Abstract
The mining industry has faced many challenges and evolved with the times. One of the key parts of a mine is the capital construction project to build the facility. This work is often carried out by specialised contractors, consultants and construction managers of many disciplines and it can sometimes be overlooked how the way in which they engage has also changed rapidly over the years.
With regard to some of the standard models and approaches from late in the 20th Century, this paper considers some of the evolutions in the delivery of capital mine delivery projects in the 21st Century. This can include newer or novel contracting strategies to optimise outcomes for all stakeholders and can feature integrated management teams replacing the client-contractor or traditional EPCM models. Logistics and material control is important for cost, schedule and quality, especially in a global market. An overview is given of a recent material management system supporting a project in Colombia that is defining a new approach for contractors and construction managers. Safety has undergone an extreme focus and culture shift, contractors can lead in safety and establishing a culture on the project. This can be apparent with shafts now being sunk without lost time incidents. New Miner Training programs that provide a skilled workforce locally to build and then operate the mine, are an important part of corporate social responsibility initiatives and especially Indigenous contributions and benefits. Examples of different successful training models for a global market are described.
Future expectations and opportunities are also discussed.