is the equipment designed for drilling wells/ holes, capable of independently moving around an open-pit mine.
The following basic properties must be set for each drilling machine type:
-
Unique Identifier
-
Bypassing enabled - if checked, the equipment unit of this type will participate in bypassing maneuvers when traveling along the arcs that require vehicle bypassing
-
Drills count - the number of drilling tools. As a rule, a horizontal drilling machine has 2 booms, a vertical drilling machine has 1 boom
-
Max drilling depth, m possible for this type of drilling machine
-
Max drilling performance, m/min
-
Setup time per drill, min - duration of preparatory work, such as installing the drilling machine, connecting electricity and water, etc.
-
Setup time before drilling session, min - duration of manipulations before drilling each well/hole
-
Constant speed of this type of drilling machines in km/h.
On the Cost tab, the costs for maintenance and servicing of equipment of this type are entered.
Loader types
Loader is a machine designed for loading and transporting ore mass to the dump area.
The following properties must be set for each loader type:
-
Unique Identifier
-
Bypassing enabled - if checked, the equipment unit of this type will participate in bypassing maneuvers when traveling along the arcs that require vehicle bypassing
-
Capacity,t of load-carrying bucket of loaders of this type in tons
-
Volume, m3 - the maximum quantity of ore that can accommodate the load-carrying bucket of loaders of this type
-
Loading duration, min
-
Unloading duration, min
-
Empty weight, kg
-
Speed factor distribution - this parameter allows to set speed variability within a range using statistical distributions. For example, a truck’s loaded speed is 10 km/h, and its empty speed is 20 km/h. With a triangular distribution (0.8; 1; 1.2), the speed range will be: from 0.8 * 10 = 8 to 1.2 * 10 = 12 km/h for a loaded truck from 16 to 24 km/h for an empty truck
-
Speed calculation - one of three options for calculating the speed of rock mass haulage equipment:
-
Using only the maximum speed of this equipment type. In this case, travel speed will depend solely on road quality
-
Speed calculation accounting for road gradient. In this case, simulation uses linear interpolation of a tabular speed function defined on the Speed by grade tab. If the defined maximum speeds are lower than those in the table, the maximum speeds will be used. The speed calculated based on gradient is also adjusted by the road quality coefficient
-
Speed calculation accounting for rolling resistance, which occurs when wheeled equipment tires roll on the road surface. In this case, a function of vehicle speed versus the force it exerts on the road is used. This function is defined on the Rimpull curve tab. The speed obtained by any of these rules is adjusted for road quality. On all arcs with a road quality of 1, the speed will equal the calculated value. On arcs where road quality is not 1, the speed will be adjusted by the specified coefficient. The speed factor distribution is also applied to the calculated speed.
-
-
Max empty speed, km/h - absolute maximum speed of moving empty. Note that the actual speed may depend on rimpull curve data, angle-based speed settings and road quality. But the resulting speed of moving empty can never be greater than this value
-
Max loaded speed, km/h - absolute maximum speed of moving loaded. Note that the actual speed may depend on rimpull curve data, angle-based speed settings and road quality. But the resulting speed of moving loaded can never be greater than this value
Similarly to truck types, on the Speed by grade tab, the speed characteristics of LHD equipment types are defined as a function of road gradient angle. On the Rimpull curve tab, values describing the relationship between tractive effort and the travel speed of an LHD of this type can be specified. On the Energy consumption tab, the energy source type and its consumption parameters are specified. As with haul trucks, one of the following options is available: Fuel, Fixed battery or _Swappable battery. On the Cost tab, the costs for maintenance and servicing of equipment of this type are entered.
Charger types
Charger is a device for mechanized feeding of explosive material (EM) to charging planes (wells, blast holes).
The following basic properties must be set for each charger type:
-
Unique Identifier
-
Bypassing enabled - if checked, the equipment unit of this type will participate in bypassing maneuvers when traveling along the arcs that require vehicle bypassing
-
Setup duration before charging, min
-
Charging duration setup mode - one of two possible methods for accounting for the time to charge blast holes/wells with explosive material: Time per blast hole/well or Time per meter of hole/well depth
-
Well chargigng duration, min
-
Speed, km/h - constant travel speed of this type of chargers
The setup and charging duration can be set by a constant value or by one of the distributions.
On the Cost tab, the costs for maintenance and servicing of equipment of this type are entered.
Dozer types
Dozer is the equipment designed to move ore mass by blading.
The following General properties must be set for each dozer type:
-
Unique Identifier
-
Bypassing enabled - if checked, the equipment unit of this type will participate in bypassing maneuvers when traveling along the arcs that require vehicle bypassing
-
Speed, km/h
-
Dozing performance, t/h - bulldozer productivity for in-pit operations:
-
Clearing and preparing block surfaces before drilling
-
Mining blocks using the Dozing method
-
-
Leveling performance, t/h - bulldozer productivity for dump/stockpile operations:
-
During waste dump formation (leveling/trimming work)
-
During ore leveling/stockpiling at the processing plant’s stockyard
-
The dozer type performance and leveling can be set by a constant value or by one of the distributions.
On the Cost tab, the costs for maintenance and servicing of equipment of this type are entered.
Mobile equipment
The Mobile equipment object tree element contains lists of all mobile equipment units used in the scenario, in terms of equipment types, as well as the list of trains which unlike other moving equipment, are not grouped into types.
General parameters
For each equipment unit, except for the train, the following basic properties must be set:
-
Unique Identifier
-
Bypassing enabled - if checked, the equipment unit of this type will participate in bypassing maneuvers when traveling along the arcs that require vehicle bypassing
-
Included - parameter that indicates whether the equipment unit will be used for scheduling/simulation
-
Base node - base location (garage)
-
Idling policy:
-
Default — haul trucks and LHDs return to the base node, drilling machines, excavators and bulldozers remain in the blocks/dumps
-
Return to base location — all equipment returns to the garage after work completion
-
Stay at current position — all equipment remains at the place where work was performed after completion
-
-
Mine area to which the equipment unit is assigned
-
Equipment type - selection of an equipment type from those available in the scenario. The properties of the equipment type are displayed in the properties of the equipment unit as reference information and are not available for editing.
The properties of Trucks, Excavators, and LHDs include Fill factor, %, which allows accounting for the average loading of the body or bucket with rock mass as a percentage. By default, the factor is set to 100%.
The properties of Excavators include a function for selecting the Excavators task type:
-
Block excavation — excavation of blasted rock mass at the production area
-
Dump area load-out — excavation of rock mass from intermediate stockpile locations
Restrictions
Excavator units include a Restrictions tab in their properties, which allows selecting the types of trucks that can operate with this excavator.
The properties of an equipment unit include tabs for entering the technical condition at the start of planning, periods of unavailability (e.g., scheduled maintenance), technical condition data, as well as commissioning and decommissioning dates. These tabs are optional.
Usage
On the Usage tab, the initial state of parameters related to maintenance based on operating hours is specified for each mobile equipment unit:
-
Time, h — total time accumulated by the equipment unit since its last maintenance at the start of planning/simulation
-
Working time, h — number of engine hours (hours of engine operation during travel, loading, unloading) accumulated by the equipment unit since its last maintenance at the start of planning/simulation
-
Distance, km— number of kilometres travelled by the equipment unit since its last maintenance at the start of planning/simulation
Unavailabilities
On the Unavailabilities tab, scheduled periods of unavailability can be specified for each equipment unit.
The 
buttons allow you to add, copy, and delete unavailability periods.
Commissioning period
On the Commissioning period tab, the commissioning and decommissioning dates of an equipment unit may be specified, as well as the costs associated with commissioning (purchase) and decommissioning (disposal). Prior to the commissioning date / after the decommissioning date, the equipment unit does not participate in planning/simulation.
Stoppages
On the Stoppages tab, all downtime events (maintenance, scheduled downtime periods, unplanned events) assigned to the equipment unit in the Schedules object tree group are displayed.
The 
button allows you to refresh the list of schedules, and the 
button allows you to navigate to the selected schedule for editing.
Train
Train is a transport unit in the form of a separate train that consists of several rail cars, designed to transport ore mass on the rails. Unlike other mobile equipment, trains are not grouped into types.
The following basic parameters are set for a train:
-
Unique Identifier
-
Included - parameter that indicates whether the equipment unit will be used for scheduling/simulation
-
Base node - base location (garage)
-
Speed, km/h
-
Loading batch size, number of cars — the batch of wagons being loaded
-
Time of loading a bach, minutes
-
Time of setup before loading a batch, in minutes
-
Unloading batch size, number of cars — the batch of wagons being unloaded
-
Time of unloading a batch, min
-
Time of setup before unloading a batch, min
-
Rail car capacity, in metric tonnes
-
Rail car length, in metres
-
Rail car count
Schedules
The Schedules model tree element contains the following entities that define the work of the mine:
-
Shifts
-
Blast periods
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Scheduled downtime period sets
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Maintenance sets
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Unplanned events.
Shifts
Shifts are used to simulate the operation of equipment according to the work schedule. Shifts determine the periods when equipment is available for operation.
The following parameters are set for each shift:
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Shift index - an optional field to indicate a shift
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Duration of shift, in hours
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Period - the period of the shift can be specified as an exact time or as a recurrence pattern (every n-th day of the month, every last day of the month, every week, every n days).
Shifts in the Shifts model tree group are common to all mobile equipment units and applied during scheduling and simulation only to them.
Blast periods
Blast periods define the time intervals when the formation of broken-up ore mass is simulated in all blocks in selected mine areas that are ready for blasting at the start of the blast period.
The Blast period has following parameters:
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Unique identifier and name of the blast period
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Duration of the blast period in minutes
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Period of the blast period, which can be specified as an exact time or as a recurrence pattern (every n-th day of the month, every last day of the month, every week, every n days)
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Mine areas where the above blasting operations are carried out.
The Blast periods model tree element contains a list of all blast periods that can be assigned to the mine areas during scheduling and simulation.
Scheduled downtime period sets
Scheduled downtime period sets are used to model planned periods of equipment unavailability within a fixed time interval, regardless of the equipment’s operating time, engine hours, or mileage. In this way, this period sets can represent lunch breaks, routine shift maintenance (RSM), major repairs, or equipment upgrades.
Three types of entities are created in MineTwin OpenPit to set up Scheduled downtime period sets:
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Scheduled downtime periods in the upper-left window, each possibly containing several individual Scheduled downtime period records
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Scheduled downtime period record — a row of data describing a single downtime in the upper-right Scheduled downtime period records window. A downtime record is defined by the following parameters:
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Description — an optional description of the scheduled downtime period
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Priority — an index defining the position in the hierarchy of unavailability periods. Periods with a smaller value of the index (higher priority) overwrite periods with higher value (lower priority). Lower priority unavailability periods will not be scheduled if they occur during periods with higher priority.
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Duration, h — the length of the planned downtime period, in hours
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Begin and end dates — specified if the downtime occurs only during a limited time frame, e.g., winter months. If left blank, the downtime applies throughout the entire scenario.
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Cost, USD — the expenses associated with carrying out this downtime type, e.g., routine shift maintenance (RSM) cost
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Ignore if overdue — if checked, this parameter allows to ignore the downtime if its time interval has already passed. For example, a truck has a scheduled lunch break from 13:00 to 14:00, but it is still waiting to be loaded by an excavator that is on break. In this case, the truck effectively experiences a break during that wait, so there is no need to simulate an additional one-hour break once the truck completes its trip after the excavator returns.
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Scheduled downtime period assignments window at the bottom allows you to assign Scheduled downtime periods to selected equipment units.
The buttons 
allows you to select all equipment units / clear all selections.
Maintenance sets
Maintenance sets are used to simulate scheduled equipment repairs — those carried out after a specified calendar time of operation, upon reaching a defined number of engine/impact mechanism hours, or upon reaching a specified mileage. In this way, different types of maintenance can be defined, such as routine maintenance, intermediate repairs, major overhauls, etc.
Three types of entities are created in MineTwin OpenPit to set up Maintenance sets:
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Maintenances in the upper-left Maintenances window, each possibly containing several individual Maintenance records
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Maintenance record — a row of data describing a single maintenance/repair in the upper-right Maintenance records window. A maintenance is defined by the following parameters:
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Description — an optional description of the maintenance/repair
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Priority — an index defining the position in the hierarchy of unavailability periods. Periods with a smaller value of the index (higher priority) overwrite periods with higher value (lower priority). Lower priority unavailability periods will not be scheduled if they occur during periods with higher priority.
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Basis — the type of maintenance trigger: calendar time, engine operating hours, or equipment mileage.
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Interval — the interval between two maintenance triggers, expressed either in hours or kilometers, depending on the chosen basis.
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Duration, h — the duration of the maintenance
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Cost, USD — the expenses associated with the maintenance (optional)
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Generate random runs — if checked, maintenance for all equipment units without a defined initial operating time will not be simulated simultaneously. Instead, maintenance triggers will occur at different randomly assigned times for each unit.
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Maintenance assignments window at the bottom allows you to assign Maintenances to selected equipment types.
The buttons allows you to select all equipment types / clear all selections.
Unplanned events
Unplanned events are used to simulate emergency equipment failures, breakdowns, or downtime caused by weather conditions.
To define Unplanned events in MineTwin OpenPit, three types of entities are created:
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Unplanned events in the upper-left Unplanned events window, each possibly containing several individual Unplanned events records
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Unplanned events record — a row of data describing a single Unplanned event in the upper-right Unplanned events records window. Such event is defined by the following parameters:
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Description — an optional description of the event
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Priority — an index defining the position in the hierarchy of unavailability periods. Periods with a smaller value of the index (higher priority) overwrite periods with higher value (lower priority). Lower priority unavailability periods will not be scheduled if they occur during periods with higher priority.
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Time between events, h — may be specified as a constant or as a random variable using one of the built-in distributions.
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Event duration, h — may be specified as a constant or as a random variable using one of the built-in distributions.
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Cost, USD — the expenses associated with the event (optional)
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Randomize time of first event — used so that equipment failures are not simulated simultaneously for all units; instead, the countdown starts at different randomly assigned times for each unit
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Begin and end dates — specified if the events occur only during a limited time frame, e.g., winter months. If left blank, the events will happen throughout the entire scenario.
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Unplanned events assignments window at the bottom allows you to assign Unplanned events to selected equipment types.
The buttons allows you to select all equipment types / clear all selections.
Note: Scheduled downtime periods are assigned to Equipment units and most Material flow elements, while Maintenances and Unplanned events are assigned to Equipment types and Conveyers.
Hierarchy of Unavailability Periods
For each equipment unit, different types of unavailability periods can be defined:
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Blasting periods, scheduled downtime periods, maintenance, and unplanned events (via schedules)
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Commissioning/decommissioning and unavailability (in equipment properties)
During planning/simulation, these periods may overlap in time. Priorities are used to regulate overlapping periods.
Breaks with a lower priority index are higher priority and override (absorb) breaks with a higher index (lower priority). By default:
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Unavailability periods and out-of-service periods have the highest priority = -1
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Scheduled downtime periods = 1
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Maintenance = 100
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Unplanned events = 1000
This means that if a major repair (priority -1) coincides with a daily lunch break (priority 1), the lunch break will not be scheduled. If a failure (priority 1000) occurs during current maintenance (priority 100), that failure will not be considered in the simulation.
If necessary, the user can adjust the priorities of unavailability periods.
Production plans
MineTwin OpenPit can automatically form an equipment operation plan based on target plans for mining ore mass.
Target plan
The target plan specifies how much ore mass and what quality must be mined in each target period across entire pit/mine.
Each target plan record is characterized by the following parameters:
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Begin and end dates of the planning period
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Mining type - production or development
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Quality,% - target quality of the mined ore mass
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Planned mass, t - target quantity of the mined ore mass in metric tons.
3D-objects
Model tree group 3D Objects allows you to load a three-dimensional Surfaces (formats: .tridb, .dxf, .obj, .dtm) to display pit/mine surfaces in 3D mode.
A loaded Surface is defined by the following parameters:
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Unique identifier and name
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Path to the 3D object file on the user’s PC
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Color of the surface on the 3D map
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Transparency, %
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Is visible — if checked, surface will be displayed on the 3D map in editing and simulation modes