30% Production Uplift: Record Production Through Restored Execution Discipline And A Fit-For-Purpose MOS

Context and challenge

Fragmented Execution Undermining Site Performance

A major integrated Underground Mine and Concentrator producing Zinc Concentrate had consistently underperformed against budget for four consecutive years.

Despite significant operational effort, financial performance remained below expectations eroding margins, limiting reinvestment capacity, and increasing leadership pressure to deliver sustainable improvement.

An assessment of the site’s Management Operating System (MOS) revealed that the root cause was not technical capability but execution discipline and system integration.

Core Execution Gaps Identified​

Systemic Execution Weaknesses Driving Performance Variability

1. Weak Cascading of Business Objectives

Strategic priorities were not translated into clear, measurable targets at operational and frontline levels. Accountability was unclear and teams lacked visibility on how daily work connected to site-wide performance.

2. Fragmented Integrated Planning

Short-range forecasts, weekly plans, and daily schedules, particularly in Mining, were misaligned. This created rework, inefficient resource utilisation, and variability in ore supply to the concentrator, directly impacting throughput stability.

3. Inconsistent Performance Management

Metrics and review routines varied across functions, creating multiple versions of the “truth.” Problem-solving was reactive, with limited cross-functional transparency.

4. Low-impact Management Routines

Daily, weekly, and monthly reviews were largely backward-looking. Root causes were not systematically addressed, and corrective actions lacked ownership and follow-through.

Impact

Collectively, these systemic weaknesses reduced execution discipline, increased performance variability, and constrained the organisation’s ability to sustainably close performance gaps.

The site was working hard but not working as one integrated system.

The Solution

Rebuilding execution discipline through a fit-for-purpose MOS

OX partnered with site leadership to design and embed a Management Operating System aligned to the Plan–Do–Check–Adjust (PDCA) cycle ensuring planning, execution, and performance control operated as one integrated system. The focus was to strengthen execution fundamentals.
1. Strategic Alignment Re-Established

From disconnected goals to aligned execution

2. Integrated Planning & Execution strengthened

From siloed planning to 3-month horizon integrated planning

The site began operating as one value chain not separate departments.

3. Performance Management elevated

From reactive reporting to forward-looking execution control

Problem-solving shifted from explaining variance to preventing it.

Delivery Model

9-month, wave-based deployment delivered shoulder-to-shoulder with site leadership and front line teams.

The focus was to build capability and ensure sustainable behavioural change.

The Outcome

Performance Uplift & Cultural Shift

Performance gains were sustained beyond implementation, restoring execution discipline and predictability across the operation.

Total Ore
30% Uplift

Sustained overperformance achieving record production

Lateral Development
20% Uplift

Record monthly performance and achieve best Half-Year results.

Production Drilling
20% Uplift

Best Half-Year results.

Performance improvements are measured against the 18-month period prior to MOS deployment. Reported results reflect sustained performance achieved over the last six months.

The implementation of a disciplined fit-for-purpose MOS delivered measurable production uplift and a fundamental shift in execution culture.

1. Tangible Production improvement
2. Improved Predictability & Control
3. Leadership & Cultural Impact

Thank You for reaching out

We’ve received your message and will get back to you as soon as possible. We look forward to connecting with you and exploring how we can work together to achieve your goals.