Impacts of downtimes mitigation related to face drilling rigs in mining development cycles

Underground mining development is directly related to face drilling rig performance. Reducing operating costs and improving productivity are current and crucial topics for mining projects around the world within the development phase. Unlike past approaches, this article is based on variations of equipment availability and utilisation, and their impact on development plans success and costs decrease. To assess the influence of these parameters, daily field data were collected to identify major downtimes in normal cycles and apply adequate corrective measures to mitigate them. Additionally, this article presents the reader with a graphic illustration of the correlation between utilisation and development, including historical data. This paper was developed from October 2017 to March 2018. The result of this study seeks to identify when projects generate profits by comparing four situations with constant productivity, but variables such as the possession rate, maintenance fee, production and utilisation. Finally, it is demonstrated that success in mining projects, related to equipment, is proportional to the utilisation of the fleet, with the correct management of productivities.