Mining equipment overall efficiency improvement initiative instrumental in turning around the overall performance of a mine - a case study

摘要

In mechanized mining, poor equipment efficiency (availability, utilization, productivity, andquality) can delay the success of the operation. This case study will show how an initiativeto improve equipment performance developed into a comprehensive turn-around plan for themine and put it at the forefront of performance achievement and exceeding its targets.As part of a company-wide review process, poor overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)was identified as a major cause for the mine not achieving its targets. A project to improvethe OEE identified eight improvement areas (elements) that contributed significantly to thepoor performance. Measurement metrics (KPIs) were determined for these elements,followed by determination of baseline KPIs and target (improved) KPIs. Cost savingsassociated with the improved efficiencies were calculated and tracked throughout the project.The mine team determined the specific actions required to achieve the target KPIs in eachelement. These were each developed and managed like mini-projects with allocatedresponsibilities for delivery.The paper will indicate how this OEE improvement initiative triggered the improvementin almost all sections of the mine. Soon after launch, the initiative gathered momentum asthe KPIs starting to improve. A visible tracking system exists at the mine and each employeecan see the improvements and feel the success in his/her pocket. The original eight elementswere extended by five more and the mini-projects grew as participants saw the success of theinitiative.This paper illustrates how, through both management and worker involvement, visiblemeasurement and controls, and carefully chosen improvement elements, the mine was turnedaround. It is now achieving and exceeding its targets. Employee relations and motivation, aswell as safety, improved considerably. All these results can be seen on the bottom line.