Computerized truck dispatching at Quintette Coal Limited

Computer based truck dispatching in open pit truck/shovel operations is now an accepted, proven technology. Primary benefits of computerized haul truck dispatching include substantial production increases with an existing fleet of equipment, or a significant reduction in equipment working time required to meet production targets. Additional benefits such as achieving an optimum and continuous blend of run of mine ore or coal while minimizing rehandle, or collection of detailed production and equipment availability data are equally important. A computerized truck dispatch system purchased by Quintette Coal Limited was commissioned in early 1984. An overview of the system installed is presented, including descriptions of start up problems and solutions. A comparison of mine productivity before and after system application is discussed.