Effectiveness of continuous surface mining systems: lessons learned from six decades of lignite extraction in Western Macedonia, Greece

• Autorzy: Kondyla Dimitra , Pavloudakis Francis , Kapageridis Ioannis , Barakos George , Roumpos Christos , Agioutantis Zach

Identyfikatory

DOI

10.24425/ams.2025.154658

• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

The South Field Mine, situated in Western Macedonia, Greece, has used continuous surface mining systems: bucket wheel excavators (BWEs), belt conveyors, and stackers for over four decades of uninterrupted operation. This paper, using the principles of the Lessons-Learned process, tries to identify, document, analyse, and disseminate valuable knowledge and experience acquired in this mine, focusing on the performance indicators and downtimes of BWEs. Quantitative analysis methods were employed to analyse data and detect trends and factors for productive time losses. During a rather crucial period for the mine, due to decarbonisation and energy transition policies, the performance of BWEs exhibited a decline. On the other hand, availability and utilisation remained relatively stable. Mechanical failures and annual maintenance appeared to be the primary causes of downtimes. Non-operating time, connected with the lack of personnel, also had a great impact on operational efficiency. According to the linear regression model, this downtime has the greatest influence on the availability of the BWEs. In conclusion, this research implies the importance of the incorporation of new technologies for monitoring and producing daily and monthly records of the mine activities, which can enhance the overall effectiveness of a continuous mining system.

Słowa kluczowe

EN

continuous mining system; bucket wheel excavators; availability; utilisation; performance

PL

koparka kołowa; wydajność; wydobycie węgla

• Wydawca: Instytut Mechaniki Górotworu PAN
• Czasopismo: Archives of Mining Sciences
• Rocznik: 2025
• Tom: Vol. 70, no. 2
• Strony: 183--204
• Opis fizyczny: Bibliogr. 29 poz., rys., tab., wykr.

Twórcy

autor

Kondyla Dimitra

• University of Western Macedonia, Mineral Resources Engineering Department, 50150 Kozani, Greece

• https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9423-0115

autor

Pavloudakis Francis

• University of Western Macedonia, Mineral Resources Engineering Department, 50150 Kozani, Greece

• https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9492-1032

autor

Kapageridis Ioannis

• University of Western Macedonia, Mineral Resources Engineering Department, 50150 Kozani, Greece

• https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6589-109X

autor

Barakos George

• Curtin University, Kalgoorlie, Australia

• https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9741-7942

autor

Roumpos Christos

• Public Power Corporation of Greece, Department of Mining Engineering and Closure Planning, 10432 Athens, Greece

• https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9394-8041

autor

Agioutantis Zach

• University of Kentucky, Department of Mining Engineering, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA

• https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9799-4114

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Uwagi

Opracowanie rekordu ze środków MNiSW, umowa nr POPUL/SP/0154/2024/02 w ramach programu "Społeczna odpowiedzialność nauki II" - moduł: Popularyzacja nauki (2025)