Abstract
Load Haul Dumper (LHD) machines are integral to hard rock mining, efficiently transporting ore from mining points to ore passes or trucks. Designed to operate optimally within a 200-meter range, LHDs significantly enhance mining productivity, moving from manual shovelling to handling 25 cubic meters of material per load. Over time, advancements in LHD technology have enabled the adoption of more efficient mining methods previously deemed impractical. Despite their benefits, unplanned LHD failures considerably impact operational costs, with loading and hauling expenses constituting over 50% of total mining costs in quarry operations. The harsh mining environment often compromises the reliability and maintainability of LHDs. This research aims to identify the factors influencing LHD maintenance costs.
The study employs a comprehensive literature review and empirical data collection, focusing on Booysendal Platinum Mine over six months from July 2022 to December 2022. Organizational reports and historical data were scrutinized, using Pearson’s correlation coefficient for comparative and correlation analysis, to uncover the underlying causes of increased LHD maintenance costs. The sampling process was limited to LHDs that had accumulated over 20,000 hours of operation.
Findings reveal that major component failures significantly impact LHD maintenance costs. The study identifies the primary causes of these failures and discusses the benefits of addressing them. Based on the literature review and empirical data findings, several mitigation strategies are proposed: reducing dust generation and improving road conditions in LHD operational areas, maintaining ideal tramming distances to minimize transmission and torque converter failures, and ensuring thorough inspections and maintenance of LHDs.
In conclusion, the research highlights the challenges associated with LHD use at Booysendal Platinum Mine and their impact on maintenance costs. Implementing the proposed mitigation strategies can dramatically reduce maintenance expenses and promote sustainable mining operations.