Our Project Principles

Our Project Principles were developed through years of hands-on experience shaped by the challenges and successes we've achieved in diverse environments. We continuously review and refine these principles by rigorously evaluating our project outcomes, ensuring they align with our commitment to innovation, quality, and client satisfaction. This iterative process allows us to adapt and improve, ensuring that our principles remain relevant and effective in delivering exceptional results.  Below are some of our key Project Principles.

1. Think Slow, Act Fast

We are avid followers of Professor Bent Flyvbjerg's work at the University of Oxford, which builds on the work of Nobel Prize laureate Professor Daniel Kahneman and underscores the crucial importance of detailed, front-loaded planning.  By investing time in rigorous planning and risk assessment upfront, we ensure that when the time comes for execution, we can act swiftly and effectively.  This approach minimises surprises, reduces risks, and drives successful project outcomes.

2. We Only Use a Single Source of Truth

In project management, consistency and accuracy are paramount.  We ensure that all project data - whether related to schedule, budget, or performance metrics - comes from a single, verified source.  This eliminates confusion, aligns all stakeholders, and ensures that everyone is working with the same information, leading to better decision-making and project success.

3. You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Measure

Effective project management is grounded in measurable outcomes.  The key pillars of successful project delivery - Safety, Scope, Time, Quality, Cost, and Customer Experience - are continuously monitored and measured by our Project Managers and Project Controls team to identify issues early, make informed decisions, and ensure that the project remains on track.

4. Project Management is About Making Decisions

Every project involves a series of critical decisions that shape its outcome.  Our approach is to empower our teams with the data, tools, and authority they need to make informed, timely decisions.  Our commitment to transparency, collaboration, and a clear understanding of the project’s goals supports this decision-making process.

5. Understand the Technology Risk

Technology risk is a critical consideration in project financing.  We rigorously assess the commercial viability of all technologies before they are integrated into our projects.  If a technology hasn’t been proven in a commercial setting, we recognise the risks it poses to securing funding and achieving project success, and we guide our clients accordingly.

6. Understand the Difference Between Price and Cost

While price is often the initial focus, the true cost of a project is revealed over its entire lifecycle.  We emphasise a thorough understanding of both upfront costs and long-term operational expenses.  This holistic view ensures that our clients are not just selecting the cheapest option but investing in a solution that delivers value over time.

7. Offtake Specifications Must Be Defined Early

The specifications for the final product - the offtake - must be clearly defined at the project's outset.  This clarity drives the design, engineering, and operational decisions, ensuring the project delivers a product that meets market and client expectations.

8. Feed Material Must Be Properly Prepared

Clay-rich or sticky ores materials can cause significant challenges in processing, such as blockages, reduced throughput, and inefficiencies in recovery.  Consequently, we emphasise proper feed material preparation.

9. Maximise Off-Site Construction & Modularity

Professor Bent Flyvbjerg's work has repeatedly demonstrated that pre-engineered and modular systems are the most reliable way to reduce overall project schedules and prevent cost overruns.