Title: Lean mining: principles for modelling and improving processes of mineral value chains

Authors: J.G. Steinberg, G. De Tomi

Addresses: Department of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Mello Moraes, 2373, SP, Brazil. ' Department of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Mello Moraes, 2373, SP, Brazil

Abstract: Most traditional extractive processes present stages that need modernisation and optimisation for enabling mining companies to warrant the effective achievement of both product quality and quantity. Such warranty, which is difficult to sustain due to the intrinsic nature of geological uncertainty, can only be achieved through an increased efficiency in the mineral supply chain. The paper demonstrates the benefits of creating models of existing mineral supply chains to identify and understand the points of value creation and places for possible improvement interventions. It shows how to identify a robust and risk-controlled path for the mining industry to benefit from the |lean thinking| approach, introducing the concept of lean mining.

Keywords: lean thinking; process modelling; lean mining; mineral value chains; extractive processes; product quality; geological uncertainty; geology; SCM; supply chain management; value creation; improvement interventions; risk management; Brazil; Carajas; Amazon; Vale; iron ore; logistics systems; logistics management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2010.031982

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2010 Vol.6 No.3, pp.279 - 298

Published online: 03 Mar 2010 *

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