Optimization of mobile substation positioning improved overall operational efficiency. Relocating substations closer to active mining areas, while respecting safety and spatial constraints, reduced supply distances, improved power quality, and enhanced the operational continuity of electric rope shovels. In addition, prioritizing straight and accessible alignments facilitated maintenance, minimized interference with mine traffic, and simplified future system expansions. The interdisciplinary collaborative process was a key enabler in selecting the final scenario, as joint reviews with electrical maintenance, geotechnical, mine operations, and planning teams ensured that solutions were validated not only from a technical perspective but also from operational and constructability standpoints. 5. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR INDUSTRY This study demonstrates that electrical infrastructure should be treated as a core design variable rather than an afterthought in open pit mine planning. Integrating mediumvoltage reticulation (13.8 kV / 7.2 kV) into mine design and sequencing, rather than managing it as a reactive support system, reduces unplanned relocations, trailing-cable runs, and post-blast re-energization delays, while improving shovel utilization and overall planning reliability. A structured five-year planning horizon supported by period maps enables early identification of ramp reorientations, phase interactions, and potential conflicts between blasting activities and electrical infrastructure, including poles, overhead lines, and mobile substations. Incorporating constraints such as catenary span, blast exclusion zones, bench width, and geotechnical setbacks enhances safety, maintainability, and operational accessibility as the pit evolves. Optimized substation siting provides tangible operational benefits. Positioning mobile substations closer to active mining areas—supported by targeted bench adjustments where required and approved—reduces supply distances, mitigates voltage drop risks, and improves power continuity. Aligning overhead line routing with ramp geometry further minimizes traffic interaction and reduces the need for future reconfigurations. While detailed economic quantification was outside the scope of this study, the findings indicate clear positive implications. Reductions in infrastructure relocations, unnecessary installation/removal cycles, and excessive cable lengths are expected to improve both operating efficiency and capital allocation. In addition, better alignment between electrical infrastructure and pit development reduces production delays linked to power interruptions. Further economic evaluation of these impacts is recommended as future work. The proposed methodology is readily transferable to other open pit operations with in‑pit electrical reticulation networks supplying electrically powered mining equipment. Its implementation does not require additional resources, but rather improved integration and coordination of existing mine planning, electrical, and operational data.
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