Systematic layout planning: A study on coal mine facilities

With information age approaching, for the fierce competition between enterprises, the large-scale machinery plants, such as the coal mine, begin to apply the scientific and lean management with modern technology. The sound layout is instrumental in controlling cost and increasing efficiency, so the managers think highly of the ground and transportation system layout of coal mine, as has become a newer research field. The coal mine, with the designed output of 900 thousand tons per year, is located in a mountain area, and because of the complex terrain and limited space, it is significant to layout the coal mine properly. This article analyzes the characteristics of the coal mine in Shanxi province, China, with Systematic Layout Planning (SLP), to project the optimal layout pattern. First the coal mine is divided into some related operational departments, and their relationship among departments is evaluated after the analysis of work flow, logistics and non-logistics, so the comprehensive closeness of each department can be qualified. Then the departments are arranged according to the closeness rank calculated. Finally, the optimized layout plan is obtained according to on-site fieldwork. The finding contributes to the coal mine with limited space.