Optimization of shift cycles in the South African mining sector

Abstract

Increased depths of conventional gold and platinum mines, longer travelling times as working places move further from the shaft, and ancillary activities taking place in the mining cycle reduce the useable time spent at the workface. Current shift lengths of 8 hours 20 minutes may no longer be adequate to complete required mining activities.The impact of mineworker commuting times on shift work is also not well understood. The aim of this research was to draft a framework to optimize shift cycles in order to maximize productivity, health, safety, and wellness in the South African mining sector. The framework was informed by a review of the literature, case studies at a local gold mine and platinum mine, and a workshop with industry experts. The findings indicate potential advantages of extended shift lengths and continuous operations, such as improved productivity, asset utilization, and employee morale. However, concerns included fatigue and the associated safety hazards, particularly when working longer shifts, night shifts, and numerous consecutive shifts. Job demands, personal factors, and commuting times are further considerations when scheduling shifts. The ideal shift system for the mining sector should holistically consider and balance operational requirements, health and safety, and employees' and their families' requirements, and suit the unique needs of each operation. Changes in shift cycles will require a structured change management process, which involves all stakeholders, and could help to enhance the viability of the South African mining sector.

Single‐Well Pore Pressure Preconditioning for Enhanced Geothermal System Stimulation

“…The recognized significance of the stress state for many industrial operations as well as operators' proven ability to influence it, has led to the notion that the stress state can be intentionally preconditioned before an operation to that operation's eventual benefit. The idea of preconditioning was first introduced by the mining industry in the late 1950s as a way to improve rockburst conditions in mines, by blasting to relieve stress in near‐face regions (Roux et al., 1957; Toper et al., 2000). In the petroleum industry, reservoir‐engineering solutions which involve the manipulation of the stress field have been proposed since the 1970s (Shuck, 1977).…”