Application of Lean Six Sigma in Production Processes Improvement in Extractive Industry

Abstract

The article characterizes currently most popular methods for improving production processes: Lean Management (Lean Production, Lean Manufacturing) and Six Sigma (6 Sigma, 6σ). It also presents the differences and similarities between the two methods. Subse - quently paper describes Lean Six Sigma method, which is a combination of the most important advantages of Lean Management and Six Sigma. The implementation of this method in the mining industry and examples of financial results are reported. Mining industry is the area where the synergy effect created from the combination of Lean and Six Sigma is particularly high.