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Eugene Ben-Awuah

Eugene Ben-Awuah

Full Professor, Bharti School of Engineering & Computation
Bharti School of Engineering and Computation
Science, Engineering and Architecture
F220
705.675.1151 ext 2195 ebenawuah@laurentian.ca

Biography

Eugene Ben-Awuah is a Professor of Mining Engineering at the Bharti School of Engineering,Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada. He is also the IAMGOLD Research Fellow in Open Pit Mining. He holds a MSc from the University of Mines and Technology and a PhD from the University of Alberta in Mining Engineering. Eugene is a registered professional mining engineer and has extensive operational, consulting and research experience from Ghana, Canada and Australia in mine design and optimization, and mine production management. He teaches and conducts research in strategic mining options optimization, integrated mine planning and waste management optimization, simulation optimization of intelligent and autonomous mining systems, and applications of discrete fracture network.

He is the Principal Mining Consultant for OptiSim Mining Solutions on mine optimization and simulation. He is a member of Mining Optimization Laboratory (MOL), the West African Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (WAIMM) and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM).

Education

  • PhD, Mining Engineering (2012)

          University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada

  • MSc, Mining Engineering (2008)

          University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, Ghana

  • Dip, Mine Surveying Engineering (2000)

          Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana


On The Web

https://optisimmining.ca/

Download vCard ebenawuah@laurentian.ca 705.675.1151 ext 2195 Eugene Ben-Awuah

Research

Dr. Ben-Awuah's research interest focuses on providing robust mining solutions through the application of simulation and operations research methods. He is part of the industrial research consortium Mining Optimization Laboratory.

Current Research Areas

  • Strategic mining options optimization

  • Integrated mine planning and waste management optimization

  • Simulation optimization of intelligent and autonomous mining systems

  • Mine reconciliation studies

  • Applications of discrete fracture network

People - Faculty

  • Eugene Ben-Awuah, PhD, PEng

        Professor of Mining Engineering, Laurentian University

  • Hooman Askari-Nasab, PhD, PEng 

        Professor of Mining Engineering, University of Alberta (https://sites.ualberta.ca/~hooman/)

  • Dr. Yashar Pourrahimian 

       Professor of Mining Engineering, University of Alberta (https://sites.ualberta.ca/~pourrahi/yashar.html)

People - Current Graduate Students

  • Pedro Pablo Vasquez Coronado 

       PhD (2019 - Mining Engineering, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada)

  • Kwaku Konadu Akuffo

       MASc (2023 - Mining Engineering, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada)

  • Eyram Agozie

      MEng (2023 - Mining Engineering, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada)

  • Joshua Azorliade

      MEng (2023 - Mining Engineering, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada)

People - Past Graduate Students

  • Dylan Caverson

       MEng (2017, Mining Engineering, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada)

  • Navid Seyed Hosseini

       MASc (2017, Mining Engineering, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada)

  • Shuwei Huang

​       PhD - Visiting Scholar (2018, Mining Engineering, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada)

  • Joel Villeneuve

       MEng (2020 - Mining Engineering, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada)

  • Ahlam Maremi

       PhD (2020 - Mining Engineering, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada)

  • Bright Oppong Afum

       PhD (2021 - Mining Engineering, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada)

  • ​Obinna Mbadozie

       MASc (2021 - Mining Engineering, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada)

  • Precious Eme

       MEng (2021 - Mining Engineering, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada)

  • Shadrach Amponsah

       MASc (2022 - Mining Engineering, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada)

  • ​William Junkin

       MEng (2023 - Mining Engineering, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada)

  • Solomon Acheampong

       MASc (2023 - Mining Engineering, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada)

  • Obed Appiah

       MEng (2024 - Mining Engineering, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada)

  • Emmanuel Appianing

      PhD (2024 - Mining Engineering, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada)

  • Seth Korang

       MSc (2025 - Applied Geology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada)

Teaching

  • ENGR 3157: Operations Research

  • ENGR 2317: Surface Mining Methods

  • ENGR 3346: Ore Reserve Analysis and Geostatistics

  • ENGR 4306/5386: Open Pit Design

  • ENGR 4327 Mine Design II - Open Pit

  • ENGR 5377: Applied Geostatistics for Ore Reserve Estimation

  • ENGR 5396: Optimization Models and Application

Publications

Books Edited (Annual Research Report - All reports and their respective papers can be found at https://sites.ualberta.ca/MOL/Publications.htm.)

7) M. M. Badiozamani, Y. Pourrahimian, E. Ben-Awuah, A. Moradi Afrapoli and H. Askari-Nasab, (2024), Mining Optimization Laboratory (MOL) - Report Twelve. © MOL, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, 496 Pages, ISBN: 978-1-55195-520-9.

6) M. M. Badiozamani, Y. Pourrahimian, E. Ben-Awuah, A. Moradi Afrapoli and H. Askari-Nasab, (2023), Mining Optimization Laboratory (MOL) - Report Eleven. © MOL, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, 376 Pages, ISBN: 978-1-55195-503-2.

5) M. M. Badiozamani, Y. Pourrahimian, E. Ben-Awuah, A. Moradi Afrapoli and H. Askari-Nasab, (2022), Mining Optimization Laboratory (MOL) - Report Ten. © MOL, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, 425 Pages, ISBN: 978-1-55195-486-8.

4) Y. Pourrahimian, E. Ben-Awuah and H. Askari-Nasab, (2018), Mining Optimization Laboratory (MOL) - Report Nine, © MOL, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, 388 Pages, ISBN: 978-1-55195-414-1.

3) Y. Pourrahimian, E. Ben-Awuah and H. Askari-Nasab, (2017), Mining Optimization Laboratory (MOL) - Report Eight, © MOL, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, 306 Pages, ISBN: 978-1-55195-383-0.

2) Y. Pourrahimian, E. Ben-Awuah and H. Askari-Nasab, (2016), Mining Optimization Laboratory (MOL) - Report Seven, © MOL, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, 240 Pages, ISBN: 978-1-55195-367-0.

1) Y. Pourrahimian, E. Ben-Awuah and H. Askari-Nasab, (2015), Mining Optimization Laboratory (MOL) - Report Six, © MOL, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, 250 Pages, ISBN: 978-1-55195-356-4.

Peer Reviewed Journal Papers

29) N. Al Habib, E. Ben-Awuah and H. Askari-Nasab, (2024), “Short-term planning of open pit mines with Semi-Mobile IPCC: a shovel allocation model”, International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment, Vol. 38, Issue 3, pp. 236-266.

28) N. Al Habib, E. Ben-Awuah and H. Askari-Nasab, (2023), “Review of recent developments in short-term mine planning and IPCC with a research agenda”, Mining Technology, Vol. 132, Issue 3, pp. 179-201.

27) W. Junkin and E. Ben-Awuah, (2023), “Determining characteristic fractured volumes in DFN models using fracture intensity variability analysis”, International Journal on Geomathematics, Vol. 14, Issue 2023, pp. 1-17.

26) S. Yaw Amponsah, P. M. Takouda and E. Ben-Awuah, (2023), “A multiple objective genetic algorithm approach for stochastic open pit production scheduling optimization”, International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment, Vol. 37, Issue 6, pp. 460-487.

25) E. J. A. Appianing, E. Ben-Awuah and Y. Pourrahimian, (2023), “Life-of-mine optimization for integrated open stope development and production scheduling using a mixed-integer linear programming framework”, Mining Technology, Vol. 132, Issue 2, pp. 106-120.

24) O. Mbadozie, E. Ben-Awuah and A. Maremi, (2022), “A stochastic mixed integer linear programming framework for oil sands mine planning and waste management in the presence of grade uncertainty”, CIM Journal, Vol. 13, Issue 1, pp. 16 - 37.

23) R. Noriega, Y. Pourrahimian and E. Ben-Awuah, (2022), “Optimisation of life-of-mine production scheduling for block-caving mines under mineral resource and material mixing uncertainty”, International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment, Vol. 36, Issue 2, pp. 104 - 124.

22) A. Maremi, E. Ben-Awuah and H. Askari-Nasab, (2021), “Multi-objective mathematical programming framework for integrated oil sands mine planning and tailings disposal optimization”, Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, Vol. 2021, Issue 38, pp. 1355 - 1374.

21) B. Oppong Afum and E. Ben-Awuah, (2021), “A review of models and algorithms for surface-underground mining options and transitions optimization: Some lessons learnt and the way forward”, Mining, Vol. 2021, Issue 1, pp. 112 - 134.

20) A. Maremi and E. Ben-Awuah, (2021), “Uncertainty-based mine planning framework for oil sands production scheduling and waste management”, CIM Journal, Vol. 12, Issue 3, pp. 116 - 134.

19) A. Maremi, E. Ben-Awuah and Y. Pourrahimian (2020), “An automated production targeting goal programming framework for oil sands mine planning considering organic rich solids”, Mining Technology, Vol. 129, Issue 2, pp. 53 – 67.

18) S. Huang, G. Li, E. Ben-Awuah, B. Oppong Afum and N. Hu (2020), “A stochastic mixed integer programming framework for underground mining production scheduling optimization considering grade uncertainty”, IEEE Access, Vol. 8, Issue 2020, pp. 24495 - 24505.

17) R. Noriega, Y. Pourrahimian and E. Ben-Awuah, (2020), “A two-step mathematical programming framework for undercut horizon optimization in block caving mines”, Resources Policy, Vol. 65, Issue 2020, pp. 101586:1 - 13.

16) B. Oppong Afum, E. Ben-Awuah and H. Askari-Nasab, (2020), “A mixed integer linear programming framework for optimising the extraction strategy of open pit – underground mining options and transitions”, International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment, Vol. 34, Issue 10, pp. 700 - 724.

15) S. Huang, G. Li, E. Ben-Awuah, B. Oppong Afum and N. Hu, (2020), "A robust mixed integer linear programming framework for underground cut-and-fill mining production scheduling", International Journal of Mining, Reclamation, and Environment, Vol. 34, Issue 6, pp. 397 - 414.

14) N. Seyed Hosseini, E. Ben-Awuah and Y. Pourrahimian, (2020), “A two-step approach to incorporate cut-off grade and stockpiling in oil sands mine planning optimization framework”, Computers and Operations Research, Vol. 115, Issue 2020, pp. 104659:1 - 15.

13) B. Oppong Afum, D. Caverson and E. Ben-Awuah, (2019), “A conceptual framework for characterizing mineralized waste rocks as future resource”, International Journal of Mining Science and Technology, Vol. 29, Issue 2019, pp. 429-435.

12) N. Seyed Hosseini and E. Ben-Awuah, (2018), “Oil Sands production scheduling and waste management with optimum cut-off grade policy”, International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering, Vol. 9, Issue 1, pp. 54 - 80.

11) E. Ben-Awuah, H. Askari-Nasab, A. Maremi and N. Seyed Hosseini, (2018), “Implementation of a goal programming framework for production and dyke material planning”, International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment, Vol. 32, Issue 8, pp. 536-563.

10) M. M. Badiozamani, E. Ben-Awuah and H. Askari-Nasab, (2019), “Mixed integer linear programming for oil sands production planning and tailings management”, Journal of Environmental Informatics, Vol. 33, Issue 2, pp. 96-104.

9) E. Ben-Awuah, O. Richter, T. Elkington and Y. Pourrahimian, (2016), “Strategic mining options optimization: open pit mining, underground mining or both”, International Journal of Mining Science and Technology, 26 (2016), pp. 1065–1071.

8) E. Ben-Awuah, T. Elkington, H. Askari-Nasab and F. Blanchfield, (2015), "Simultaneous production scheduling and waste management optimization for an oil sands application", Journal of Environmental Informatics, Vol. 26, Issue 2, pp. 80-90.

7) E. Ben-Awuah, E. Baah-Frimpong and C. F. A. Akayuli, (2013), "Analysis of embankment stability: a case study at Awaso mine, Ghana", Dams and Reservoirs, Vol. 23, Issue 3, pp. 152-160.

6) E. Ben-Awuah and H. Askari-Nasab, (2013), "Incorporating waste management into oil sands long term production planning", Mining Technology, Vol. 122, Issue 1, pp. 33-45.

5) S. Kalantari, E. Ben-Awuah and H. Askari-Nasab, (2013), "Towards an integrated oil sands mine plan and composite tailings plan", International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment, Vol. 27, Issue 2, pp. 103-126.

4) E. Ben-Awuah, H. Askari-Nasab and K. Awuah-Offei, (2012), "Production scheduling and waste disposal planning for oil sands mining using goal programming", Journal of Environmental Informatics, Vol. 20, Issue 1, pp. 20-33.

3) E. Ben-Awuah and H. Askari-Nasab, (2011), "Oil sands mine planning and waste management using mixed integer goal programming", International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment, Vol. 25, Issue 3, pp. 226-247.

2) H. Askari-Nasab, Y. Pourrahimian, E. Ben-Awuah and S. Kalantari, (2011), "Mixed integer linear programming formulations for open pit production scheduling", Journal of Mining Science, Vol. 47, Issue 3, pp. 338-359.

1) E. Ben-Awuah, S. Kalantari, Y. Pourrahimian and H. Askari-Nasab, (2010), "Hierarchical mine production scheduling using discrete-event simulation", International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering, Vol. 2, Issue 2, pp. 137-158.

Peer Reviewed Conference Papers

21) N. Al Habib, E. Ben-Awuah and H. Askari-Nasab, (2023) “Short-term planning of open pit mines with semi-mobile in-pit crusher”, Proceedings of the 2023 SME Annual Conference and Expo, Denver, CO, Feb. 26 – Mar. 01, Preprint 23-010.

20) S. Y. Amponsah, P. M. Takouda and E. Ben-Awuah, (2021) “A stochastic genetic algorithm for mining-related optimization problems”, Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Multiple Objective Programming and Goal Programming (MOPGP 2021), Online via Zoom, December 20 - 21, Paper 66.

19) P. Vasquez-Coronado, S. Acheampong and E. Ben-Awuah (2021), “Simulation of intelligent supervisory agent for autonomous mining systems”, Proceedings of the 1st Mediterranean Geosciences Union Annual Meeting (MedGU 2021), Hybrid, Istanbul, Turkey. November 25 – 28, Paper 722.

18) S. Y. Amponsah, P. Eme, P. M. Takouda and E. Ben-Awuah, (2021) “Genetic algorithm for open pit mine production scheduling optimization problems”, Proceedings of the 40th International Symposium on the Application of Computers and Operations Research in the Mineral Industry (APCOM 2021), Online via Zoom, August 30 – September 1, pp. 335 - 346.

17) J. Villeneuve, E. Ben-Awuah and P. Vasquez-Coronado, (2020), “Hierachical mine planning for a semi-mobile in-pit crushing and conveying system using discrete-event simulation”, Proceedings of the 6th UMaT Biennial International Mining and Mineral Conference, Tarkwa, Ghana. August 4 – 7, pp. 21 – 32.

16) O. Mbadozie and E. Ben-Awuah, (2020), “Incorporating grade uncertainty in oil sands mine planning and waste management optimization using stochastic mathematical programming”, Proceedings of the 6th UMaT Biennial International Mining and Mineral Conference, Tarkwa, Ghana. August 4 – 7, pp. 72 – 90.

15) W. Junkin, E. Ben-Awuah and L. Fava, (2020), “DFN Analysis Constrained by Site Conditions”, Proceedings of the 54th US Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium (Paper # ARMA 20-1297), Golden, Colorado, USA. June 28 - July 1, 8 pages.

14) W. R. Junkin, E. Ben-Awuah and L. Fava, (2019), “DFN variability analysis through voxelization”, Proceedings of the 53rd US Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium (Paper # ARMA 19-345), New York, USA. June 23-26, 10 pages.

13) W. R. Junkin, E. Ben-Awuah and L. Fava, (2019), “Incorporating DFN analysis in rock engineering systems blast fragmentation models”, Proceedings of the 53rd US Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium (Paper # ARMA 19-346), New York, USA. June 23-26, 9 pages.

12) B. Oppong Afum and E. Ben-Awuah, (2019), “MILP framework for open pit and underground mining transitions evaluation”, Proceedings of the 39th International Symposium on the Application of Computers and Operations Research in the Mineral Industry (APCOM 2019), Wroclaw, Poland, June 4 - 6, pp. 144 - 157.

11) A. Maremi and E. Ben-Awuah, (2018), “Integration of mine-to-mill production planning strategy for oil sands mining and waste disposal”, Proceedings of the 6th International Oil Sands Tailings Conference (IOSTC 2018), Edmonton, Canada, December 9-12, 13 pages.

10) A. Maremi, E. J. A. Appianing, and E. Ben-Awuah, (2018), “Estimating production schedule financial risk using a multi-objective mixed integer linear goal programing model”, Proceedings of the 5th University of Mines and Technology Biennial International Mining and Mineral Processing Conference, Tarkwa, Ghana, August 1-4, 22 pages.

9) F. Khodayari, Y. Pourrahimian and E. Ben-Awuah, (2018), “Application of mathematical modelling for draw control under material flow uncertainty”, Proceedings of the 4th International Symposium on Block and Sublevel Caving (Caving 2018). Vancouver, Canada, October 15-17, pp. 815-822.

8) W. R. Junkin, L. Fava, E. Ben-Awuah and R. M. Srivastava, (2018), “Analysis of MoFrac-generated deterministic and stochastic fracture network models”, Proceedings of the 2nd International Discrete Fracture Network Engineering Conference (Paper # DFNE 18-114). ARMA, Seattle, USA. June 20-22, 9 pages.

7) N. Seyed Hosseini and E. Ben-Awuah, (2017), “Application of cut-off grade optimization for hierarchical oil sands production and dyke material scheduling with stockpiling”, Proceedings of the 38th International Symposium on the Application of Computers and Operations Research in the Mineral Industry (APCOM 2017), Golden, Colorado, August 9-11, pp. 14:19-31.

6) E. Ben-Awuah, O. Richter and T. Elkington, (2015), “Mining options optimization: concurrent open pit and underground mining production scheduling”, Proceedings of the 37th International Symposium on the Application of Computers and Operations Research in the Mineral Industry (APCOM 2015), SME, Fairbanks, Alaska, May 23-27, pp. 1061-1071.

5) E. Ben-Awuah and H. Askari-Nasab, (2012), "A mathematical programming model for oil sands production scheduling and waste management", Tailings and Mine Waste Conference (T&MW 2012), Keystone, USA, October 14-17, pp. 593-608.

4) H. Askari-Nasab and E. Ben-Awuah, (2011), "Integration of oil sands mine planning and waste management using goal programming", 35th International Symposium on the Application of Computers and Operations Research in the Mineral Industry (APCOM 2011), AusIMM, Wollongong, Australia, September 24-30, pp. 329-350.

3) E. Ben-Awuah, H. Askari-Nasab and K. Awuah-Offei, (2011), "Waste disposal planning for oil sands mining using goal programming", Innovations in Mining Engineering Conference, Rolla, USA, August 30-September 1.

2) E. Ben-Awuah and H. Askari-Nasab, (2010), "Oil sands mine planning and waste management using goal programming", in Proceedings of Second International Oil Sands Tailings Conference, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, December 5-8, pp. 149-162.

1) E. Ben-Awuah, S. Kalantari, Y. Pourrahimian and H. Askari-Nasab, (2009), "Simulating the production of a multi element ore-body with an alternating crushing schedule", in Proceedings of the 18th International Symposium on Mine Planning and Equipment Selection (MPES 2009), Banff, Canada, November 16-19, pp. 150-162.

Dissertations

  • "Oil sands mine planning and waste management using goal programming", PhD Dissertation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.

  • "Analysis of embankment stability of the water storage facility at Awaso Mine", MSc Dissertation, University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, Ghana