Abstract

CLAASSEN, J.O.. Application of manufacturing management and improvement methodologies in the southern African mining industry. J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. [online]. 2016, vol.116, n.2, pp.139-148. ISSN 2411-9717.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2411-9717/2016/v116n2a5.

A study conducted at 22 operating mines in the southern African region indicated that each mine employs about five management and improvement methods with roots in the manufacturing industry. All respondents reported the implementation of cost-saving initiatives, whereas 80% of the mines are affected by restructuring. TQM, Six Sigma, BPM, and TOC were found to be the most prevalent manufacturing management and improvement methods used. A mechanistic vs systemic evaluation of the suitability of these methods to bring about positive change in the industry suggested that complex, ever-changing mining systems are better served by a systemic flow-based approach, which is embedded in methods such as TOC, JIT, TPS, and Lean Production. These methods, however, lack industry presence, possibly because they do not effectively deal with the unique challenges associated with the mining environment. It is argued that successful mining business management and improvement depends on management's ability to deal effectively with mining industry-specific requirements, the integration of the geology-mining-plant system, and the implementation of systemic flow-based principles in all aspects of mining

Keywords : mining improvement; continuous improvement; business improvement; manufacturing methodologies; mechanistic; systemic.

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