Physical asset management maturity in mining: a case study

Abstract

Successful implementation and execution of asset management strategy is found to be a critical element in driving value, which depends on physical assets’ performance. This paper shows that strategic asset management targets measured as AM Maturity are often not attained. This study identifies key issues that prevent mining organisations from attaining the desired level of Asset Management Maturity. A qualitative methodology was utilised on a single case study design in order to investigate a particular phenomenon which is Asset Management Maturity at A-Coal site. The study revealed revealed the following key issues: lack of strong Asset Management leadership; lack of a favourable organisational structure which will provide Asset Managers with credibility and the authority to make decisions in support of organisational objectives; no leadership support; and a lack of training obviate the benefits that can be realised from improvement initiatives which motivated, committed and enthusiastic employees will be delivering. In addition to these challenges are organisational culture and a certain level of employees’ competitiveness in the field of asset management.