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Management Control Systems - Mining |
Balance to improve productivity
Balancing
your mine 
The system required to run a mine
is like a chain. It is a sequence of closely interrelated activities that must
be synchronised to deliver the optimum levels of productivity. If any part of
the system breaks down or a bottleneck develops, this affects downstream processes
increasing costs and decreasing output.
Sydney Consulting will help you achieve balance in the
sequence of operations in your mine to achieve the optimum sustainable output.
Understanding a unique industry
Sydney Consulting knows the language of mining and the
idiosyncrasies that occur within mines. Our extensive experience with mines
means we understand the vital connections between the systems, people and
equipment involved. With this level of experience we are also able to quickly
pinpoint weaknesses in the work flow.
The Process
Sydney Consulting can introduce balance to the control
systems of a mine. This sounds easy on paper, but of course mines are complex,
large, unwieldy and idiosyncratic places. There are three phases to achieving a
balanced, efficient operating sequence.
Review and
identification
 The first phase is to thoroughly
understand the processes and operating system currently in place. This applies
throughout the mine from the coal face or quarry wall to the haulage
methodology, distribution and office management. Our independent analysis
allows us to develop a comprehensive range of zero-based standards by which we
can measure every facet of mine activity without bias.
Resource Planning
In order for the system to work effectively, the right
level of resourcing, including provision for fallover and redundancy, is
essential. This includes staffing levels, staff skills inventory, machinery,
equipment, power, water, maintenance schedules and off site back up strategies
(hiring equipment, back up staff, etc).
Development and
installation
This phase is to develop an integrated system. This reductive
process involves consultation and agreement from all appropriate mine employees.
The process zeroes in on performance requirements, so that every member of the
team knows exactly what is required from month to month, week to week, shift to
shift.
The MCSM below (Management Control System for Mining) outlines the process from
the determination of the Life of Mine, through annual budgeting down to shift
by shift performance.
Driving productivity through
sustainable improvement
It is of no use to design the best MCSM in the world if the
people who have to work with it and take ownership of it are not part of the
process.
One of the main factors in the success of the MCSM is the involvement of key
staff in every phase, be it analysis, design, implementation or refinement.
Once this is achieved, Sydney Consulting trainers can then work on the ground
with workers and management to drive a commitment to positive change.
Each mine has its particular needs, but the basic principles are consistent, be
it above or below ground. All facets of any mine need to work in concert to
achieve the desired levels of productivity.
 Sustainability
Sustainability is achieved by installing the appropriate
levels of reporting, ensuring that employees are responsible and accountable
through daily reporting and reviewing all key mine activities. The systems
developed and installed by Sydney Consulting allow employees as well as
management to introduce changes that continually improve the operation of the
mine.
Keeping an eye on things
Because all mine systems exist in a dynamic environment,
Sydney Consulting can conduct audits and reviews after the initial period of
the work has ended. This ensures everyone involved and the mine process itself
is applying the system in the manner that was agreed.
The bottom line
A successful Management Control System (MCS)
implementation will help you manage the interactions between people, processes
and equipment, to deliver the most cost effective output the mine is capable of
delivering, over the complete Life of Mine.
Sydney Consulting consistently helps its clients to deliver millions of dollars
in savings from operating costs, and achieve significant increases in overall
mine productivity.
Contact us
to discuss a review
of your mine's performance and what results a Sydney Consulting Management
Control System for Mining can deliver.
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"
Sydney
consulting provided five trainers to assess, develop and implement a
system that would improve the management processes on site. The
process was a success and the people on site all stated that they had
improved their knowledge and skills as a result of this process."
"The trainers all integrated well with the workforce on a site that worked on a seven on seven off, 12 hour roster. This in itself was no small achievement. Following the completion of the Ensham trial a further assignment was started. "