Mining businesses are part of one of the oldest industries around the world. This industry is an essential part of human life and without it, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the technology and luxuries of today. However, keeping up with the demands of the 21st century is tough for any mining business. Because of this, companies need to start implementing new strategies that will improve overall productivity.
Finding the right strategy for your business is not going to be as easy as it sounds. It’s not just about implementing any strategy. It’s about implementing the one that is going to keep you one step ahead of all of your competitors.
But, there’s no need to worry as all of the information you are looking for is readily available online. To help you even further, we have collected the necessary data and created this article to tell you exactly which strategies might improve your company’s productivity.
1. Positive reinforcement over reprimands
In these troubling times of the mining industry, especially during the last two years with the Covid-19 pandemic, it can be difficult for employees to stay productive and focused. Covid-19 makes any kind of work dangerous and the considerable increase in mining demand makes this very stressful.
To overcome this stress or fear, employees will need moral support and positive reinforcement. Reprimands or punishments can be effective, but only in the right situations and the one we are currently in is not it.
Reward your workers for even the slightest bit of extra effort and this will give them a significant boost in morale. It might seem like you are not doing much, but this is an effective and proven strategy.
Once you implement it on a day-to-day basis, you will most definitely notice an increase in productivity. Of course, this kind of attitude will not work for everyone. Certain workers have to be reprimanded to understand the severity of the situation.
2. Get rid of impossible goals
At times, mining operations and deadlines will seem impossible. And more often than not, those goals are impossible. Forcing your employees to chase these impossible goals is never a good idea.
This king of forced heavy workloads can seriously increase workplace stress, making your operations significantly less efficient than they should be. Because of this, it is always best to set realistic goals for your workers. Even if your company’s deadlines are impossible, you don’t have to inform them about the severity of the situation.
This helps workers stay level-headed during mining work, less stressed, and more motivated to finish their goals. Naturally, the goals you set should still pose a challenge to your workers to strive towards new achievements. Achievements that would continue helping your employees grow.
3. Digitalization and IoT
Whether it is today, tomorrow, or throughout the rest of this year, companies must start with digitalization, no matter which industry we are talking about. However, businesses in the mining sector must turn to digitalization as soon as possible.
Modern technologies can considerably increase the efficiency of mining operations. To get the most out of today’s technology, it is best to take advantage of an IoT suite or software. This kind of suite provides managers access to all kinds of features, including monitoring for workers, equipment, machines, and operations.
What was traditionally done manually can now be easily done through an IoT suite. But, that’s not all. With software that has been specifically developed and designed to assist mining personnel, the risks of injuries and fatalities can be considerably reduced or entirely prevented.
Additionally, the data collected from the monitoring allows for AI predictions and suggestions that could further improve and speed up your company’s mining operations.
What is even more amazing is the fact that even if you already have third-party or company-dedicated software, it can easily be implemented to work together with your new IoT suite as suggested by Newtrax. Of course, only if the suite allows it.
4. Prioritize employee safety and health
The nature of this kind of job is dangerous by itself. It always has been. You are sending out men and women to delve into the depths of planet Earth to dig and drill for precious materials. Because of this, mining has always been seen as very hazardous work which is why companies go through a lot of trouble to ensure employee safety.
But, we believe that even today’s standards are not enough to satisfy workers. As the leader of your team, it is your job to ensure that your men will leave the mine as healthy as the day they left it.
Keep in mind, not only is this an essential strategy to ensure the safety of your workers but this would also boost morale as they get a bit of peace of mind. Knowing that they will be able to come back home to their families in a perfect physical and mental condition is priceless.
To successfully improve the safety of mining operations, one would need to implement automation, new equipment and machinery, pristine communication, drones for extended exploration, survival kits, data analysis, and a lot more.
How you are going to improve your workers’ safety in your company is entirely up to you. But, know that you will have to do it, sooner or later.
5. Productivity through new equipment and machinery
The most effective way you could improve productivity in your business, but the most expensive way too is through new equipment and machinery. We understand that any kind of newer technology in this industry is exceptionally expensive.
So, upgrading to newer gear every few years is not going to be optimal. However, you will have to resort to upgrading your machinery sometime in the future, if you are looking for a sure strategy that is going to increase your efficiency and productivity.
Naturally, there are probably a lot more strategies that could help you with your mining businesses, but the five strategies we mentioned above are definitely the most effective eons.
