A new method for analyzing the maintainability and downtime of mining machinery has been developed, aiming to improve operational efficiency.
The research analyzed the maintainability of ten rope shovels over two years, introducing new methodologies to improve maintenance efficiency by categorizing downtime.
The study involved researchers from the Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine and is authored by Mohammad Rezaei Dashtaki, Ali Jandaghi Jafari, and Seyed Hadi Hoseinie.
The maintenance analysis was conducted from March 1, 2022, to March 1, 2023.
The study took place at the Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine, the largest open-pit copper mine in Iran.
The research aims to increase production capacity and operational efficiency by enhancing machinery performance through effective maintenance strategies.
The researchers analyzed repair data, categorized downtime, and established new quantitative methods based on mechanical and electrical failures.
The findings revealed 80% of repairs could be completed within one shift, establishing efficiency benchmarks for maintenance operations.
“80% of repairs can be accomplished within a single shift, which is operationally understandable and manageable for the entire crew.”
“Only 50% of the downtime is spent on direct repair action and the rest of the time belongs to five different maintenance actions and delays.”
This new method demonstrates significant potential for improving maintenance strategies and minimizing downtime.