Abstract: Based on the principle of profit maximization， the upright cone algorithm was designed to optimize ultimate boundary of openpit coal mine. The algorithm is to delimitate largest boundary， to construct cone shell template and to exclude cones. It could easily incorporate different finalslope angles in different directions and zones. According to the production， geological condition， mining cost and coal price， the algorithm was used on the columnar coal seam model to optimize boundary. Under the geological condition of coal seam， including technical and economic conditions， the optimum size and shape of boundary as well as stripping quantity was obtained. The optimization results provide great reference for the policy makers.

Key words: openpit coal mine, boundary optimization, cone exclusive method, cone shell template, ultimate boundary