Maximizing Efficiency in Mining Operations: Applying the Time Usage Model to Mobile Equipment (Part 3)

Maximizing Efficiency in Mining Operations: Applying the Time Usage Model to Mobile Equipment (Part 3)

By Danie Bezuidenhout

Building on our previous discussion of the Time Usage Model (TUM) and its application to the mining industry, Part 3 focuses specifically on mobile equipment—haul trucks, loaders, excavators, and other essential vehicles in mining operations. As we shift attention from fixed plant equipment, which we’ll explore further in Part 4, it's important to understand that the TUM applies just as critically to mobile assets, helping mining companies improve asset utilization, streamline workflows, and manage operational downtime.

The Importance of TUM for Mobile Equipment

In contrast to fixed plant equipment (e.g., crushers and conveyors) that are stationary and largely centralized, mobile equipment must be adaptable, operating in various locations and conditions within a mine site. The flexibility of mobile equipment, while valuable, also presents a challenge in maintaining efficiency and reducing idle time. Applying the TUM to mobile assets ensures:

• Enhanced Operational Planning: Understanding equipment utilization allows for effective scheduling and resource allocation.
• Targeted Maintenance: Tracking time usage and identifying frequent delays helps teams prioritize maintenance needs.
• Productivity Improvements: Minimizing downtime and optimizing operating hours for mobile equipment directly impacts production rates.

Key Metrics for Mobile Equipment TUM

According to the TUM framework, time usage for mobile equipment is categorized in much the same way as fixed plant, but with adjustments for the specific demands of mobile operations. The core metrics include:

1. Calendar Time (CT): The total hours available in a period, providing a baseline for planning and tracking.
2. Available Time (AT): This reflects the time equipment is ready for deployment, excluding scheduled downtime for maintenance. In mobile settings, maximizing AT is crucial as unplanned downtime can disrupt workflows and impact production.
3. Utilized Time (UT): Periods when equipment is in active use, contributing to productive work. Mobile equipment’s UT often depends on site layout, traffic patterns, and task-specific requirements, making it essential to monitor UT to optimize resource deployment.
4. Operating Time (OT): This metric captures when equipment is engaged in its primary function—be it loading, hauling, or drilling. Like fixed plant equipment in Part 4, maximizing OT for mobile units is essential for operational effectiveness.
5. Operating Delays (OD): For mobile equipment, OD can result from queuing, waiting for loading or dumping cycles, and route congestion. Identifying and reducing OD is key for mobile operations since even short delays compound significantly over time.
6. Productive Time (PT): Reflects the hours during which mobile equipment contributes directly to output. Monitoring PT for mobile assets can pinpoint areas where idle or non-productive time may be reduced.

Differences Between Mobile Equipment and Fixed Plant TUM

While the TUM framework is broadly applicable across all types of mining equipment, mobile and fixed assets face distinct challenges. For instance:

• Mobility and Flexibility: Mobile equipment operates in changing locations across the mine, requiring flexibility in time tracking that accommodates the variability in work environments. In Part 4, fixed plant will be discussed with a focus on its stationary nature and how that influences TUM metrics.
• Environmental Conditions: Mobile equipment may face terrain, weather, and operational delays more frequently than fixed plant, affecting time utilization and efficiency.
• Maintenance Frequency: Given the rigorous demands and variable conditions faced by mobile equipment, maintenance needs are more frequent and must be managed proactively. Part 4 will contrast this with fixed plant, where maintenance can often be scheduled based on predictable wear and usage.

Advantages of Applying TUM to Mobile Equipment

Applying TUM to mobile assets offers several benefits for mining operations:

• Reduced Downtime: With insights into time usage patterns, maintenance and scheduling can be adjusted to maximize uptime for mobile equipment.
• Improved Productivity: By identifying time lost to idle or non-productive hours, mining teams can implement strategies to increase PT, directly impacting the site’s output.
• Enhanced Benchmarking: Standardizing time metrics enables comparison across different equipment types, sites, and operational scenarios, fostering continuous improvement.

Looking Ahead to Part 4: Fixed Plant Operations

As we’ve explored, applying the TUM to mobile equipment gives mining companies a powerful tool for enhancing efficiency and reducing downtime. In Part 4, we’ll shift focus to fixed plant equipment, such as crushers and conveyors, to understand how the TUM framework applies to these stationary assets and the specific challenges and opportunities associated with fixed operations.

By approaching TUM holistically across both mobile and fixed plant assets, mining companies can achieve a well-rounded perspective on operational efficiency, supporting long-term growth, asset management, and profitability.

Reference: Tynan, John. “Fundamentals of Cost Parts 1-5: The Time Usage Model in Mining.”

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