Instructor: Dale Clarke/Larry Smith

Module Description: This module introduces the course – the purpose of which is to examine each major component of a mine development, show what they are and how they interact to create a mine site.

Module Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the amount of planning required for mining projects
• Appreciate the principal steps and activities involved in such projects
• Understand of the various professions and skills required
• Comprehend the level of the coordination and integration required for such projects​

Instructor: Brian Jackson

Module Description: Design of a mine develops in complexity and detail as a mine project is defined. This module will demonstrate how design progresses from preliminary study phases through to implementation.

Module Learning Outcomes:

• Explain how mine projects evolves through successive development stages—from preliminary studies to final implementation
• Identify and evaluate the key technical, economic, environmental, and regulatory factors influencing design decisions at each stage of mine development.
• Assess how design assumptions evolve with improved data quality and project definition, and how these changes affect project risk and viability.

Instructor: Louise Grondin

Module Description: This module explores the critical role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and regulatory permitting processes in the responsible planning and execution of mining projects.

Module Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the phases of project development
• Understand the studies and assessments required for project approval and permitting
• Understand the importance of stakeholders consultation in project development
• Understand the required continuity from project construction to operations

Instructor: Dale Clarke

Module Description: Defining an overall project scope with it’s many external interfaces and then breaking it down further into executable tasks is critical for the success of any project – regardless of scale. In this module you will learn how to develop and manage the various levels of scope for successful project execution and control.

Module Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the different levels of scope definition on a project 
• Comprehend the interdependencies between scope, budget and schedule
• Appreciate the development and importance of a Scope Definition Document
• Understand the development of work packages and their association with a Work Breakdown System (WBS)​
• Recognize the important development aspects of construction and engineering contract scopes
• Understand work package interfaces and their management
• Comprehend the various areas of scope change and how these are created and managed

Instructor: Xiaohui Xiao

Module Description: This module covers the principles and practices of budgeting and cost control essential for managing financial risks and ensuring the economic viability of mining projects.

Module Learning Outcomes:

• Explain the fundamentals of cost management and its role in the successful delivery of mining projects.
• Analyze cost performance against baselines to monitor project progress and support effective cost control.
• Develop and interpret cost estimates and budgets aligned with project scope, schedule, and resource requirements.
• Evaluate the impact of changes and apply forecasting techniques to update cost projections and inform project decisions.​
• Assess contingency planning and risk management strategies​

Instructor: Xiaohui Xiao

Module Description: This module examines the tools and techniques used in project scheduling and planning to ensure timely execution and coordination throughout the lifecycle of a mining project.D

Module Learning Outcomes:

• Describe the principles and purpose of project planning and scheduling in the context of mining project development.
• Develop and analyze project schedules that align with scope, resources, and milestones across all project phases.
• Apply schedule management techniques to track progress, identify delays, and support timely project delivery.
• Interpret and evaluate site-specific planning and scheduling requirements to coordinate on-site activities effectively and minimize disruptions.​

Instructor: Dale Clarke

Module Description: Project implementation is when the project becomes “real”! Significant capital may be committed and expectations for a successful outcome are high. During this phase, schedule and cost overruns are expensive and must be managed effectively. Learn about the key elements of project implementation and the management processes required for effective project execution.

Module Learning Outcomes:

• List and explain the key elements of the project implementation phase. Explain the various management processes associated with each key element.
• Explain what constitutes Project Controls – what are they and why are they critical for a successful project outcome?
• Explain how a project can be implemented through contractors. How is contracted work defined and managed?
• Explain how to identify and manage cost and schedule trends.​
• Explain how a project can be built in accordance with quality expectations while achieving cost and schedule budgets. Explain the difference between Quality Control and Quality Assurance.
• Explain how a project is successfully transitioned from construction to operations.​

Instructor: Petya Rasheva

Module Description: This module focuses on procurement strategies and contract management practices that support effective sourcing, risk allocation, and legal compliance in mining project development.

Module Learning Outcomes:

• Understand that procurement is a critical process that requires closer monitoring and professional handling
• Appreciate how global supply chains can impact your price and deadlines
• Manage the ethics and biases associated with procurement
• Appreciate the varying types of contracts involved in mining projects​
• Identify key change management tools.

Instructor: Luc Vandamme

Module Description: This module delves into the critical processes used by executives and project teams to evaluate, mitigate, and manage risks inherent in mining and metallurgical projects. Given the industry’s capital-intensive nature and its uneven historical project performance, effective risk management is essential for project success. Participants will explore proven strategies, industry best practices, and real-world case studies, equipping them with the tools needed to make informed, proactive decisions in high-stakes environments.

Module Learning Outcomes:

• Identify and classify the various types of risks—such as geological, regulatory, financial, and technological—that impact the mining industry, and evaluate strategies for managing them effectively.
• Analyze risk management frameworks used in large mining projects and apply best practices to mitigate financial, operational, and environmental risks.
• Be aware of the common pitfalls associated with short-cutting the risk management process.
• Quantify the various types of risks that affect mining or metallurgical mega-projects using the appropriate statistical tools.​
• Assess and illustrate real-world examples of risk-management failures in mining projects, highlighting the consequences of inadequate risk assessment and emphasizing the importance of a structured approach.​

Instructor: Julie Rachynski

Module Description: This module explores human resource management in mining projects, including workforce planning, labor relations, and strategies for recruiting, retaining, and managing talent in remote and challenging environments.

Module Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the importance of HR functions when considering the development of mining projects. Lack of planning in this area can seriously impact the success in a project by relationships, costs and timing of work.
• Understand at a high level the importance of HR functions at an organizational level.
• Understand how these HR functions impact employee experience levels.
• High level overview of HR issues at remote locations.

Instructor: Dale Coffin

Module Description: This module explores the essential steps to developing a strategic communications plan aimed at identifying key project stakeholders, understanding their needs and expectations, as well as developing appropriate communication channels tailored to each group.

Module Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the importance of managing stakeholder expectations and its impact on a project’s success.
• Develop an understanding of what is required for a strategic approach to identifying and analyzing stakeholders, understanding their needs and expectations, and creating a stakeholder engagement plan.
• Explore how clear, transparent, and regular communication establishes trust and credibility while ensuring that stakeholder expectations are aligned with project realities.
• Understand how an effective communications plan requires proper monitoring, diligent management of stakeholder interactions along with consistent, two-way communications.