Using integrated process data of longwall shearers in data warehouses for performance measurement

Coal, still considered as one of the primary energy resources worldwide, is mined by utilising large scale equipment both on surface operations and underground mines. Technology has become a fundamental piece of modern mining operations that have to track performance of mining equipment in detail for efficient production. Data generated by mining equipment reached a level where data warehousing could be used for collecting, integrating and analysing data for a data-driven management perspective. The potential of integrated process data of longwall shearers in data warehouses for performance measurement are investigated. Vast amount of data is generated by equipment operated in underground mines that should be used and handled more efficiently in modern mining operations. Data warehousing and business intelligence (BI) tools are introduced to support daily operation of a longwall shearer. It was concluded that data analysis can be improved by utilising integrated data that has more potential to define unit operations in detail. BI tools specifically developed to monitor cutting performance and cycle breakdown should become essential parts of production management and decision making at modern underground coal mines.