Clear Goals and Objectives:

An ORP lays out explicit goals and objectives for the mining project, encompassing production, safety, and environmental targets. This clarity ensures that all stakeholders comprehend their roles and responsibilities in achieving these benchmarks, fostering a unified understanding across the project.

Comprehensive Planning:

Crafting a comprehensive plan is fundamental within the ORP framework. It covers the entire spectrum of mining operations, including mine design, equipment selection, staffing, training, and contingency planning. Input from diverse stakeholders, including operations and maintenance personnel, contractors, and regulators, is integrated to create a robust strategy.

Risk Identification and Management:

Anticipating potential risks associated with mining operations is pivotal. The ORP meticulously identifies risks spanning geological challenges, equipment failures, human error, and environmental factors, devising proactive plans to mitigate these risks effectively.

Established Communication Protocols:

Transparent communication channels established within the ORP ensure stakeholders receive regular updates on progress, risks, and emerging issues. This information dissemination fosters a proactive approach, empowering stakeholders to take swift and informed actions when necessary.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

An ORP incorporates a monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress against predefined goals and objectives. This continuous assessment ensures adherence to timelines, prompt identification of issues, and timely resolution of risks.

Empowering Operational Excellence: Cubility’s Strategic Support Framework

At Cubility, we are committed to supporting your operational readiness and continual improvement needs throughout various project stages—be it at the conceptual stage, ramp-up, or full production.

Strategy: Employing behavioral science tools and the ‘Plan, Do, Check, Act’ approach, we empower your workforce to identify and implement improvement initiatives. Our leadership coaching ensures effective performance cycle management.

Systems: Our smart systems and bespoke frameworks simplify planning and enable effective change, catalysing the transition from project development to full-scale production seamlessly.

People: We specialise in assessing and defining your Workforce Plan aligned with Project Development and Life of Mine Plans, ensuring the right number of skilled individuals, operating safely and efficiently.

Using an ORP in mining enhances efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility, fortifying the path from project inception to full production. Meticulous planning, strategic execution, and a dedication to ongoing improvement drive this journey. If your business needs assistance, please get in touch with us. We would love to hear from you.

1. Drive Financial and Operational Impact

Empowering employees and aligning them with a shared purpose can foster continuous improvements and help achieve ambitious goals. Encouraging a sense of ownership and investment among employees can lead to significant positive outcomes.

2. Elevate Social and Environmental Impact

By forging strong ties with communities and the environment, mining companies can improve their overall organisational health. By integrating social initiatives and sustainable environmental practices into core operations, mining companies can bolster their reputation and foster positive community ties.

3. Enhance Capability Impact

A commitment to continuous learning, training, and employee development is essential. A leadership approach rooted in humility and a focus on nurturing employee growth can pave the way for long-term success.

4. Exemplify Leadership with Humility

Effective leadership is key to operational excellence. Leaders who lead by example, delegate decision-making authority, and foster a culture of continuous improvement can empower their teams to drive meaningful change.

5. Prioritise Customer Impact

Even in the absence of direct competition, mining companies should emphasise delivering high-quality products that exceed customer expectations. This proactive approach can create additional value for customers and set the stage for industry differentiation.

As mining companies seek to redefine their future trajectory, embracing operational excellence emerges as a vital catalyst for transformation. By adopting these recommendations and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, the mining industry can harness its full potential and make significant strides in productivity, efficiency, safety, and sustainability. This strategic shift toward operational excellence is poised to welcome a new era of success, where mining companies can not only weather the challenges of today but also thrive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Cubility is a management and technology consultancy that specialises in solving business, operations and logistics challenges through tailored strategies and systems. We utilise in-house developed frameworks and models as well as industry standards to optimise clients’ governance structures, improve their risk management and achieve specific business objectives. For assistance with your business challenges, please get in touch with us. We would love to hear from you.

Boosting Safety

Safety is a top priority in the mining industry, and AI technologies are proving invaluable in mitigating risks. AI-powered predictive analytics can analyse vast amounts of data, identifying patterns and trends to predict potential hazards. By analysing real-time data from various sources, AI algorithms can detect anomalies and alert workers to potential dangers, enabling proactive measures to be taken. Furthermore, mining companies can utilise autonomous vehicles and drones equipped with AI systems in hazardous environments, reducing their need for human presence thereby minimising the potential safety risks.

Enhancing Transparency

Transparency is essential for achieving responsible mining operations and the implementation of AI tools to collect and analyse vast amounts of data from multiple sources enable them to have a comprehensive view of their operations. Such AI-powered data management systems enable companies to track and monitor various aspects such as production rates, energy consumption, and equipment performance. A key benefit of AI algorithms is that it provides real-time insights which allow for quick decision-making, optimising operations and resource allocation. Moreover, transparency facilitated by AI can improve stakeholder trust by demonstrating adherence to environmental regulations and ethical practices.

Driving Sustainability

Mining firms are under increasing pressure to minimise their environmental footprint and improve their overall sustainability. AI is increasingly being used to promote sustainable practices, such as optimising energy usage and reducing waste by analysing historical and real-time data. By identifying inefficiencies and suggesting process improvements, AI assists in optimising resource utilisation which, in turn, reduces the environmental impact.

Reducing Costs

AI technologies offer significant cost-saving opportunities for mining companies including:

• Labour costs: By automating repetitive tasks and streamlining processes, AI reduces labour costs and enhances operational efficiency.
• Detecting equipment failures before they occur: Predictive analytics enable proactive maintenance, preventing costly equipment breakdowns and associated downtime.
• Transport costs: AI algorithms optimise transportation and logistics, reducing fuel consumption and improving delivery schedules.
• Minimises excess inventory: AI-driven inventory management systems enhance supply chain efficiency, ensuring the availability of essential materials while minimising excess inventory.

Overall, AI implementation in mining operations leads to substantial cost reductions and improved financial performance.

As mining firms embrace digital solutions, AI has emerged as a transformative force that is revolutionising the industry. AI technologies not only enable mining companies to optimise productivity but also boost safety, transparency, and sustainability while reducing costs. By harnessing the power of AI, mining companies can unlock new opportunities for growth, efficiency, and responsible operations in the digital age.

Cubility is a management and technology consultancy that specialises in solving business, operations and logistics challenges through tailored strategies and systems. We utilise in-house developed frameworks and models as well as industry standards to optimise clients’ governance structures, improve their risk management and achieve specific business objectives. For assistance with your business challenges, please get in touch with us. We would love to hear from you.

The Problem:

One of the main challenges faced by resource companies is the lack of robust requirement specifications and not leveraging from data handover best practice. Often, owner operators request excessive amounts of information without reliable mechanisms to gather, structure, validate, and verify deliverables. Furthermore, many companies lack access to quality reference information and tools required to ensure meticulous attention to detail, which is crucial for achieving the desired outcomes.

Cubility’s Solution:

The key to ensuring project success lies in investing appropriate time and effort at the outset of a project, applying the following prerequisites:

1. Thoroughly Defined Scope of Work

Clearly defining the scope of work is essential to avoid confusion and misunderstandings. It provides a foundation for effective communication between engineering teams and operations, ensuring that all parties are aligned with project objectives.

2. Clear Understanding of Responsibilities

Establishing a clear understanding of responsibilities among project stakeholders fosters accountability and enables smooth collaboration. Each party involved should have a defined role in the engineering data handover process.

3. Unambiguous Identification of Stage Deliverables

By clearly identifying and documenting the deliverables at each project stage, both engineering and operations teams have a shared understanding of what information should be handed over. This clarity ensures a seamless transfer of knowledge and reduces the chances of critical data being overlooked.

4. Proper Sequencing of Events

Following a well-defined sequence of events during the engineering data handover process is crucial. This involves establishing logical steps, timelines, and dependencies to ensure a smooth flow of information and minimise disruptions.

5. Establishment of Standards

Standardising document numbering, tag numbering, and units of measurement is essential for consistency and clarity in engineering data handover. Adhering to established standards enables efficient retrieval and interpretation of information by operations teams.

Graph: A Typical Engineering Information Handover process

When the data handover requirements are clearly defined and implemented, it guarantees that the design basis and intent are effectively communicated to the owner operator. This transfer of information sets the stage for successful project execution and operational efficiency.

All of the above aspects, should be included in a comprehensive Engineering Data Handover (EDHO) Strategy. We also recommend incorporating an industry standard such as the Capital Facilities Information Handover Specification (CFIHOS), to ensure that data and documents are organised in a structured way so users can have the information they need to operate, maintain and decommission a facility in a timely manner.

Efficient engineering information handover is an indispensable element in the success of capital projects. By addressing the challenges associated with inadequate availability and accessibility of up-to-date data, resource companies can overcome delays and setbacks. Embracing best practices in data handover, such as adopting an industry standard such as CFIHOS, thorough scoping, clear responsibilities, unambiguous deliverables, proper sequencing, and standardised procedures, enables a seamless and effective transfer of engineering data. As a result, projects can achieve their desired outcomes, optimise operational performance, and maximise overall success.

Cubility is a management and technology consultancy that specialises in solving business, operations and logistics challenges through tailored strategies and systems. We utilise in-house developed frameworks and models as well as industry standards to optimise clients’ governance structures, improve their risk management and achieve specific business objectives. For assistance with your business challenges, please get in touch with us. We would love to hear from you.

Optimise operations

A key benefit to leveraging cloud-based infrastructure is that mining firms can streamline their operations and improve efficiency. Cloud platforms provide scalable and flexible computing power, allowing mining companies to handle large amounts of data, perform complex calculations, and optimise resource allocation all of which enables quicker decision-making, reduces downtime, and enhances overall productivity.

Enhance collaboration

Cloud computing facilitates seamless collaboration among geographically dispersed teams, a particularly valuable capability in times of disruption. With cloud-based communication tools, mining professionals can access and share real-time data, collaborate on projects, and make informed decisions regardless of their physical location. This ensures business continuity during unexpected events, such as natural disasters or global crises, enabling mining firms to maintain productivity and responsiveness.

Strengthen Data Security and Compliance

By implementing Cloud computing it offers mining companies advanced security measures, such as encryption, authentication, and access controls, safeguarding sensitive information against cyber threats. What is more, Cloud service providers also adhere to industry-specific regulations, ensuring compliance with data protection standards. By leveraging the expertise and resources of cloud providers, mining companies can enhance their security while mitigating operational risks.

Facilitating Predictive Analytics and AI Applications

Mining companies that utilise Cloud computing can benefit from the advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) applications that it is able to facilitate. By leveraging cloud-based platforms, mining companies can analyse vast amounts of data in real-time, uncover valuable insights, and make data-driven decisions. Predictive analytics and AI technologies enable more accurate demand forecasting, predictive maintenance, and optimised resource allocation, which assist in improving operational efficiency and cost savings.

Adapt to Dynamic Market Conditions

The mining industry operates in a dynamic environment which is influenced by factors such as fluctuating commodity prices, changing regulations, and evolving customer demands. Cloud computing enables mining firms to be more agile and scalable thereby enabling them to navigate such market uncertainties. By leveraging cloud-based solutions, mining firms can quickly scale their operations up or down, test new business models, and adapt to changing market conditions. This flexibility enables mining companies to seize opportunities, optimise cost structures, and stay ahead of the competition.

There are many benefits to mining companies embracing cloud computing including enhanced operational efficiency, enhanced collaboration, improved security and innovation and overall strengthened resilience ensuring their long-term success in an ever-evolving industry.

Cubility is a management and technology consultancy that works with businesses to solve operational problems, improve compliance, and manage change well. Our multi-disciplined team is equipped with the technical and operational knowledge as well as project execution skills to ensure the success of any project. If your business needs assistance, please get in touch with us. We would love to hear from you.

This article will explain how an ORP can be used to achieve mining readiness and will share a step-by-step guide for effective implementation.

What is an Operational Readiness Plan (ORP)?

An ORP is a comprehensive framework that outlines the processes required to ensure that a mine is fully operational within a specified timeframe and includes activities such as pre-commissioning, commissioning, and ramp-up activities.

Cubility’s Step-by-Step Guide for Effective ORP Implementation

1. ESTABLISH

The first phase involves initial planning where the scope of the ORP needs to be defined, detailing all the required activities and timelines. Following this, the ORP team needs to be established and an ORP plan developed. This pre-planning stage should include strategic planning that conducts risk assessments that identify potential risks and put mitigation measures in place.

1. EXECUTE

Following the initial planning, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) should be developed for all activities based on best practices as well as training programs for all employees and contractors involved in the mining operations. Following this, the pre-commissioning activities should be conducted including a detailed inspection of all equipment and infrastructure.

1. COMMISSION

The commissioning activities include the first production of mineral resources, executed in a controlled manner to continually monitor all the systems. Once operating smoothly, the ramp-up activities can be conducted which requires a regular review of all SOPs to ensure they are effective.

1. STEADY STATE BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Once a mine is operational, its performance should be monitored and evaluated regularly through reviews of all SOPs, environmental impacts and health and safety.

Conclusion

An ORP is an essential tool for achieving mining readiness and includes a detailed plan for the pre-commissioning, commissioning, ramp-up activities and closure of mining projects. By following a step-by-step guide, mining companies can implement mining projects efficiently  ensuring a profitable project with a maximised ROI.

Cubility is a management and technology consultancy that works with businesses to solve operational problems, improve compliance, and manage change well. Our multi-disciplined team is equipped with the technical and operational knowledge as well as project execution skills to ensure the success of any project. If your business needs assistance, please get in touch with us. We would love to hear from you.

ESG is increasingly being seen as a growth opportunity for mining companies and those that take a proactive approach to ESG will reap financial rewards from sustained value growth. This article highlights how mineral mining companies can future-proof themselves by including four key elements in their ESG strategy.

A glimpse into today’s mineral mining landscape

With the global transition to net-zero comes a rapid shift to clean technologies such as electric vehicles, solar and wind power, all of which are dependent on high-performance lithium-ion batteries. These batteries however utllise a significant amount of critical minerals and the rapid growth in demand has placed astronomical pressure on mining for critical minerals such as nickel, cobalt and lithium.

How to future-proof your ESG strategy

Sustainable critical mineral mining is going to play a key role in us reaching net-zero by 2050. As the ESG revolution grows in momentum, it is clear that in order to achieve long-term sustainability mining firms will need to offer future value growth over and above delivering the necessary capital returns.

To future-proof themselves, mineral miners should adapt their ESG to include four elements (PwC).
1. Expand the ESG strategy to include stakeholders beyond shareholders and government

The operating environment has changed for today’s mining companies where they are required to engage with stakeholders beyond their shareholders and government. Now they are also expected to satisfy the demands of investors, local communities and NGOs amongst others which requires a greater level of preparation, planning and ESG strategy alignment in response to their needs and concerns.

2. Manage change with a people-centric approach

With the transition to a green economy, mines too will need to adapt their operations to ensure they reduce their carbon footprint. Such changes have a knock on effect on employees and the various stakeholders and managing them with a people-centric approach will be crucial.

3. Improve regulatory efficiency

Maintain high levels of regulatory compliance whilst simultaneously streamlining the project approval process. This can be done by pre-empting regulatory hurdles and collaborating with government to improve the process for reviewing and approving new mining projects.

4. Bolster supply chain resilience

Starting with the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by geopolitical tensions triggered by the war in Ukraine, the world is facing an unprecedented era of uncertainty which has placed major pressure on global supply chains. To improve its supply chain resilience as well as adequately address ESG concerns, mining companies need to improve visibility.

The rapid rise in demand for critical minerals has put mineral mining on an unparalleled growth trajectory. To reap the rewards of sustained value growth, mineral mining companies can future-proof their ESG strategy by adequately addressing all stakeholders, taking a people-centric approach, improving regulatory efficiency and bolstering supply chain resilience.

Cubility is a management and technology consultancy that specialises in solving business, operations and logistics challenges through tailored strategies and systems. We utilise in-house developed frameworks and models as well as industry standards to optimise clients’ governance structures, improve their risk management and achieve specific business objectives. Please get in touch with us for more information. We would love to hear from you.

Where ESG was traditionally used by environmentally and socially conscious investors to screen investments, it is being used more widely today amongst investors as well as within businesses to measure their non-financial performance indicators. And at a time where there is a global drive towards a low carbon future, there is growing pressure for businesses to prioritise sustainability by implementing ESG measures.

This is particularly relevant to the mining industry due to its large environmental impact and, as a result, the industry faces pressure to reduce the effect it has on the environment and society and improve its governance. However, setting ambitious ESG targets is just the beginning. The real focus should be on ensuring these ESG targets are, in fact, achieved.

Making ESG targets a reality

The solution to achieving ESG targets depends on:

1. Culture and leadership – setting the tone from the top, leaders must foster a culture that encourages sound environmental, social and governance practices.
2. Strategy – the business strategy must include strong commitments to ESG and explain how these will be achieved.
3. A business’s operating models – these should be set-up to address ESG-related opportunities, challenges and risks.
4. Transparency, accountability and collaboration – organisations should ensure that ESG targets are clear and that they are woven into a business’s operations so that all departments and organisational levels are working towards achieving the same overarching goals.
5. An effective governance and reporting framework – this enables a business’s decision-making to be aligned with its ESG targets and to demonstrate results.
6. Recruitment of experienced and qualified talent to facilitate accountability and mobilise the business towards achieving its ambitious targets.
7. Investing in and implementation of technology – environmental technology enhances mining operations making them cleaner and more efficient, while management technologies enable stakeholders to facilitate accountability.

At a time where there is a desperate need and focus shift towards a low carbon future, industries – and in particular, the mining industry – are receiving increasing pressure to prioritise ESG. While setting ambitious ESG targets is an important start, businesses can implement several steps to turn these into reality.

Cubility is a management and technology consultancy that specialises in solving business, operations and logistics challenges through tailored strategies and systems. We utilise in-house developed frameworks and models as well as industry standards to optimise clients’ governance structures, improve their risk management and achieve specific business objectives. For assistance with your business challenges, please get in touch with us. We would love to hear from you.

Capital productivity is defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics as “a ratio of output to capital input”. Given the nature of the ratio, Capital productivity can be improved by:

1. Increasing the output
2. Reducing the capital input

“Currently, an estimate of 64% of global mining and metal megaprojects ran over budget or schedule – or both – with the average cost overrun sitting at 39%.”

To minimise such overruns and improve their mining capital productivity, mining firms should focus on doing two things, namely:

1. Increase their output by optimising their production.
2. Reduce capital input by prioritising their investment in project management capabilities and toolsets.

To address the above criteria, we advise mining firms utilise a robust Operations Readiness Plan (ORP) to assist their project managers with understanding the various components of Operational Readiness so that they can allocate an accurate budget and resources to each task and avoid cost overruns.

Our recommended approach to achieving Operational Readiness is to view the business and operation from a value chain perspective and develop a framework that identifies all core and supporting functional areas (multiple workstreams) as well as foundational building blocks. This will then determine the process, technology and people that need to be deployed to attain operational readiness.

Cubility’s Operations Readiness Framework

Mining capital projects that develop and incorporate Operations Readiness Plans into a project will benefit from optimising production and control operating costs resulting in boosted capital productivity.

At Cubility we assist clients developing and incorporating Operations Readiness Plans into their mining capital projects by utilising our in-house developed “Mine-in-a-box” solution incorporating a framework, best-practice models and roadmap to deliver an ORP that is aligned to their business objectives. To speak to one of our consultants about Mining Capital Project Support please get in touch with us, we would love to hear from you.