Truck-shovel fleet cycle optimisation using GPS collision avoidance system

Truck-Shovel operations in surface mines involve high costs. Fleet management systems can provide a tool to improve fleet availability, utilisation and productivity, thereby reducing those costs. However, these systems are expensive to install. Stop-Watch time and motion studies provide a cheaper alternative. They can be undertaken on any segment of the haul cycle to provide accurate timing data, as well as observations on operator performance but are very time consuming and do not provide continuous monitoring of a fleet. This paper provides an analysis of an alternative option; using a GPS collision avoidance system for truck-shovel fleet cycle optimisation. A case study was undertaken based on an operating mine in South-east Queensland using a commercially available GPS collision avoidance system. The approach was to use the GPS collision avoidance system to collect the truck positioning, speed, and timing data, which is automatically recorded as part of its normal function then to apply this information in a conventional time and motion study. This was combined with production loading data to provide some additional performance indicators. The methodology for using in a truck-shovel fleet cycle optimisation is discussed and the results from the case study are presented. Finally, the applicability of this approach is evaluated.