Optimization of the Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) of Loaders and Rigid Frame Trucks in NAMDEB Southern Coastal Mine Stripping Fleet, Namibia

Abstract

This research work investigates optimization of the overall equipment efficiency (OEE) of loaders and rigid frame trucks in Southern Coastal Mine Stripping fleet of Namibia. The objectives of the research were achieved through direct observation and recording in a natural setting. The collected data were duration of various cycle loss times components, loader and truck cycle times. The primary source of data is a time motion study conducted over day shifts. The secondary source is existing data from the mine. The collected data were recorded in print and transferred to corresponding digital spread sheet format in the Microsoft Excel® package for more efficient calculation and analysis. The results of the analyses revealed that OEE estimated for truck operation is 63.12% while that of loader is 24.4%. The estimated availability for truck by OEE is 60.67% while that of loader is 43.30% against the bench mark of 90%, the estimated performance for truck by OEE is 94.58% while that of loader is 59.94% against the bench mark of 90% and the estimated quality for truck by OEE is 110% while that of loader is 94% against the bench mark of 95%. From an availability perspective, queuing and bunching of trucks should be minimized.