JOURNAL PAPER

Double-header trains at Great Noligwa mine

L. van Dyk

University of Johannesburg

SYNOPSIS

The project was aimed at evaluating the double-header trains implemented at Great Noligwa mine, looking at the changes from the old conventional trains to the new trains, and identifying possible improvements to obtain an even better and more productive tramming system. The methods used to evaluate the double-header trains at the mine included personal observations, time studies, personal interviews, technical research, safety analysis, cost analysis, production analysis, breakdown analysis, break test analysis, comparisons and working closely with engineering department and manufacturers.
Issues that were evaluated are the improvements in safety, cost reductions, tramming congestion reductions, better efficiencies, labour optimization, enhanced driver safety and maintenance. Shortcomings of the double-header trains were identified and recommendations made to improve on the shortcomings.
Findings of the evaluation study indicated the following:
➤ Drastic improvement on safety
➤ Extreme cost reductions
➤ Reduction in tramming congestions and bottlenecks
➤ Better tramming efficiencies
➤ Optimized labour placement
➤ Enhanced driver safety
➤ More effective maintenance.
Although there is room for improvements, the double-header trains were implemented with great success at Great Noligwa mine. It is currently the preferred tramming methodology at Great Noligwa mine, and is also implemented at other Anglo Gold Ashanti-South Africa shafts. This tramming system has huge potential for growth, not only in Anglo Gold Ashanti, but in all other older mines that experience major tramming problems.

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