Planning optimization at a dolomite mine in Belgium

Lhoist Group is a global leader in dolomite production. Headquartered in Belgium, the group is present in 25 countries, with over 100 operating units worldwide. They seek excellence in delivery, providing customers with high quality products.

Lhoist was looking for a mathematical model to optimize their production planning decisions, involving delivery planning, material balancing, downtime anticipation, safety stock and barges planning, aiming to reduce the costs along the whole supply chain.

We have developed a multi-period production flow model, raw material to final product, of crushing, grinding, screening and washing processes. We also balance the stocks of products, segregated by quality, within the planning horizon. The model integrates the concepts of productivity and cost. It must fulfill the product demand and respect the stock limit.

After the implementation of the model, Lhoist was able to quickly and optimally plan the setup of each machine, with better inventory management and reducing the need of unplanned barges.