A Selection of Drill Rigs using Overall Equipment Efficiency Approach

Abstract

This paper examines the utilisation, availability and penetration rates of
percussive Pantera drill rig fleet used in lower saprolite and the fresh ore
profiles at Nkran Pit of Asanko Gold, Ghana. The adapted application of
Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) in drill rigs for the determination
of penetration rates for mining operations is done. For the measurement
of overall equipment effectiveness, it is necessary to determine the
magnitude of the types of production losses in order to plan activities and
allocate resources effectively. The availability and utilisation data from
the field were analysed using graphical and analytical methods. The data
collected on the projected annual metres as well as the rock
characteristics of the various rock formations helped improve the
planning of drilling operations. Analysis of the information from
analytical and graphical sources suggested that the Pantera drill rigs
were more productive in the transition zone. It was also determined that
a total of five (5) active Pantera drill rigs would be required by the open
pit mine to meet the projected annual metres of 543 027 m. The results
obtained may serve as guide for the determination production indices of
drill rigs in similar geologic formations for an effective mine planning.