Ep 138: From Scoping to Feasibility: How to nail cost estimation at every stage

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Hamish Guthrie (Managing Consultant – Mining) joins Dr Gregory Zhang (Senior Consultant – Geology) to explore the fundamentals of cost estimation across the mining study pipeline.

Hamish shares practical insights from his more than 30 years in the industry, including the importance of understanding project scale and matching the level of effort to the study stage.

If you're involved in study work, project evaluation, cost modelling or operational planning, this conversation will give you clear, practical guidance you can apply straight away.

Key Timestamps
00:31 – What Is Cost Estimation?
00:56 – Cost Estimation Across Study Levels
01:10 – Data Sources for Cost Estimation
01:58 – Scoping Study Accuracy
02:32 – Pre-feasibility Study Accuracy
03:19 – Feasibility Study Expectations
04:23 – Basis of Estimate (BOE)
05:16 – Common Pitfalls
06:38 – Key Takeaway

If you would like to contact Hamish and Greg: contact@snowdenoptiro.com

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