The model considers a range of design parameters and operating condit- ions and evaluates the significance of these in the ultimate design of a mine._x000D_
It also considers organizational features associated with the mining method and examines the inter-dependence between operations. An important characteristic of the model is the use of both stochastic and deterministic methods to study the behaviour of the complete mining system. The simulator selects the appropriate unit operation, computes and records its time, performs it and then calculates the production and cost data. Output is in the form of shift, day, week or period repor-ts. These reports will indicate problem areas such as restrictions in the production network for a given set of conditions._x000D_
The likely effects of alternative means of solving these problems can be evaluated by changing the original input. Such information could be used by the mine management to select an