Mining haul truck operation failure analysis

Abstract

Estimated 45% of all mining equipment worldwide is mining haul trucks. More than 44 thousand mining haul trucks are in operation worldwide as per 2017 Mine Safety and Health Administration of USA reports and over 20% of accidents with fatalities on mining equipment happens with participation of mining haul trucks. Mining haul trucks are critical equipment for mining industry of Kazakhstan where 80% of mines are operated by open cast mining. To better understand haul trucks operation failures statistical method was used during this study. 8 training instructors were interviews who trained 1048 truck operators over 3 years at 5 mine sites. The analyses explore the context of the accidents with focus on initiating reasons, outcomes of accidents and possible preventive and mitigative controls. Overall, most accidents take place due to haul road condition, read design and operation decision making. Bow-tie diagram as a constructive risk management tool used in this study for visual presentation of links between hazards, initiating controls, preventive and mitigative controls, and outcomes. The results of the study suggest improving organizational control over operator trainings and mine haul road design and maintenance.