The emergence of lean manufacturing has been observed all across the mining industry . As more company continues to improve operational performances and cut out inefficiencies , more miners will begin turning to lean practices .
Barrick Gold , the third largest gold mining company in the world , is expecting a big year in 2014 . The company production guidance is around 6.5 million ounces from a portfolio that includes some of the world ’ s prestigious gold assets .
With five core mines — Cortez and Goldstrike in Nevada , Lagunas Norte in Peru , Veladero in Argentina and Pueblo Viejo in the Dominican Republic – Barrick Gold is continuously looking for new ways to cut costs while simultaneously increasing production , and lean manufacturing may very well be the answer .
Lean operations Lean principles aren ’ t new to Barrick Gold . The company has been utilizing automaker Toyota ’ s lean manufacturing principles to help drive production teams to eliminate waste that ranges from surplus production to
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