Self-engineering: possibilities for maintenance operations in the mining machines industry

Self-engineering is a relatively new branch of knowledge that aims to understand how systems could “autonomously” re-configure or repair themselves without the intervention of the operators. A direct field of application is within the maintenance spectrum. Having systems or machines capable of self-detecting or even self-repairing could represent a game-changer, in capital asset fields such as the mining industry in particular. This paper aims to investigate the possible benefits and challenges of self-engineering / self-maintenance concerning mining machines, specifically bucket-wheel excavators (BWEs). Firstly, describing the state of the art and the main principles of self-engineering (and, particularly, the applications of self-maintenance) and the complexity of the mining industry in terms of machines and capital assets. Secondly, using as a real case example, the revitalization process of a 50,000 kg bucket-wheel excavator gearbox for an open-cast lignite mine in Serbia, pinpoints how self-engineering / self-maintenance could make the difference in managing the equipment. Finally, it discusses the results sketching the pros and cons of self-engineering in mining machines and similar capital assets.