Abstract

This is the third of a series of presentations delivered to the CIM that started with Changes in Project Delivery from a Contractor’s Perspective [CIM CPS 2021 online], and continued with A contractor’s perspective - communication is key (and always will be / has been), [CIM CPS 2023 Vancouver]. This instalment expands upon the themes described to date and narrates a mining project from inception of the original idea or need through the study phase(s) into execution, commissioning, closeout, operation and sustaining capital optimization.

Projects are more sophisticated and complicated than ever. We must consider wider stakeholders and concerns such as ESG, Indigenous participation, D&I and others, far in excess of the traditional construction engineering and execution scope, throughout all of the project phases. Contractors now lead ahead of owners in some of these areas and are swiftly obtaining parity in all areas, even though they have less direct engagement avenues than the owner, traditionally. Drawing upon historical and contemporary practises and examples, as well as initiatives both underway and aspirational, the story of a mining project is given, including the Good, the Bad and the Ugly as a device to show what a project can be and how challenges can be addressed when partners are aligned in common goals for success.