1 min read / March 6, 2024 / Staff writer
For nearly all mining companies, maximizing profits is a top priority. One way that mines can achieve their profitability goal is through effective payload management. By gaining real-time visibility into equipment payload data, mines can avoid under- or overloading trucks, have an accurate accounting of the material being moved at any given time, and optimize the utilization of their existing equipment fleet.
A mine in Zambia recently approached Komatsu for help in identifying opportunities to improve loading efficiency. In response, members of Komatsu's Africa-based Performance Assurance (PA) team sat down with mine personnel to gain an understanding of the mine’s challenges and develop a mutually-agreed-upon corrective course of action.
The PA team worked on site to review and evaluate the mine’s loading processes and procedures. They identified an opportunity to improve payload accuracy by implementing the payload feature of the already-installed DISPATCH® Fleet Management System (FMS).
To enable the flow of data between the equipment units and the FMS, the PA team updated the version of the DISPATCH System and installed and configured the applicable truck payload interfaces. In addition, a set of custom-developed Loading Efficiency reports and Payload Dashboards afforded operations personnel and mine management greater insight into payload accuracy, operator efficiency, and equipment performance.
To establish a baseline for analysis, 2018 data was collected from June 21 – August 20, and again from August 21 – September 9; with and without the PA team’s changes in place, respectively. Analysis of the before-and-after data revealed that loading efficiency increased significantly in the 12 months following implementation and configuration of the FMS’ payload functionality.
Production of material moved in areas outside of the pit (ex-pit), increased by more than 14%; an amount that equates to nearly $2.5 million USD of additional revenue, per annum.
The realized benefits are summarized in the following graphs:
To see more information please read the study.