Logistics critical to project delivery

Logistics remains critical to mining project delivery, according to Carlos Andrade, general manager business development for Africa at DRA Global. Andrade said using local logistics expertise was just as important - especially in rural areas off the grid. “A clear understanding of the available infrastructure is required as well as what will be necessary to deliver on the project,” he said. “It is crucial to know the delivery time frames for equipment to the site. Moving big pieces of kit around Africa can be a difficult and daunting a task.” He said using local logistical expertise was often a key success factor as locals had a better understanding of many of the systems and procedures in a particular area. “You also need to have a clear understanding of the logistics process from the mine site to the port and back.” Andrade said while there were few challenges that could not be overcome with proper planning, realising the importance of logistics and including it in the planning from the get-go was crucial. “Efficient project delivery is based on a welldeveloped and defined scope where the same team of people is involved from the design through to the commercial operation,” he said. “Assessing the risk and understanding the logistics side of it makes a big difference.”