Restoring Fleet Reliability in the DRC

The Challenge: Operating in Harsh Conditions

The MUMI fleet operates in severe conditions, with machines running an average of 4.500 hours per year. In this context, reactive maintenance is a failure of strategy. The combination of intense utilization and a challenging supply chain meant that traditional repair cycles were too slow. To turn the situation around, Akaliko had to introduce a proactive culture focused on component lifecycle management rather than simple part swapping.

Proactive Planning & People Development

Akaliko’s approach centered on "Operational Excellence", a mix of rigorous planning and upskilling local talent. By analyzing component lifecycles, we transitioned the site from a reactive stance to a predictive one. This shift allowed us to anticipate failures before they occurred, ensuring that the right parts were available despite the difficult supply chain logistics of the DRC.

“Akaliko maintains the Mutanda fleet with an average availability of 85%, exceeding the industry benchmark for a fleet of this nature.”

The results of this partnership have redefined what is possible in the region. By integrating supply chain management with on-site technical execution, we delivered:

• Improved fleet availability from a pre-engagement low of 65% to a sustained average of 85%.

• Maintained performance despite machines clocking 5,000–6,000 operating hours annually.

• Reduced lifecycle costs through better component management and less unplanned downtime.

• Continued investment in the development of our people to ensure long-term consistency.