Development of a Framework for Equipment Health Management in the Mining Industries in Zambia

Abstract

The Zambian mining industry is crucial to the national economy but struggles with inconsistent equipment maintenance practices. This study developed an Equipment Maintenance Management Framework (EMMF) tailored to the industry’s needs. Using surveys, interviews, and on-site visits at eight major mining companies, we identified significant variations in maintenance strategies, CMMS usage, and reliability engineering. The EMMF prioritizes predictive maintenance, efficient CMMS implementation, ongoing training, and robust reliability engineering to shift from reactive to proactive maintenance. We recommend adopting continuous improvement practices and data-driven decision-making based on performance metrics, with a phased EMMF implementation aligning maintenance with strategic business objectives. This framework is poised to enhance operational efficiency, equipment reliability, and safety, fostering sustainable growth in the Zambian mining sector.