Case study · Mining & Metals
Potash and phosphate producer raises total tonnes 15% with an 11:1 return
A potash and phosphate producer needed its output back on a sustainable footing. USC strengthened the operating system for first-pass cutting and coordinated production with maintenance.
Results
15%
increase in total tonnes
11:1
return on investment
21%
reduction in miner relocation time
First-pass tonnes per shift rose 6%.
The situation
Output at the mine had dropped below what the operation could sustain, and it needed to be restored.
What the assessment found
- Too few rotor hours per shift
- Slow miner moves from room to room
- Weak coordination between operations and support
How the work was done
Cutting: plan the first pass
Strengthened the operating system for first-pass cutting: planning, crews and follow-up.
6%
increase in first-pass tonnes per shift
Reporting: analyze deviations
Set up reporting and deviation analysis across the round-the-clock operation.
Relocation: standardize the moves
Standardized relocation tasks with closer coordination between production and maintenance.
21%
reduction in miner relocation time
Lasting impact
Integrated planning moved the site to genuine cross-functional collaboration.
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