Mine-site Transport Equipment selection & evaluation

Smith Global engineers have been involved in the design of numerous innovative Mine-site transport solutions, particularly in the oversize Road-transport sector, and have won awards for Innovation in mining transportation. Consequently we are ideally suitable for the evaluation of equipment for a particular haul-road task. For example we can;

• Develop feasible innovative concepts for particular applications.

• Evaluate the feasibility of equipment proposals by 3rd parties.

• Select & recommend the most suitable existing equipment for particular applications.

 

Haul-road route evaluation & advice

Smith Global can also provide evaluations and advice regarding the suitability of proposed standard or oversize road-transport equipment for proposed haul-road routes. We have experience with the accurate prediction of vehicle performance including speed, grade-ability, traction against payload & gross mass, including for multi-combination vehicles with multiple power sources (i.e. powered trailers). We are able to provide comparative evaluations & recommendations of the most suitable equipment considering both cost & performance.

We are also currently developing trip-time modelling software to further predict vehicle cycle times along complex haul-road routes using surveyors’ data.

 

Mine-site Logistics operational audits & reviews

Smith Global Pty Ltd provides consultation services to Mine-site transport companies to assist them in optimising fleet performance.

Freight logistics, fleet maintenance and operator performance are just some of the elements assessed and reported on. The review takes a holistic approach, examining the overall goals of the client and whether the equipment and procedures currently in place are able to achieve those goals. We are then able to provide recommendations for improvement and are able to assist with training & implementation of those improvements.

We can assist the client with identification of the optimum operational data that needs to be captured to accurately assess equipment & process performance. We can also provide regular assessment of that data, creating clear, concise summary reports that assist Mine-site transport managers to make decisions about operational improvements.

 

Audit maintenance workshop facilities & processes

Incorrectly maintained equipment can either lead to premature equipment failure, resulting in loss of equipment availability and increased overhaul and repair costs, or alternatively reduces the cost-effectiveness of equipment due to over-servicing.

Smith Global have been engaged to audit the workshop maintenance facilities and processes at some mine-sites in Australia and at some transport companies internationally. We evaluate the current maintenance procedures in place, considering the available service equipment and labour skill-set. We can assist the client by developing cost effective maintenance procedures & training packages. We can also provide regular spot-audits to ensure that maintenance improvements are being adhered to.

 

Develop Service & maintenance schedules

In many cases, equipment that has been manufactured for a specific task is supplied without adequate service schedules. Smith Global is able to research equipment component technical details & create Service schedules that will optimise the utilization of the equipment & provide cost-effective maintenance.

 

Risk Assessments

We have experience working with Take-5 and Zero-harm safety systems and can facilitate Risk Assessments of equipment use &/or operational processes using formal Risk matrix protocols. We are then able to provide Risk reports and formal recommendations on Risk minimization or elimination.

 

Design, Manage manufacture of:

Mine-site Transport equipment & accessories

Workshop customized tools

Equipment Safe access systems

In addition to the design of complete innovative Mine-site transport equipment such as Oversized mining trailers & self-powered trailers, Smith Global can also design & manage the manufacture of accessories, tools and equipment for Mine-site applications.

Some examples include:

• Safe-access systems permanently attached to transport systems

• Workshop safe-access systems for maintenance of mine-site equipment

• Safe-handling equipment & tools for heavy components – e.g. Tyre handling equipment, equipment for removing & replacing heavy components such as hydraulic cylinders.

• Rated safety stands and body-props.

• Specialized tools for maintenance.

• Equipment for cleaning & maintaining hydraulic systems.

• Equipment for remote fault diagnosis of electrical & CAN-bus systems.

 

Forensic & Investigative engineering

Smith Global have been engaged on several occasions to perform investigations into technical problems that have occurred on mine-sites or with oversize transport equipment.

We have participated in IQAN investigations & Risk assessments of equipment failures in the field.

Refer to section 9, “Technical Investigations & Forensic Engineering”, for further details

 

Lean evaluation & implementation – minimise waste in all aspects

LEAN is all about the minimisation of waste in all aspects including time & materials. It is most effective when the entire workforce is engaged to consider waste & is encouraged to enthusiastically find ways minimize it.

It is often easy for staff to see waste in their fellow workers processes, but much harder to focus on themselves to minimise their own waste.

Smith Global has significant experience applying LEAN processes to a fast-paced short-production-run manufacturing environment. We are able to apply these Lean values to operational & maintenance aspects of the Mine-site environment and can assist clients with the identification of wasteful practices & process and mentoring on ways to improve.