MINING EPC / EPCM
approach from its mining clients in the last few years , noting that junior firms with battery minerals interests , for example , are focused on expediting the project decision-making process , whereas established miners are evaluating roles and responsibilities within an integrated project team scenario .
On the former , Janne Tikka , Head of Mining & Metals at AFRY , said : “ These green capital expenditure-type client projects are being developed while simultaneously advancing several options in order to shorten the overall project time schedule . Obviously , this method is laboursome and requires more project resources than a traditional approach . It also requires that both the owner and the consultant are agile and fully committed to the project in close partnership .”
This strategy is often driven by commitments around their mining projects – it could be offtake agreements , for instance – with AFRY , the client and various technology suppliers and consultants working together to deal with the schedule-based challenges .
Tikka added : “ As regards established mining companies , we have seen them leaning towards more integrated project teams where project management is carried out in close co-operation with engineering companies , but with clear roles and responsibilities .
“ AFRY , as an EPCM services provider , is welcoming this way of working since seamless co-operation with the project owner improves the quality and awareness of time-critical items .”
Like other companies in this sector , AFRY is often asked to continue working with its clients beyond an EPCM remit – it has had a presence at Boliden ’ s Kevitsa mine , in Finland , for more than a decade , continuing to provide local engineering services to the mine well after initial project implementation back in 2010-2012 .
AFRY ’ s impact on projects is set to be even longer lasting thanks to the digital engineering platform the company regularly produces and consults with during a project ’ s construction phase .
This platform , according to Tikka , is now enabling a full digital twin of the mine during operations .
“ The challenges seen in the last years ( like COVID and market competition ) has shown the importance of development work done in the past years at AFRY and also motivated us to take even more advanced working tools and methods forward in our project delivery work ,” he reflected .
These tools also allow the company to tailor the technology solutions it recommends to clients – whether big or small – ensuring that capital expenditure is spent on items that maximise value throughout the mine ’ s life , he said .
With the mining sector looking to bring more projects online in an increasingly complex environment , AFRY ’ s understanding of the whole value chain and ability to seamlessly integrate with operations teams will ensure it continues to deliver for mining clients , according to Tikka .
“ Based on our depth of knowledge , we can help clients at every step and in any scale of a project – from early exploration to mining and minerals processing to further beneficiation , smelting , end-product refining and manufacturing , to end-of-life recycling ,” he said . “ But responding to the operating personnel needs is always the core .
“ The owners team involvement regarding operational expertise has , luckily , been intensive in AFRY ’ s past EPCM mining projects . This obviously facilitates project ramp-up and ensures optimal return on owners ’ investment .”
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A model provider
Fluor ’ s ability to provide optimal return on investment to its clients is tied to
delivering on an established partnership model cemented in the early-study stages .
“ This allows us to fully understand specific value drivers and design and
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022 | International Mining 47