Services

Following a successful Mine Comparison (see next project), we were asked to undertake the same comparison for existing and planned processing plants. The project company had previously been asked to make such a comparison, but without success. Given the complexity and heterogeneity of the processing operations, we developed an equipment-based template that allowed us to highlight the key factors for each processing operation. The final file was submitted to the technical deparatment for further analysis.

The management of a mining company is puzzled by the results of an engineering project and wants to compare the resulting design data with data from two operating open pits. We developed templates to fill in for all types of operations and based on the information obtained, we made a comparison, highlighting the main insights, developing recommendations to improve cost allocation, and compiling a list of questions for the next steps.

A previous employer has asked for help in updating the model. Their technical department had developed several scenarios over the past years and now needed to evaluate the attractiveness of each option. The head office investment department estimated the labor intensity of the work at 9 FTE. We got it done 3 times faster, saving the budget and being on time for the investment committee meeting.

A remote mine with seasonal logistics (winter road) needed to determine the optimal volume of fuel storage tanks. New expansion projects were planned for the next few years, and management wanted to make sure the facility would not run out of fuel. The challenge was to gather all the information on current and future projects, balance winter road deliveries, fuel balances at the beginning and end of the season and develop scenarios to find the optimal solution.

The treasury department of a mid-sized mining company allocates its free cash to bank deposits with maturities of up to 90 days. The CFO asked us to build a tool to find the optimal allocation among multiple banks based on cash inflows and outflows, bank interest rates, and deposit maturities.

A mining company asked for help in developing a financial model. The company had all the necessary technical calculations (pre-feasibility study), price and cost data, but did not have a unified model linking production and economics. Plus there was no certainty in the capital costing. We developed a model, including the ability to dynamically calculate the amount of equipment required depending on changes in the production pattern.

The management of a remote mine asked for an improved report that reported key performance indicators to headquarters on a weekly basis. Excel calculations (based on dummy numbers) were developed as a prototype for a possible BI system design.

The mine is powered by its own power plant with diesel generators. Management was concerned that the power supply could become a bottleneck for future expansion of production. Past outages were also a problem, as the backup generators could not replace the main set. Mine specialists could not make the case for purchasing new generators. We developed detailed production calculations taking into account planned maintenance and expected load growth, presenting several scenarios with economic evaluation.