Vladislav Kecojevic

Automation vs. Human intervention: What is the best fit for the best performance?

In todays complex industrial processes, automated control systems are a necessity. However, is complete automation the answer? Whereas control system automation provides predictable, consistent performance, it is lacking in human judgment, adaptability, and logic. Although humans provide these, we are unpredictable, inconsistent, and subject to emotions and motivation. To maximize system performance, should we automate humans out of the system? … or … Do we maximize human input and lose efficient, consistent, error‐free system performance? The answer is likely somewhere in the middle of these two extremes and different for each system and situation. This paper provides a review of the existing literature covering control schemes and parameters that determine system performance. It attempts to help answer the questions “How can we minimize human error while still maximizing system performance?” and “What is the right human–machine mix?”

The causes and control of loader- and truck-related fatalities in surface mining operations

At surface mining operations throughout the world, loaders and trucks are a primary means of material loading and haulage. As the size, use and technological complexity of these units have increased, so has the concern regarding loader and truck safety. The severity and number of accidents involving loaders and trucks is higher when compared to all other mining accident types. In this paper, an analysis of loader and truck-related fatalities over the last 8 years is performed, the fatality categories and causes of accidents are established and control strategies are discussed and evaluated in an effort to increase hazard awareness by emphasizing safe loading, hauling and maintenance practices, as well as the value of traditional and innovative miner training programmes.

Risk assessment for loader- and dozer-related fatal incidents in U.S. mining

The paper presents the results of research aimed at developing a risk assessment process that can be used to more thoroughly characterise risks associated with loader- and dozer-related fatal incidents in US mining. The assessment is based on historical data obtained from the US Mine Safety and Health Administration investigation reports, which includes 77 fatal incidents that occurred from 1995 to 2006. The Preliminary Hazard Assessment method is used in identifying and quantifying risks. Risk levels are then developed using a pre-established risk matrix that ranks them according to probability and severity. The resulting assigned risk value can then be used to prioritise risk control strategies. A total of 10 hazards were identified for loaders. The hazards ‘failure to follow adequate maintenance procedure’ and ‘failure of mechanical/electrical/hydraulic components’ were the most severe and frequent hazards and they fell into the category of ‘high’ risk. The same number of hazards was identified for dozers. The hazard ‘failure to identify adverse site/geological conditions’ was the most severe and frequent hazard and it fell into the category of ‘high’ risk.

Risk Assessment of Safety Violations for Coal Mines

This article presents an application of a risk assessment approach in characterising the risks associated with safety violations in underground bituminous mines in Pennsylvania using the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) citation database. The MSHA database on citations provides an opportunity to assess risks in mines through scrutiny of violations of mandatory safety standards. In this study, quantitative risk assessment is performed, which allows determination of the frequency of occurrence of safety violations (through associated citations) as well as the consequences of them in terms of penalty assessments. Focus is on establishing risk matrices on citation experiences of mines, which can give early indication of emerging potentially serious problems. The resulting frequency, consequence and risk rankings present valuable tools for prioritising resource allocations, determining control strategies, and could potentially contribute to more proactive prevention of incidents and injuries.

Multi-attribute selection method for materials handling equipment

Rail-mounted boom type bucket wheel reclaimers and stacker-reclaimers are primary means of materials handling at stockyards. Therefore, the selection of the best possible equipment type (model) is of crucial importance for the decision-makers. The authors contribute to the body of knowledge by developing a novel methodology for the selection of this equipment type. Both the Coefficient of Technical Level (CTL) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods were used in the selection process. This methodology may be used by material handling system decision-makers to help in the selection of a specific type when acquiring a new equipment.

Risk management programme for occupational safety and health in surface mining operations

This paper describes a systematic risk analysis process for occupational safety and health (OSH). A concept of technological risk management and risk assessment is applied. A review of published risk management and assessment applications for various industries is presented and a generalised approach to risk management for OSH in surface mining is proposed. The approach consists of six phases. This process can be used to help judge the tolerability of risk and aid in choosing between potential risk reduction and/or risk avoidance measures. The paper also underlines the benefits of applying risk management concepts from the decision makers perspective.

Intervention strategies to eliminate truck-related fatalities in surface coal mining in West Virginia

The main objective of this review was to build upon a previous study on the root causes of truck-related fatalities in surface coal mining operations in West Virginia, and to develop intervention strategies to eliminate these fatalities. This review considers a two-pronged approach to accident prevention: one that is fundamental and traditional (safety regulations, training and education, and engineering of the work environment); and one that is innovative and creative (e.g., applying technological advances to better control and eliminate the root causes of accidents). Suggestions for improving current training and education system are proposed, and recommendations are provided on improving the safety of mine working conditions, specifically safety conditions on haul roads, dump sites, and loading areas. We also discuss various currently available technologies that can help prevent haul truck-related fatal accidents. The results of this review should be used by mine personnel to help create safer working conditions and decrease truck-related fatalities in surface coal mining.

Analysis of research scholarship for academic staff at US ABET accredited mining engineering schools by publications, citations and h-index

Publications, citations and h-index are three quantitative measures of scholarly productivity commonly used to evaluate university academic staff members. The quantity and quality of an individuals publication record is often an integral part of promotion and tenure decisions as well as post-tenure notoriety and awards. In this study, the Scopus database was queried to provide information on the scholarly productivity of 83 mining engineering academic staff members at accredited mining engineering schools in the United States. The data retrieved in this study include the number of publications, number of citations and h-index, for each individual academic staff member. Data for individual academic staff members was then classified by academic level/rank, institution and primary research sub-discipline to produce meaningful comparative results. The data show that the average number of publications per academic increases from 4 to 22 to 49 for assistant professors, associate professors and professors, respectively. Citations (9–83–290) and h-index (1–3–6) follow similar trends. Further analysis indicates that mineral processing and mine electrical systems are the most highly cited sub-disciplines. When aggregated by academic institution, the data show that the productivity of academic staff is linked to Carnegie Research classification. Finally, the data show a clear Pareto tendency with the highest 20% of academic staff members contributing 80% of the overall citations.

Comparative analysis of dust emission of digging and loading equipment in surface coal mining

This paper presents a comparative analysis of dust emission of digging and loading equipment in surface coal mining. Field measurements and laboratory studies were completed, and dust emission for front-end wheel loader and cable shovel was determined by three methods: (1) the EPA AP-42 emission factor estimation equations (AP-42 dust emission estimation), (2) the methodology used in the development of AP-42 equations (Type 2 dust emission estimation) and (3) the methodology used in the EPA AERMOD model (Type 3 dust emission estimation). Collection of data on dust emission was conducted at an operating surface coal mine in the eastern United States. Results of this study revealed that dust emission obtained by the AP-42 dust emission estimation method exceeded the field-based emission determined by both Type 2 and Type 3 dust emission estimation methods. It was also observed that the dust emission determined by the Type 2 method exceeded the emission obtained by the Type 3 method. This research may assist mining professionals in quantifying the dust emission of digging and loading equipment, and developing strategies for reducing its negative environmental impact.

Surface Miners: Evaluation of the Production Rate and Cutting Performance Based on Rock Properties and Specific Energy

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the production rate (PR) and cutting performance of surface miners (SM) based on rock properties and specific energy (SE). We use data from equipment manufacturers and experimental data in this study and propose a new method and equations to determine both the PR and the cutting speed of SM. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the rock, its abrasivity, and the machine’s engine power are the three most important factors influencing the PR. Moreover, the cutting depth, UCS, and engine power have a significant impact on the cutting speed. We propose a new method and equations to determine the energy required to cut a volume unit and a surface unit, i.e., specific energy, and establish the relationship between SE, UCS, and PR. The results of this study can be used by surface miner operators to evaluate the applicability of the machines to a specific mine site.