Excavator downtime's differences between types and comparison with other mining equipment

Abstract

Mining equipment working time is critical for ensuring output and fulfilling mining project deadlines. In order to find trends and possible downtime minimization measures, this article analyses numerous types of excavators, dump trucks, loaders, backhoe loaders, bucket wheel excavators, and surface-top hammer drill rigs in Serbian mining sites. The study collects data on mechanical, electrical, technological, organizational, abuse and meteorological downtimes types with the aim to highlight efficient ways for minimizing non-operational periods, hence improving the overall productivity and safety of mining operations in the industry. Special emphasis is put on excavators whose role in the mining industry is pivotal, directly impacting project timelines and financial outcomes. The methodology includes analysing the duration and implications of different downtime categories. Collected data showed non-parametric features, according to the descriptive statistics. To compare the data, the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test is implemented. The results of the research showed that, in most cases, there is a difference in the duration of downtimes between different categories of excavators' downtimes. However, a comparison between excavator downtimes and other machinery downtimes has not shown any statistically significant differences. This analysis aims to contribute to the optimisation of mining equipment usage, offering valuable insights for mining industry stakeholders.