Abstract

There is adequate evidence to indicate that despite the best efforts in studying feasibility of projects, many mining projects often end up over budget and behind schedule. What do such trends say about feasibility studies then? Are today's feasibility studies just cookie cutters and a necessary checkbox in getting the required sign-offs and approval to implement a project? Or should such studies instead be focused on assessing true feasibility, wherein economic, environmental and social values are unlocked and enhanced with bespoke combination of innovation, technology and processing? What needs to change with feasibility studies to ensure projects are truly feasible and can be executed per plan to deliver the promised value? These are some of the pressing discussion topic that this workshop strives to address. This workshop will provide a platform to candidly discuss the challenges in current project evaluation and feasibility studies with participants from mining companies, mine financiers, EPCM, OEM and others. Finally, the workshop will strive to converge on key solutions to address challenges and assist in making future studies better suited to securing financing, approvals and set-up projects to deliver the unlocked values. 

Biography of the presenter

Vikram is an executive with many years of senior leadership experience and has first-hand experience in setting up and rolling out business strategy, leading client engagements, delivering corporate development, unlocking and enhancing economic value of projects to mining clients. Vikram has an enviable record of delivering sustainable, consistent and predictable business results by setting-up and leveraging empowered high-performance teams striving to achieve common goals under a clear vision. With wide experience ranging from commissioning metallurgical plants as a Process Metallurgist to assisting in setting up private equity backed SPV’s to finance “Green” processing solutions - Vikram's passion lies in evaluating mining projects, optimizing technical challenges, defining, describing & enhancing business case and assist in setting-up projects for seamless execution to fully capture economic and social values. Vikram has an MBA from University of Toronto - Rotman School of Business and an M.Eng in Metallurgy from McGill University. Vikram is presently the Vice President of Origination for DRA in the Americas and sponsors a number of early stage mining studies. Prior to DRA - Vikram was the VP of Concentrator Plant Solution for Outotec in Finland responsible for the EP and EPC business globally. He is also an active volunteer giving back to the community through involvement in boards of not-for-profit organizations and professional societies.