Benchmarking - A Practical Technique for Measuring andImproving Operational Performance

摘要

Maximising shareholder value is a widely stated strategic goal of manyrnmining companies.Mining projects can be capital intensive and achievingrngood returns is essential to encourage future investment in the industry.rnDespite the widely accepted importance of shareholder value,thernminerals industry is often accused of providing relatively poor returnsrnwhen compared to other industries.There are many recent and wellrnpublicised examples of minerals companies that have failed to deliverrnvalue to their shareholders.rnMining operations are entrusted with the task of delivering theirrncorporate goals.This is not an easy task given the uniquely challengingrnoperating conditions and increasingly competitive global marketplacernwithin which mines operate.The Australian minerals industry has metrnthese challenges in the past and is well positioned to continue to do sorninto the future.However,significant effort is required to ensure that thernindustry continues to attract investment by realising the inherent value ofrnits resources.rnThere are numerous business improvement initiatives employed withinrnthe mining industry to assist mine operators improve performance.Somernare more effective at creating value than others.Benchmarking is onerntechnique that is commonly used to identify performance gaps and targetrnand prioritise opportunities for improvement.However to be effective,rnBenchmarking must be used appropriately and result in actions that leadrnto measurable operational improvement.rnWhen conducting a Benchmarking project it is important to rememberrnthat the aim should be to improve value.For this to be achieved,thernstrategic goals must be incorporated into the process.rnThis paper details a structured and comprehensive approach tornconducting a successful Benchmarking project.Focusing on Benchmarkingrnas a technique for measuring and improving operational performance inrnunderground mines,the underlying drivers of best practice in undergroundrnmining are identified.