TY - THES

T1 - Benefits of Mechanization of Narrow Reef Mining in South African Platinum Mines

AU - Mustonen, Jenni Pauliina

N1 - embargoed until null

PY - 2016

Y1 - 2016

N2 - This report summarizes the benefits of mechanized mining in South African platinum mines compared to the conventional method and establishes a base for value proposition for the investment in mechanized mining equipment. The report describes the challenges related to narrow reef platinum mining environment in South Africa and discusses benefits and disadvantages of both conventional and mechanized methods in detail. Report includes case studies and presents the effect of the different factors on productivity and profitability of narrow reef operations. Value proposition of mechanization is based on a study of current operating costs, alternative methods and existing future opportunities to improve safety and productivity of narrow reef mines by mechanizing the operations.

AB - This report summarizes the benefits of mechanized mining in South African platinum mines compared to the conventional method and establishes a base for value proposition for the investment in mechanized mining equipment. The report describes the challenges related to narrow reef platinum mining environment in South Africa and discusses benefits and disadvantages of both conventional and mechanized methods in detail. Report includes case studies and presents the effect of the different factors on productivity and profitability of narrow reef operations. Value proposition of mechanization is based on a study of current operating costs, alternative methods and existing future opportunities to improve safety and productivity of narrow reef mines by mechanizing the operations.

M3 - Master's Thesis (University Course)

ER -