Applying a Maintenance Methodology for Excavation Reliability

Author： Vagenas Nick Kazakidis Vassilios Scoble Malcolm Espley Samantha

ISSN： 1389-5265

Source： International Journal of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Environment, Vol.17, Iss.1, 2003-01, pp. : 4-19

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Abstract

Production management in mining needs to consider the performance reliability of not only the machine systems and workforce but also the excavations themselves. Excavations such as tunnels and shafts are critical components of an underground mine production system. Their operational reliability and capacity is dependent upon several factors, but primarily upon how the ground conditions can affect their structural stability over time. Much effort has been placed in the past towards developing the ability to characterize and analyze ground conditions and then design excavations and ground control practice to avoid ground-related problems. Unfortunately there has been only limited capacity in the past to manage the actual excavation performance and the impact of ground-related problems on production, in terms of productivity losses, costs and reliability. The economics of ground control and reliability analysis have not been fully integrated into traditional mine production management. This paper demonstrates how an approach using a maintenance methodology can be applied to assess the reliability of underground mining excavations. The approach is also applicable to surface mining excavations. Research indicates that the performance of the excavations, as well as the machines and workforce, should be tracked to manage the quality of mine production planning and control more effectively. This also should ensure the realization of the full potential of future automated mining systems.