Abstract

NDAY, I.N.M.  and  THOMAS, H.. Optimization of the cycle time to increase productivity at Ruashi Mining. J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. [online]. 2019, vol.119, n.7, pp.631-638. ISSN 2411-9717.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2411-9717/624/2019.

The optimization of the cycle time to increase productivity at Ruashi Mining was an on-site project investigation conducted from December 2017 to January 2018. The main objective of the investigation was to determine the actual cycle time components. These comprise the queuing time, loading time, hauling time, and dumping time of ADTs (articulated dump trucks). Data was also collected on two hydraulic shovels to identify where these could be optimized. The actual cycle time obtained was compared to the theoretical cycle time to ascertain the constraints, which affect productivity. By applying Systems Thinking to the cycle time, man-made constraints of the actual cycle time were identified and recommendations to mitigate them suggested to optimize the cycle time. However, rainfall is a natural constraint that adversely affects the actual cycle time, and which cannot be mitigated. In addition, both the theoretical and actual cycle time were analysed, as well as the theoretical and actual productivity for the year 2017. Based on the findings, conclusions and recommendations were made to optimize the cycle time.

Keywords : opencast mining; cycle time; optimization; productivity.

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