Modern Quarrying Q1 2019

LOAD AND HAUL

The productivity of any surface mine largely hinges on the efficiency of its load and haul system. Yet, loading and hauling run of mine material represents a very significant component of the total operating cost. Consequently, the incentive to reduce cost in this area remains high, writes Munesu Shoko . MAXIMISING LOAD/ HAUL PRODUCTIVITY

T he current aggregates business climate is characterised by price volatility, high labour costs, shrinking margins and increasing operational costs. This is exacerbated by a steady decline in the growth of aggregates demand due to the lack of meaningful construction projects. For quarries to survive and mine profitably, they need to capitalise on the opportunity to improve their productivity and focus on one factor they can control: operational efficiency. Increasing productivity is one of the key drivers to counter diminishing profit margins as it effectively reduces operating costs. However, the emphasis should not only be on increasing output with the same input, but increasing the output while decreasing the input, and ultimately adding optimum value to current resources. Research shows that an increase in production will ultimately decrease the operation’s unit cost, especially fixed costs. Load and haul is probably the biggest cost driver for any quarry. Yet, if properly

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MODERN QUARRYING QUARTER 1 - 2019