Optimizing the Improvement Program Management System to Increase Good Mining Practice Score at a Coal Mining Company

Abstract

Background: Good Mining Practice (GMP) assessment covers four aspects: Technical Operations, Mining Safety, Improvement, and Mining Services. At PT Putra Perkasa Abadi (PPA) Maruwai Coal Site, the Improvement aspect scored low (50 out of 100), representing the largest gap compared to the other three aspects that had already met company standards. Methods: This study employed a case study action research approach using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle and the eight-step Quality Control Circle (QCC) methodology. Root cause analysis was conducted using a fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram and the 5-Why method across three categories—Man, Method, and Material—involving a cross-departmental QCC team from seven departments during January–June 2026. Results: Three dominant root causes were identified: the absence of a documented improvement program target, employees not having attended QCC training, and no designated person in charge (PIC) for monitoring the improvement program. Implementation of five solutions—appointment of a Management Development PIC, written departmental commitments, QCC training, routine QCC Agent meetings, and periodic monitoring—increased the GMP Improvement score from 50 to 88 (176% achievement), while project profit margin rose from -14% to 13.94%. Conclusion: A root-cause-analysis-based QCC approach effectively improved Improvement-aspect performance in GMP assessment and contributed to the operational and financial performance of a mining contractor company.