Competitiveness Increasing in Mining Companies through Application of Operation Research Methods

• Main Authors: Katarína Teplická, Soňa Hurná, Jaroslava Kádárová, Katarína Čulková
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: UIKTEN 2020-02-01
• Series: TEM Journal
• Subjects: quantitative methods; efficiency; cost reduction; machines; optimizing of production
• Online Access: http://www.temjournal.com/content/91/TEMJournalFebruary2020_393_401.pdf

Quantitative models of operational research are an important tool for optimizing production factors in an enterprise, and they are a tool for decision-making, serving for competitiveness increasing. They enable to look for the right solutions of problems in business processes and optimize all resources in the enterprise. The aim of the contribution is to point out the possibilities of optimizing the operation of mining machines through management tools - optimization mathematical models. In this contribution, we used operation capability control model of the machines and a model of a critical element. The results of the models determine the optimal inspection interval for 10 months of machine operation and the optimum belt conveyor change interval is 11th working shift. Through quantitative models of operational research, we were able to solve the problems of the mining company. Based on the operational research models used, we found that the ball mill in the capacity reserve positions should be monitored within its life cycle in 10 months of its operation, and conducted a comprehensive control focusing on the functionality of the ball mill. On the belt conveyor, it is necessary to carry out a belt check after 11 each working shift, since this interval represents the minimum operating costs and at the same time, it is the time when the belt conveyor can be repaired.