MINING EPCM
comes from its mining groups .
“ Innovation means safer work ,” Rusk added . “ There are lots of opportunities in construction innovation to reduce risk , but it often increases in project complexity . We recently completed a job where we were able to reduce working at heights by 70 % by using modular design and preassembly . We also completed a job with tilting light fixtures , so instead of workers getting up on ladders to replace lights , the light pole could come down to allow for easier access .
“ None of this is new or groundbreaking but making simple processes more efficient and safer is an important type of innovation .”
And , of course , when discussing project implementation innovation , artificial intelligence ( AI ) always comes up .
“ From my experience , AI needs to be treated as a tool that can help us be more productive , but it ’ s not a guidance system ,” Rusk said “ I ’ ve seen people get very excited about what AI can do , but sometimes this can be distracting . It ’ s important to consider where we can apply AI to provide better service for clients and more effective project outcomes . I see it as an enhancement tool .”
Rusk says the company is already seeing AI applications in mine design , but AI is less mature in mining project execution .
“ As AI develops , it ’ ll be important to maintain the human element ,” he said . “ It ’ s not
MEI Conferences
COMMINUTION ‘ 25
March 31 - April 3 , 2025 | Cape Town , South Africa
Sponsored by : King ’ s Beads , Russell Mineral Equipment , Global Met Tech , FKK , Glencore Technology , ME Elecmetal , Metso , Eracles - Ceramiche Tecniche , FLSmidth , Magotteaux , CiDRA Minerals Processing , Weir Minerals , Capstone Copper , Sino Grinding , Metcelerate , Nesch Mintec , Conundrum , Derrick Corp ., Maelgwyn Mineral Services , CITIC Heavy Industries , Molycop , International Mining , Minerals Engineering , CEEC & the Critical Minerals Association
FLOTATION ‘ 25
November 17-20 , 2025 | Cape Town , South Africa
Sponsored by : Promet101 , Magotteaux , GoldOre , Metso , Maelgwyn Mineral Services , Eriez , CiDRA Minerals Processing , Metcelerate , MetSoP , Nesch Mintec , AECI Mining Chemicals , Nalco Water , Conundrum , Clariant , Capstone Copper , Glencore Technology , FLSmidth , International Mining , Minerals Engineering , CEEC & the Critical Minerals Association
PHYSICAL SEPARATION ‘ 25
APRIL 20-22 , 2025 | Cape Town , South Africa
Sponsored by : International Mining , Minerals Engineering & the Critical Minerals Association
MINERAL PROCESSING CIRCUITS ‘ 25
November 14-15 , 2024 | Cape Town , South Africa
Sponsored by : International Mining , Minerals Engineering & the Critical Minerals Association
www . min-eng . com / conferences /
necessarily going to take over jobs … we still need humans to tell AI what to do and to understand what it ’ s doing for us .”
Sustainable project execution
It is an understanding of process technology solutions that AFRY tends to highlight when bidding against competitors for EPCM contracts , with the company saying this knowledge allows it to deliver innovative , efficient and sustainable solutions for complex industrial environments .
This expertise in deploying technology during the project execution phase is a key factor that attracts small and mid-tier mining companies , it claims , with engineering services that cover detailed design , process optimisation and innovation . These aspects ensure efficient and sustainable project execution .
“ Utilising advanced modelling tools , AFRY enhances existing processes or develops new ones , improving efficiency , reducing waste and minimising environmental impact ,” AFRY says .
This is displayed explicitly with the last two mining & metal project announcements from AFRY : one with SSAB and the other with Viscaria .
The former will see AFRY engaged as the main engineering partner for SSAB ’ s fossil-free steel mini-mill project in Luleå , Sweden . Here , AFRY ’ s assignment includes basic and detail engineering for a state-of-the-art mini-mill concept that utilises electric arc furnaces .
AFRY ’ s assignment is linked to the melting and hot rolling complex . This includes electric arc furnaces , secondary metallurgy , thin slab casting and hot rolling as well as the necessary infrastructure and auxiliary services .
The latter agreement entails a two-year framework pact to support Viscaria in reaching its goal of becoming one of the world ’ s most sustainable producers of copper .
The company is planning to reopen the Viscaria mine in Kiruna , Sweden , leveraging efficient water management and circular flows as part of its responsible mining practices . Through the framework agreement , AFRY will contribute
with expertise through a wide range of competence areas with a focus on sustainable solutions and the best available technologies . This includes services within multidisciplinary engineering in environmental , geotechnical , process , mechanical and piping , electrical , automation , digitalisation , civil and construction , and sustainability services .
When it comes to the procurement side of EPCM contracts , AFRY manages the selection of materials and equipment , ensuring alignment with process requirements by defining technical specifications and selecting suppliers based on cost , quality and technical fit , Janne Tikka , Head of Mining and Metals , AFRY Process Industries , says .
“ AFRY also oversees contract management to secure favourable terms , ensuring compliance with financial and technical standards ,” he added .
During construction , AFRY coordinates contractors , manages on-site activities and ensures seamless process integration – covering piping , instrumentation and controls – while maintaining strict safety and regulatory compliance , according to Tikka . AFRY ’ s role continues into commissioning and start-up , where the company verifies system performance and resolves technical issues to avoid delays .
Tikka added : “ Sustainability is a core focus for AFRY , as the company optimises processes to reduce energy consumption and supports circular economy initiatives like waste reduction and resource reuse .”
Following project completion , AFRY also offers services to clients , providing ongoing support through process optimisation , upgrades and maintenanc
Tailings alliance
Bechtel is also aligning itself with the technology community to better serve its mining clients .
The company ’ s Bechtel Energy Technologies & Solutions ( BETS ) division recently announced a new strategic global alliance with Extrakt Process Solutions , marking a significant milestone in the commercialisation of Extrakt ' s solid-liquid separation technology .
Known as TNS™ , this technology addresses the long-standing challenges of mine tailings , dewatering and product recovery in a sustainable and effective manner , according to Bechtel .
Bechtel will identify commercial opportunities and provide engineering services to support the alliance , catering to both existing and new customers in the energy and mining & metals sectors . Meanwhile , Extrakt will continue to advance the TNS technology , manage intellectual property and offer technical services to ensure the success of the partnership .
IM
42 International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2024