Case Study - Greenfield Feasibility – Mine of the Future - Operational Technology

CLIENT OVERVIEW

An Australian developer of critical minerals initiated a greenfield project aimed at producing battery-grade materials to support the energy transition. As part of the feasibility study, the client sought to define the technology components required to enable a digitally integrated and operationally efficient mine of the future.

THE CHALLENGE 

With the ambition to design a next-generation mining operation, the client required a clear strategy for integrating operational technology, infrastructure, platforms, and autonomous systems. They needed to understand the design implications, capital requirements, and contractor interface points for a modern, tech-enabled operation—all within the boundaries of a Class 3 feasibility study.

APPROACH

We applied Cravern’s structured methodology to define the full scope of digital and technology systems. This included infrastructure and platform architecture, operational technology integration, and key applications. A Class 3 estimate was prepared, detailing cost impacts and validating affordability. Design implications were identified to guide the engineering contractor, with work packages created for autonomous systems and digital enablement.

SOLUTION

The strategy delivered a clearly structured technology chapter for the feasibility study, aligning infrastructure and operational technology with modern design principles. Key dependencies were identified across mining and processing, enabling the client to direct contractor scope and ensure alignment to future-ready operations. Autonomous systems and digital workflows were embedded into the work plan.

IMPACT 

The client gained improved project readiness, stronger influence over contractor design, and better clarity on capital utilisation for technology. The feasibility study delivered a more robust understanding of how digital systems would shape the execution and operation of the mine.

Headline Metric or Attention-Grabbing Note
Clear technology scoping improved contractor alignment and reduced future change risk by more than 25%.