Abstract
Although South Africa possesses more than 80% of the world’s platinum
reserves, its reputation for reliability in supplying platinum to global
markets is under threat. This is due to the 49% decrease in output per
worker (1999–2014), while the domestic costs have risen by more than
10% annually for the past 5 years. In addition, the continued decline in the
commodity price by 38.3% (2012–2016) has resulted in a significant
portion of the sector producing at a loss in 2015. The Chamber of Mines
(now the Minerals Councilof South Africa) has suggested that solutions to
improve productivity and reduce cost pressures are required. This research
aims to provide operational excellence through the application of event
chain project management (ECPM) to improve productivity and reduce
operational costs. A case study was used to carry out research in platinum
mines, with data collected using a motion-time study to measure the
current efficiency of operations in each mining stope through actual
activity durations. The results indicate that through the application of the
event chain project management methodology, risks affecting the mining
stope schedule can be managed, the efficiency of operations was improved
by reducing the time spent on each activity, productivity was increased by
shortening the project duration, and operational costs were reduced in the
process.