A framework for preventing underground drill rig breakdowns: A case of Lubambe Copper Mine

This study sought to investigate the cause of the frequent drill rig breakdown at Lubambe Copper Mines (LCM) in Zambia. A multimethod approach was adopted. The result of the study showed that human factors, environmental factors, maintenance factors and Supply Chain related factors were the cause of drill rig breakdowns at LCM. The identified human related factors were low motivation and fatigue for drill rig operators and maintenance staff and inadequate training and development for drill rig operators. A was proposed that could aid Executive Management to identify potential causes of drill rig breakdowns. The study recommended that management at LCM should establish measures to improve and monitor the motivation of employees through appropriate compensation, reward systems and job design. Additionally, the study recommended a maintenance culture based on precision