Sustainability of Extraction of Raw Material by a Combination of Mobile and Stationary Mining Machines and Optimization of Machine Life Cycle

Katarína Teplická,Martin Straka

doi:10.3390/su122410454

Abstract

This article summarizes the arguments within the scientific discussion on the issue of using mining machines and their life cycle. The main goal of the article is to investigate the impact of a combination of mobile and stationary mining machines and their optimal distribution in the mining process to increase the efficiency of mining and processing of raw materials. The following methods of research were focused on the use of technical indicators for the valuation efficiency of the mining process: a simulation method was used for the distribution of mining machines, comparison analysis was used for the real and past state of mining machines, and a decision tree was used as managerial instrument for optimal alternatives of mining machines. The research empirically confirms and theoretically proves that optimal distribution of mining machines and machine parks is very important for mining companies. The benefit of this research for the mining company was the new location of the machines and the combination of stationary production lines and mobile equipment. The optimal layout of the machines reduced the number of conveyor belts and improved the transfer of limestone processing to mobile devices, saving time, which was reflected in transport costs. The results can be useful for other mining companies seeking to create an optimal machine park.

Highlights

Success in the mining industry requires having the best mining machines and optimal placement for them in the mining process
The aim of this article is to investigate the impact of a combination of mobile and stationary mining machines and their optimal distribution in the mining process to increase the efficiency of mining and processing of raw materials
The optimal machine park must ensure the mining and processing, customer requirements, employee safety and added value, which will be reflected in the performance indicators of the mining company

Summary

Introduction

Success in the mining industry requires having the best mining machines and optimal placement for them in the mining process. The aim of this article is to investigate the impact of a combination of mobile and stationary mining machines and their optimal distribution in the mining process to increase the efficiency of mining and processing of raw materials. New mining machines means improving mining operations, more efficiently boosting productivity and employee safety, and opportunities for future use of earth resources and new technologies in the mining industry [1]. A suitable alternative to machinery optimization is a combination of stationary production lines and mobile equipment and their optimal distribution in the mining process. The optimal placement of mining machines in the mining process results in time savings, reduced downtime and increased volume of processed raw material, reduced operating costs, and other benefits for the mining company in terms of satisfying customer requirements for the required parameter of the processed raw material fraction [3]

Objectives

Results

Conclusion