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What is mechanised mining?

There is nothing mysterious about mechanised mining. But, by the same token, there is no catch-all definition of what is an appropriate mechanised system. While fundamental mechanisation principles are common to all mines, each mine is unique with requirements that differ from those of its neighbours.

If mechanisation is understood to mean the use of tools in mining, all of South Africa's mines are mechanised to some extent. However, the degree of mechanisation applied has not always been optimal owing to a number of factors such as the unavailability of suitable equipment, inadequate mine design or inappropriate application of available mechanisation strategies. Most importantly, the successful implementation of mechanised mining systems hinges on the attention given to issues relating to human performance and operational leadership.

Mechanisation means different things for different mines. So, for example, opencast coal mines can benefit from large-scale mechanical equipment manned by few, highly-skilled operators. In contrast, a faulted, narrow reef gold mine with variable grades presents greater difficulties, although mechanisation remains feasible and will deliver improved safety and operational efficiency.

There is, however, one underlying principle that applies to all mechanisation projects - the introduction of mechanised mining at an individual mine is likely to be more successful if it is carried out from a systems engineering perspective - as an over-arching project - rather than on a piecemeal basis. However, a comprehensive systems-based approach to mechanisation must include a component which factors in the human element.

Successful mechanisation requires the attention of engineers skilled in various engineering disciplines including, and most importantly, mining, mechanical, electrical and ergonomic engineering. In addition professionals in the fields of work design (sociologists) and human performance (psychologists) are required. Mechanisation is an interesting and complex specialist discipline that demands the highest level of attention.