5
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
A better forecasting model would be to actually plan bit
consumption based on future drilling demands. This ties
back to the geomechanical properties of the rock, which to
some extent are known to Mine Planning. To keep it practi-
cal, the following framework is suggested:
• Plan rock tool demands three months forward
• Engage Mine Planning for future drill meters and
anticipated rock conditions
• Adjust 1-month demand ±30% if drill meters are
lower or greater than normal
• Adjust 1-month demand ±30% if ground conditions
are less or more demanding than normal (abrasive or
broken ground)
• Close the loop to check the forecast three months
prior for biases towards over or under forecasting
These adjustments to the forecast could possibly allow
safety stock to be reduced to one month for all drill bits.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Mathematics alone does not increase tool life, but use of
statistics allows for analyzing and tracking. By address-
ing the root causes behind premature or avoidable tools
damage, the average life increases while the variability is
reduced. Graphically, the objective is to tighten and shift
the bell curve as illustrated in Figure 7.
Addressing root causes requires technical expertise in
materials technology, stress analysis, and best practices.
Even if miners have the expertise, focus is often on other
pressing operational issues. Most mines would benefit from
engaging suppliers, drillmasters, or other third parties to
improve drilling and specifically tool performance. For
various reasons, a staggering amount of tools are discarded
before reaching their wear limits. Figures 8, 9, and 10
illustrate some of the premature failures that, if addressed
through operator training, could increase average life and
reduce variability.
Figure 7. Leverage statistics to track and increase tool life
Figure 8. Lost buttons, resulting from poor collaring using
too much power and/or no rotation
Figure 9. Broken thread, resulting from insufficient torque
and/or excessive side loading
Figure 10. Premature button breakage, resulting from too
slow rotation and/or broken ground
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
A better forecasting model would be to actually plan bit
consumption based on future drilling demands. This ties
back to the geomechanical properties of the rock, which to
some extent are known to Mine Planning. To keep it practi-
cal, the following framework is suggested:
• Plan rock tool demands three months forward
• Engage Mine Planning for future drill meters and
anticipated rock conditions
• Adjust 1-month demand ±30% if drill meters are
lower or greater than normal
• Adjust 1-month demand ±30% if ground conditions
are less or more demanding than normal (abrasive or
broken ground)
• Close the loop to check the forecast three months
prior for biases towards over or under forecasting
These adjustments to the forecast could possibly allow
safety stock to be reduced to one month for all drill bits.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Mathematics alone does not increase tool life, but use of
statistics allows for analyzing and tracking. By address-
ing the root causes behind premature or avoidable tools
damage, the average life increases while the variability is
reduced. Graphically, the objective is to tighten and shift
the bell curve as illustrated in Figure 7.
Addressing root causes requires technical expertise in
materials technology, stress analysis, and best practices.
Even if miners have the expertise, focus is often on other
pressing operational issues. Most mines would benefit from
engaging suppliers, drillmasters, or other third parties to
improve drilling and specifically tool performance. For
various reasons, a staggering amount of tools are discarded
before reaching their wear limits. Figures 8, 9, and 10
illustrate some of the premature failures that, if addressed
through operator training, could increase average life and
reduce variability.
Figure 7. Leverage statistics to track and increase tool life
Figure 8. Lost buttons, resulting from poor collaring using
too much power and/or no rotation
Figure 9. Broken thread, resulting from insufficient torque
and/or excessive side loading
Figure 10. Premature button breakage, resulting from too
slow rotation and/or broken ground