Analysis of heavy mobile equipment maintenance performance in an Open-Pit Gold Mine

This study analyzed the maintenance performance of heavy mobile equipment at a gold mine in Burkina Faso over a full year, from June 2024 to May 2025. The research tracked key performance indicators month by month for five equipment types: haul trucks, excavators, wheel loaders, graders, and dozers. The data came directly from the mine's maintenance records. We measured equipment availability, failure frequency, repair times, costs, and the balance between planned and emergency work. Results show a clear seasonal pattern. During the rainy season, equipment broke down more often, and repairs took longer. This caused a drop in equipment availability and higher operating costs. Haul trucks performed the worst, while graders and dozers were the most reliable. The study found that maintenance strategy shifts from planned preventive work in the dry season to reactive breakdown repairs in the rainy season. The study identifies specific failure causes like tire damage and hydraulic leaks that are most common during the rains. Based on the findings, we recommend concrete actions including a pre-rainy season maintenance program, better spare parts planning, and targeted technician training. These steps can help mines in similar climates improve equipment reliability and reduce costs.