The regional workshops are run by the ACARP Roadway Development Task Group highlighting a number of wins achieved in specific areas of development and inviting discussion.

 

Workshop organiser Gary Gibson told International Longwall News the event would focus on improving up-time and cutting rates.

 

“The keynote from Greg West is setting a theme about process improvement using some of the manufacturing sector's techniques to improve productivity," he said.

 

Greg West, from Farthing West, will present “Getting the best possible performance in roadway development – valuable lean six sigma lessons from manufacturing.”

 

Gibson said operators will have the chance to share information and experiences on how to get all mines operating at the higher end of current production levels.

 

“The hope is to keep the machine cutting for longer. The average industry levels are around 50 hours a week while some of the better operators are getting 70 to 80 hours,” he said.

 

“The average cutting rates are about one to two metres per operating hour, while the best mines are doing four to five metres per operating hour."

 

The workshops are open to all those involved in roadway development including operators, trades, team leaders, ERZ controllers/deputies, development coordinators and engineers, superintendents and mine managers.

 

“At the last round of workshops we had 250 attendees overall and we got very positive feedback from them because it’s the operators themselves talking to their peers about what they do, and how they have improved their performance," Gibson said.

 

“Participants should be prepared to discuss the issues, challenges and opportunities they experience in roadway development and to recommend ways and means of improving performance."

 

Further workshop details can be obtained from Gary Gibson at gary@yarrowlumla.com.au or on 0418 422 817.