Pelders, Jodi LMagweregwede, FlecksonRupprecht, SM2021-10-222021-10-222021-08Pelders, J.L., Magweregwede, F. & Rupprecht, S. 2021. Optimization of shift cycles in the South African mining sector. <i>Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 121(8).</i> http://hdl.handle.net/10204/121332411-97172225-6253http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2411-9717/1428/2021http://hdl.handle.net/10204/12133Increased depths of conventional gold and platinum mines, longer travelling times as working places move further from the shaft, and ancillary activities taking place in the mining cycle reduce the useable time spent at the workface. Current shift lengths of 8 hours 20 minutes may no longer be adequate to complete required mining activities. The impact of mineworker commuting times on shift work is also not well understood. The aim of this research was to draft a framework to optimize shift cycles in order to maximize productivity, health, safety, and wellness in the South African mining sector. The framework was informed by a review of the literature, case studies at a local gold mine and platinum mine, and a workshop with industry experts. The findings indicate potential advantages of extended shift lengths and continuous operations, such as improved productivity, asset utilization, and employee morale. However, concerns included fatigue and the associated safety hazards, particularly when working longer shifts, night shifts, and numerous consecutive shifts. Job demands, personal factors, and commuting times are further considerations when scheduling shifts. The ideal shift system for the mining sector should holistically consider and balance operational requirements, health and safety, and employees’ and their families’ requirements, and suit the unique needs of each operation. Changes in shift cycles will require a structured change management process, which involves all stakeholders, and could help to enhance the viability of the South African mining sector.FulltextenAncillary activitiesContinuous mining operationsMining fatigueOccupational Health and SafetyOHSMining productivityTravelling timesArticlePelders, J. L., Magweregwede, F., & Rupprecht, S. (2021). Optimization of shift cycles in the South African mining sector. <i>Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 121(8)</i>, http://hdl.handle.net/10204/12133Pelders, Jodi L, Fleckson Magweregwede, and SM Rupprecht "Optimization of shift cycles in the South African mining sector." <i>Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 121(8)</i> (2021) http://hdl.handle.net/10204/12133Pelders JL, Magweregwede F, Rupprecht S. Optimization of shift cycles in the South African mining sector. Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 121(8). 2021; http://hdl.handle.net/10204/12133.TY - Article AU - Pelders, Jodi L AU - Magweregwede, Fleckson AU - Rupprecht, SM AB - Increased depths of conventional gold and platinum mines, longer travelling times as working places move further from the shaft, and ancillary activities taking place in the mining cycle reduce the useable time spent at the workface. Current shift lengths of 8 hours 20 minutes may no longer be adequate to complete required mining activities. The impact of mineworker commuting times on shift work is also not well understood. The aim of this research was to draft a framework to optimize shift cycles in order to maximize productivity, health, safety, and wellness in the South African mining sector. The framework was informed by a review of the literature, case studies at a local gold mine and platinum mine, and a workshop with industry experts. The findings indicate potential advantages of extended shift lengths and continuous operations, such as improved productivity, asset utilization, and employee morale. However, concerns included fatigue and the associated safety hazards, particularly when working longer shifts, night shifts, and numerous consecutive shifts. Job demands, personal factors, and commuting times are further considerations when scheduling shifts. The ideal shift system for the mining sector should holistically consider and balance operational requirements, health and safety, and employees’ and their families’ requirements, and suit the unique needs of each operation. Changes in shift cycles will require a structured change management process, which involves all stakeholders, and could help to enhance the viability of the South African mining sector. DA - 2021-08 DB - ResearchSpace DO - 10.17159/2411-9717/1428/2021 DP - CSIR J1 - Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 121(8) KW - Ancillary activities KW - Continuous mining operations KW - Mining fatigue KW - Occupational Health and Safety KW - OHS KW - Mining productivity KW - Travelling times LK - https://researchspace.csir.co.za PY - 2021 SM - 2411-9717 SM - 2225-6253 T1 - Optimization of shift cycles in the South African mining sector TI - Optimization of shift cycles in the South African mining sector UR - http://hdl.handle.net/10204/12133 ER -25010