Specialist estimate assurance for mining and resources capital projects, from scoping study through to final investment decision.
By the time the monthly report shows project cost growth, the critical decisions that caused it are years in the past.
Independent, targeted estimate review well ahead of FID, in the project development phases, is where those decisions can still be stress-tested. After approval, the same gaps surface as variations, claims and reforecasts.
of major mining and metals projects ran over budget, over schedule, or both.
was the average cost overrun across those same projects.
EY analysis of 192 major global mining and metals projects, each exceeding US$1 billion, June 2021.
Early phase and pre-FID. Find the gaps, inconsistencies and hidden cost drivers before the decision is locked in.
Confirm the estimate genuinely meets the accuracy and maturity it claims.
Right-size contingency against real project risk, without optimism and without overselling.
Test sensitivity to labour, materials and market movement against current data.
Interrogate scope, productivity, pricing basis and execution planning.
Strengthen in-house estimating process, tools and team capability.
Our review goes past class adherence. We test the six inputs that move a capital estimate most, and we quantify the cost and schedule impact of what we find.
Prevents under-scoped estimates and late-stage cost growth.
Confirms the estimate reflects how the project will actually be delivered.
Tests whether field assumptions are realistic and achievable.
Validates equipment, material and commodity rates against current and forecast market conditions.
Aligns indirect cost to the project's specific requirements rather than generic cost ratios.
Separates real risk from assumed risk so contingency is defensible.
Review documents received
Clarification session with your estimating team
Initial findings session
Draft report for your feedback
Final assurance report issued
Defined review. A scoped assurance review typically runs 10 to 15 working days from receipt of documents, at a fixed price agreed up front.
Embedded support. Where a project needs longer input, we work alongside the owner's team through the study phase at an agreed rate.
Managing Director
NextGen Assurance is Harleah Logan. The career estimator who reviews your project is the same one who has been developing estimates for more than twenty years.
Has led estimate development from scoping study through to execution delivery, working both sides of the table: as lead estimator for EPC and EPCM contractors, and as an owner's team principal estimator.
Senior roles include Lead Estimator at Lycopodium Minerals and GR Engineering Services, Principal Estimator and Project Controls Lead with BHP's Project Controls & Analysis group, and Estimating Manager at WSP.
Associate of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, the peak body for Australian resources.
Member of the body that sets the estimate classification standard our class reviews are measured against.
AU$2M any one claim, AU$4M in the aggregate. Certificate available on request.
First-class trade certification. Construction experience behind the constructability calls.
Estimates developed for these clients while employed with BHP, GR Engineering Services and Lycopodium Minerals.
Gold (CIL) · Copper and nickel concentrators · Copper and nickel smelting · Lead and zinc concentrators · Iron ore crushing, screening and materials handling · Underground mining and materials handling · Coal-fired power generation · Tailings storage facilities · Non-process infrastructure · Environmental and rehabilitation
The eight-page capability profile carries the full detail behind this page, ready to forward internally or attach to a submission.
The complete profile: the problem, the three service tiers, the six drivers, how an engagement runs, and the full track record.
Download the profileSingle-sheet leave-behind. Everything essential on one page for a meeting or an email attachment.
Download the summaryIf your estimate needs independent assessment, start with an enquiry. Tell us the project phase, the estimate class and what you need tested, and we will come back with a proposed scope, a timeline and a fixed price.
A mutual non-disclosure agreement is executed before any project material is requested.
