Mine simulation for educational purposes: A case study

This paper presents a new simulation-based computer program that provides an interactive and visual environment for teaching and learning of mining engineering related subjects. An actual open pit magnesite mine was selected and whole simulation data were obtained from this mine in order to create a simulation application. The program represents this open pit mine in detail using more than hundred variables, 14 windows, and several modules. It is believed that, with its all components, this educational tool can be used for several mining-related subjects such as drilling and blasting, excavation and haulage, size reduction and magnetic separation at universities to provide fundamental information to the students and anyone dealing with mining engineering related subjects. It may also be used for mining related departments such as geology and geophysics for giving brief information about mining. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.