The Implementation of Theory of Constraints (TOC) in a South African Mining Environment: A Case Study of a Continuously-run Concentrator Plant

Abstract

While the Theory of Constraints (TOC) is a broadly recognized management notion and has become one of the most used solutions in manufacturing industries, its implementation in various industries still needs further research. This study explores TOC implementation in a minerals environment where there are mining and minerals extraction activities. An instrumental case study approach is used for this research. The paper aids in explaining the method of TOC implementation in a continuously run concentrator plant. The 5-focusing steps, as pioneered by Goldratt, are used to identify constraints that limit the performance of a concentrator plant. In place of applying only the sequential TOC approach, the study uses a combination of existing improvement techniques with TOC. The theory's intended impacts on different sections of the concentrator were detected.