Quality, Sustainability and Systems in Mining
Quality control, testing, and analysis for the mining industry
Mining requires quality control and reliable testing and analysis at each critical stage of the process, from exploration and determining the economic viability of discoveries to ore processing and maximising the final product’s quality.
https://www.mining-technology.com/buyers-guide/quality-control-testing-analysis/
QMS and Safety Management for Mining and Metals
https://www.etq.com/metals-mining/
Quality Control in the Mining Industry
As per the research, trends and techniques now being adopted by the Australian coal mining industry to improve efficiency and competitiveness in the face of an increasingly difficult international and domestic coal market. Quality Assurance certification to internationally accepted standards has been gained by some operators whilst many more companies are implementing varied forms of Total Quality Control concepts. These concepts now so well established in traditional manufacturing industries, have not previously been associated with the vagaries of the coal industry but are now being pursued by many in an effort to gain or retain a competitive edge.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/014459879501300405?download=true&journalCode=eeaa
Why would a mining organization use KPIs?
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are widely recognized as a vital tool for measuring the performance of a business and identifying areas for improvement. The mining industry is no exception, and implementing effective KPIs can provide significant benefits for companies operating in this field. In this article, we will discuss some of the most important benefits that mining companies can gain by using KPIs, and why they are so essential for success in this competitive industry.
Key performance indicators (KPIs) are an essential tool for measuring and tracking progress towards goals in any industry. However, they are particularly crucial in the mining industry due to its high-risk nature and significant environmental and social impacts. Tracking the right KPIs can help mining companies operate efficiently, manage risks, and demonstrate responsibility. This article will examine why tracking KPIs should be a priority for all mining operations, no matter their size or location.
The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) is the answer to a global demand for more socially and environmentally responsible mining. IRMA offers true independent assessment against a comprehensive standard for all mined materials that provides ‘one-stop coverage’ of the full range of issues related to the impacts of industrial-scale mines.
IRMA’s Standard for Responsible Mining defines best practices for what responsible mining should look like at the industrial-scale. It provides the list of expectations that independent auditors will use as the benchmark for responsible mines.
In the world of mining, a persistent dilemma echoes through the corridors of mine and mill operations. Mines strive relentlessly to maximize tonnage, while mills demand unwavering quality assurance. This centuries-old problem, at the core of the mining industry, has long eluded a solution, leaving mining companies wrestling with a challenge that defines their existence.
Standards / Certifications for the mining industry
ISO 9001:2015
ISO 14001
ISO 45001
ISO 27001
ISO 17025 (for Tesing Labs)
ISO 22301 - Business Continuity Management
ISO 50001 - Energy Management
ISO 26000 - A guide to Social responsibility
Other Standards: Mining and quarrying - Including exploration, opening-up, development, working of mineral deposits, drilling, construction of mines, mining operations, processing of minerals, etc. (https://www.iso.org/ics/73.020/x/p/1/u/0/w/0/d/0)
Safe and sustainable mining with ISO standards (https://www.iso.org/news/2015/02/Ref1933.html)
ISO/DIS 19296 - Mining and earthmoving machinery — Mobile machines working underground — Machine Safety (https://www.iso.org/obp/ui#iso:std:iso:19296:dis:ed-1:v2:en)
Quality assurance: Case / Example of a Mining Equipment Company
Komatsu's commitment to quality and reliability is encapsulated within the fundamental principle of “Monozukuri” (manufacturing competitiveness). With this in mind, we are dedicated to maintaining a portfolio of first-class products-both hardware and software−that builds on customer satisfaction. Our basic managerial policies have a strong focus on customer-centricity, creating a manufacturing ecosystem that places customer satisfaction at the forefront of its priorities. We maintain the standards of quality that have become an integral part of our organizational culture through a continuous process of assessment and refinement that takes place across all areas of our production process.
Our quality management systems touch on a number of specific fields, such as the global environment, quality assurance, and the education and training of our personnel. We also evaluate our performance in these areas using a number of key performance indicators.
Mining is among the world’s highest-risk businesses: projects are often operated in remote, and sometimes, conflict-afflicted areas. The supply chain—which is both global and highly local—is complex. Environmental regulations are becoming more stringent. And works are often carried out under risky conditions in which safety can be compromised. As a mine operator, you need to ensure the quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness of your mining project. At the same time, you want to ensure your assets’ future reliability and comply with regulations.
Companies can implement - ISO 9001(Quality Management Systems), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems), ISO 27001 (Information Security), ISO 22301 (Business Continuity), ISO 50001(Energy Management) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems).
GRI 14: Mining Sector 2024 will illuminate how mining organizations are balancing two conflicting truths: the essential nature of their role in providing the minerals that modern societies rely on; and the need for accountability on the harm their operations can cause to the environment, communities and workers.
https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/standards-development/sector-standard-for-mining/
Mining companies impact their surroundings with varying degrees of severity, whether adverse or beneficial. Environmental impacts must be controlled, and significant environmental impacts are avoided or mitigated in direct relation to a company’s ability to manage environmental aspects. According to ISO 14001, environmental aspects are those elements of a company’s activities, products, and services that can interact with its surroundings. This is where ISO 14001 certification makes a difference, both in how effectively a company manages environmental aspects, and how others perceive their effectiveness.
QA Solutions for Metals and Mining
Manage permits, audits, ISO certifications, wastewater discharge, safety citations and training
Gain visibility on incidents and near misses across job sites and analyze trends to improve performance
Ensure consistent compliance with regulations and standards, including MSHA and OSHA requirements
Track mine land reclamation efforts for proactive risk management
For mining and exploration enterprises, putting in place a comprehensive set of quality assurance systems is crucial. Quality assurance (QA) reduces risks and encourages cost reductions, while guaranteeing data reliability, accuracy, and trustworthiness. Through the implementation of efficient quality assurance procedures and a methodical approach, businesses may become leaders in their respective fields, garner trust from financiers, and create a solid basis for long-term and prosperous operations.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-rocks-riches-crucial-role-quality-assurance-geology-cqxec/
Independent quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) programs are required by reporting codes for publicly listed companies and are necessary to optimize data quality at all stages of the sampling, preparation and analytical processes involved in mineral exploration, resource estimation and mining grade control.
The OECD Due Diligence Guidance provides detailed recommendations to help companies respect human rights and avoid contributing to conflict through their mineral purchasing decisions and practices. This Guidance is for use by any company potentially sourcing minerals or metals from conflict-affected and high-risk areas. The OECD Guidance is global in scope and applies to all mineral supply chains.
Mining is a capital intensive operation, requiring maximum asset utilization and throughput. dataPARC helps link together existing data sources and provide the ease of use necessary to quickly make insightful decisions based on the data. dataPARC’s mining industry data analytics software also provides opportunities to consolidate existing systems for manual data entry, energy monitoring and others, ensuring room to grow and long-term value from your investment.
Intertek’s Minerals business has driven innovation and sustainability throughout the resource supply chain, from exploration and resource development, through to production, shipping and commercial settlement, supported by a global network of experts and a customer centric local delivery model.
Following are some of the Examples QA Job Role in Mining (Anglo American)
The purpose of the role is to be the overarching expert and owner for Quality Assurance within Engineering & Maintenance responsible for defining the quality requirements for Anglo American technical and operational functions, and the development, rollout and implementation of an appropriate Quality Management strategy, and associated systems, procedures and processes across Anglo American, utilizing industry best practice, strategic and functional experience, and an understanding of the criticality of quality in the mining industry.
Identify and define the Quality Assurance requirements for Anglo American.
Develop, implement and manage the Anglo American Quality Assurance Strategy.
Develop, implement and manage the Anglo American Quality Management System and associated, systems, procedures, processes and tools.
Develop, implement and manage Anglo American Quality Standards and Best Practice Principles.
Establish a robust quality assurance program to ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
Develop and implement quality control procedures and protocols for all stages of asset procurement, installation, and operation.
Conduct regular inspections and audits to verify adherence to quality standards and identify areas for improvement.
Collaborate with suppliers and contractors to ensure quality standards are met throughout the E&M supply chain.
Implement a Group program regular inspections of OEM facilities and deliverables.
Identify requirements, develop, implement and manage a document control system to manage and maintain quality-related documentation.
Provide training and certification programs for employees to enhance their understanding of quality requirements and best practices.
Implement a system globally to ensure that quality checks are performed on incoming equipment, assets and materials to ensure they meet specified requirements.
Identify, contract and manage quality 3rd parties.
Support global Anglo American Business Units in development, entrenchment and management of operation specific Quality strategies, Quality Management Systems, procedures, processes and tools.
Conduct operational satisfaction surveys to gather feedback and improve quality processes.
Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance overall quality performance.
Develop a culture of quality awareness and accountability throughout the organization.
Technical Experience
Experience in development, implementation and management of Quality Management strategies and Quality Management Systems
Experience in development, implementation and management of Quality Management procedures, processes, and tools.
Experience in Quality Assurance and Quality Management in the mining, heavy industry, manufacturing, or engineering industries.
Experience in ISO9000 quality standards.
Experience implementing Quality Assurance practices and processes to ensure quality in design, manufacture, supply, logistics, and operational environments.
Experience working with suppliers and supply chain to incorporate Quality Assurance standards into supply chain and logistics processes.
Experience reviewing Quality Assurance practices at operational sites.
Solve technical and operational issues in cooperation with relevant internal stakeholders and external suppliers, implementing the most effective solutions to drive effective outcomes.
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