Mine Project Failures - Insider Perspectives

So you have your opinions on why projects fail.

Maybe you think you have the answers. At times, we may all think that way.

But have you taken some time to consider what anybody else thinks?

Have you had a dialogue to compare notes and reflect?

This has been my underlying driver for researching why projects fail in the natural resources sector. Why we are continuing to face such high cost overruns, and extended schedules within our projects? And why do our stakeholders never seem to be satisfied with the outcomes?

Working in the mining sector, and oversight of projects within that realm, I always felt it was easy to see where blaring issues arose. I could always spot the gaps, from my perspective, and within my realm of experience. As likely all people can do - within their range of experience. The problem is, the things you can spot are never the only things going on.

We are blind to what we don’t know.

Karen ChovanFebruary 1, 2016Enviro Integration Strategiesproject management, requirements, mining, risk managementComment

The Crossroads of Project Failure and Mining Risks

Problem solving, increasing value, streamlining process, and improving performance.

These endeavours give me purpose.

But how to do this in the most efficient manner? This requires investigation.

Of failure rates

(Where are there the biggest problems?)

Of the arenas of failure

(What seems to be causing the most disruption?)

Of failure mechanisms

(What are the root causes of the disruptions?)

Two areas of interest embedded into my psyche:

Mining and projects.

So it is at these crossroads where an investigation began...

Broader Requirements for Resource and Energy Projects?

Over the past year, there has been a concentrated focus within the project management world on the topic of requirements management - because studies have shown that inappropriate requirements is the leading cause of project failure.

New guidance has been developed and can be found on the PMI website, however there are a few categories of requirements not discussed that should be considered when it comes to projects within the natural resources and energy sectors. Some may also apply to large-scale linear and municipal infrastructure where numerous community stakeholders could have an impact on the outcomes of environmental assessment approvals.

This article discusses the consideration of said requirements, the associated risks and opportunities, and a compelling case for the reasoning provided.

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