PROJECTS
Target Projects
MineStone is a Canadian-based project controls and procurement support company servicing the mineral, metallurgical, oil and gas industries. Within these sectors, MineStone has acquired valuable know-how in project controls specifically the CAPEX development and auditing.
Over the years, professionals at MineStone have been involved in several large-scale projects both in international and domestic markets. We assist clients in project control and procurement support servicing and specialized in developing CAPEX from the very early phases up to final production.
MineStone works closely with the client and other consultants in order to form one-knit integrated team, with the client's interests always being regarded as the primary objective. Having worked closely with, and as consultants, and having participated as part of owner's teams in a technical and commercial capacity, the professionals at MineStone are well aware of industry requirements, and have the necessary skills to interface with clients and to assist them in their decision making processes regarding project controls.
MineStone follows AACE International Recommended Practices (RP's) which are intended to be the main technical foundation of our best practices. The AACE RP's are a series of documents used in the industry, that contain valuable reference information that has been subject to a rigorous review process and recommended for use by the AACE Technical Board.
Ongoing Projects
Sevier Playa SOP Bridge Phase - Crystal PEAK Minerals - Utah, USA
August 2019 - Ongoing
Novopro was mandated by PEAK to complete the re-scoping study of the Sevier Playa SOP Potash Project. presently being developed by Crystal Peak Minerals Inc. (CPM) in the area called the Sevier Lake Playa. A two-phased Project Execution approach is used as part of the Re-scoping Study design in an effort to mitigate Project risk.
Minestone has been mandated by Novopro to support the bridge phase in terms of project controls and in specific the cost control and CAPEX estimation activities.
Mackay SOP Project, feasibility study testwork support – Agrimin Inc.
February 2019 - Ongoing
NOVOPRO Projects Inc. has been requested by Agrimin to support the completion of the feasibility study by reviewing existing process testwork results, review pilot ponds design, perform modelling on the ponds, complete the Metsim modelling and mass balance, supervise bench scale and generate PFD's based upon recommended process.
MineStone has been mandated by Novopro to support the study in terms of project controls management and monthly progress reporting.
Mine Closure Plan 2019 – Rio Tinto IOC
August 2019 - Ongoing
IOC management has approached Minestone to develop the cost estimate of the Mine Closure Plan 2019. The mandate is to revise the mine closure cost estimate, which was a carry-over from a previous consult (AMEC) It should include but not limited to, all structures on the site (proper quantity take-offs, floor slabs, foundation voids, contents), all buried infrastructure on the site, including pipes, flumes and site services.
ATO Crusher Employee Facility – Rio Tinto IOC
August 2019
IOC management has approached Minestone to develop the cost estimate of the ATO Crusher Employee Facility. The mandate is to install a pre-fabricated modular building supported on adjustable jack stand and concrete pads with all required building services including the supply of water, electrical and telecommunications connections required etc.
Lake Wells Potash Project Feasibility Study - Australian Potash
August 2018 - Ongoing
NOVOPRO Projects Inc. has been requested by Australian Potash to prepare an offer of service to participate in the execution of a Feasibility Study for the project, by completing the process design portion of the Processing Plant and Ponds, including the initial Basic Mechanical Layout Design for the processing plant.
MineStone has been mandated by Novopro to support the study in terms of project controls management and monthly progress reporting.
Completed Projects
New York Empire Wind Project Study (PHASE 2) – Mott MacDonald
May 2019 – August 2019
Empire Wind is planned for an area of 80,000 acres, in federal waters, an average of 20 miles south of Long Island, east of the Rockaways. When complete, it could power a million New York homes.
Mott MacDonald has requested that MineStone would develop the cost estimate options in phase 2 complete with supportive documentation regarding the NY Empire Wind Project (CAPEX-AACE Level 4). The scope would include electrical cables routed from the nearshore New York to the onshore designated substations. There would be multiple options of cable routing as multiple scenarios.
K1 Crane Modernization – Rio Tinto IOC
August 2019
IOC management has approached Minestone to develop the cost estimate of the K1 Crane Modernization Project. The mandate is to provide the cost estimation services for a new pipe and cable tray supports, demolition of existing monorail structure and work requiring equipment shutdown.
Hardrock Gold Mine Project - Ausenco (Greenstone)
June - August 2019 - Ongoing
IANNARINO Consulting Inc. has been requested by Ausenco to prepare an offer of estimation service by completing Capital expenditure for the piping, underground services and HVAC scope of the Hardrock project in Ontario. The intention is to provide Greenstone (the client) with a detailed estimate that would help control the budget in the implementation phase.
MineStone has been mandated by Iannarino Group to prepare the estimate with all related supporting documents and present it to Ausenco and Greenstone (client).
Tailing Employee Facility – Rio Tinto IOC
August 2019
IOC management has approached Minestone to develop the cost estimate of the tailing employee facility. The mandate is to install a pre-fabricated modular building supported on a concrete foundation with all required services including the supply of potable water, a septic treatment facility and all electrical, mechanical and telecommunications connections as required.
Regrind Splitter Box – Rio Tinto IOC
August 2019
IOC management has approached Minestone to develop the cost estimate analysis regarding an increase in the roofing structure of the regrind splitter box project. The scope is related to the pre-shutdown, shutdown & post-shutdown work in regards to the roof, structural & mechanical demolition/dismantling,
Regrind Pumphouse Upgrade – Rio Tinto IOC
July - August 2019
IOC management has approached Minestone to develop the cost estimate regarding the upgrade of the regrind pump house. The scope is related to the new Monorails (Transfer Monorail on the east side, as well the access monorail to lift off the pit), relocation of P-38 as well as structural, electrical and piping related work etc.
Orica Explosive Plant Upgrade – Rio Tinto IOC
July 2019
IOC management has approached Minestone to develop the cost estimate regarding the upgrade of the existing Explosive Plant. The scope is related to civil works, new admin building, Maintenance building modifications, new boiler house/MCC, new production building & upgrade for the existing production building, wash bay modifications and new water supply.
New Solidification Building Project - Alcoa
May 2019 - June 2019
IANNARINO Consulting Inc. has been requested by Alcoa to prepare an offer of estimation service by completing Capital expenditure for the new solidification building, in Arkansas plant. The scope include building and all related civil works, three (3) silos, bin vents, rotary valves and augers etc.
MineStone has been mandated by Iannarino Group to prepare the estimate with all related supporting documents and present it to the client as a third party review.
Dewatering Program 2019 – Rio Tinto IOC
April 2019 - May 2019
IOC management has approached Minestone to develop the estimate regarding the mine dewatering program 2019. Our mandate require that we use the best cost estimation practices in the preparation of the three (3) dewatering wells and twelve (12) monitering wells c/w pad preparation, blast shelter, sump pump and booster pumps with an accuracy of +/20% as per the AACE standards.
Poyry Various Projects Study, Pulp & Paper – Nardella Group (Irving)
April 2019 – May 2019
Nardella group has requested that MineStone would develop the cost estimate and supportive documentation regarding the Irving Paper Project in Saint John, New Brunswick (CAPEX-FEP-3 study +/-10%). The scope would include refiner production
increase from 555 BDmtpd to 580 BDmtpd by optimizing a number of process associated equipment in order to achieve increase production and reliability. The estimate will be submitted to Poyry Engineering Canada.
Poyry Various Projects Study, Pulp & Paper – Nardella Group (Domtar)
March 2019 – May 2019
Nardella group has requested that MineStone would develop the cost estimate and supportive documentation regarding the Domtar Project in Espanola, Ontario (CAPEX-AACE Level 4). The scope would include three separate projects in a brownfield for the maintenance and upgrade of the Power Boiler No.9. The estimate will be submitted to Poyry Engineering Canada.
Poyry Various Projects Study, Pulp & Paper – Nardella Group (Produits Forestiers)
December 2018 – March 2019
Nardella group has requested that MineStone would develop the cost estimate and supportive documentation regarding the Produits Forestiers Resolu Project in St-Felicien, Quebec (CAPEX-AACE Level 3). The scope would include three separate projects in a brownfield. The estimate will be submitted to Poyry Engineering Canada.
Sevier Playa SOP Bridge Phase - Crystal PEAK Minerals - Utah, USA
February 2018 - February 2019
Novopro was mandated by PEAK to complete the Detailed Engineering for all process testwork and geotech programs as well as the playa, rail loadout and processing plant for the Sevier Playa SOP Bridge phase project. Also prepares the RFP packages for the main contracts, completes the RFP cycle up to providing recommendations for the major construction contracts, as well as providing the Class 2 CAPEX, the OPEX, and the Financial Model.
Minestone has been mandated by Novopro to support the bridge phase in terms of project controls management and in specific the cost control, scheduling/planning, CAPEX estimation and some procurement activities.
Non-Hazardous Water to Pugmill Project - Alcoa
January 2019 - February 2019
IANNARINO Consulting Inc. has been requested by Alcoa to prepare an offer of estimation service by completing Capital expenditure for non-hazardous water area that will be used to prevent dusting at the pugmill loading area, in Arkansas plant. The non-hazardous water will replace the existing system, although it will remain in place in case it’s needed in the future.
MineStone has been mandated by Iannarino Group to prepare the estimate with all related supporting documents and present it to the client as a third party review.
LSC Lithium PPG Project Study - Argentina
November 2018 – December 2018
NOVOPRO Projects Inc. has been requested by Stantec Consulting Services Inc. (SCSI) to perform an initial review of the PEA documentation for the QP Review of the Testwork and Process portion of the LSC Lithium PPG (Pozuelos/Pastas Grandes) Project.
MineStone has been mandated by Novopro to audit and benchmark the CAPEX estimate and prepare a report to list all the findings
New York Empire Wind Project Study – Mott MacDonald
October 2018 – December 2018
Empire Wind is planned for an area of 80,000 acres, in federal waters, an average of 20 miles south of Long Island, east of the Rockaways. When complete, it could power a million New York homes.
Mott MacDonald has requested that MineStone would develop the cost estimate and supportive documentation regarding the NY Empire Wind Project (CAPEX-AACE Level 4). The scope would include electrical cables routed from the nearshore New York to the onshore designated substations. There would be multiple options of cable routing as multiple scenarios.
Sevier Playa SOP Feasibility Study - Crystal PEAK Minerals
June 2016 - January 2018
Novopro was mandated by PEAK to execute the processing portion of the feasibility study reagrding the Sevier Playa SOP project in Millard County, Utah, for the production of 300,000 metric tons per year of Sulphate of Potash (SOP).
Minestone has been mandated by Novopro to support the study in terms of project controls management and in specific the cost control, scheduling/planning, CAPEX estimation and some procurement activities.
KANGA Potash Project - SARMIN Minerals Exploration Inc.
July 2017 - August 2018
SARMIN Minerals Exploration Inc. is carrying out a potash development project in the Kouilou Province in Republic of Congo (RoC) for the purpose of development of a solution mine and processing plant for potash fertilizer.
Novopro Projects Inc. (Novopro) has been appointed as the main Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) contractor.
Minestone has been mandated by Novopro to develop the AACE class IV CAPEX estimate complete with project controls and procurement activities.
Yara Dallol Potash Project - Yara
June 2017 - June 2018
The Dallol Project scope is for the production of 600 MTPA of compacted Sulphate of Potash (SOP). Novopro has completely a DFS and has performed an estimate update of the project. At this time, Yara has requested that Novopro complete a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) for the schoenite process route option for the 600 MTPA plant capacity, and provide a revised CAPEX and OPEX.
Minestone has been mandated by Novopro to develop the AACE class IV CAPEX estimate complete with project controls and procurement activities.
Phase 1 Magnesium Production (Due Diligence) - Alliance Magnesium Inc.
January 2018 - February 2018
WSP and Novopro have been mandated to perform a due diligence review of the Alliance Magnesium Inc. (AMI) Magnesium Project. The assessment consisted of the review of existing available technical reports, completed engineering work, and the financial model and business plan, in an effort to analyze the project for completeness while identifying any risks in moving forward.
Minestone has been mandated by Novopro to review and compare the project's estimate to similar past projects for accuracy and completeness.
Eglington Project Toronto - Examine Construction Consultants
February 2017 - March 2017
Examine has been in contact with MineStone concerning potential Scheduler / Planner services for a project in Toronto, Canada. MineStone is tasked with reviewing and improving the project schedule, working with each Segment Project Manager to get to a schedule which is more robust: Incorporate current quantities within schedule, Incorporate logic relationships into current schedule, Incorporate amendments into schedule to correct/improve algorithmic functionality and Assist with preparation of mitigation plans.
Lake Wells Potash Project Scoping Study - Australian Potash
January 2017 - March 2017
NOVOPRO has been requested by Australian Potash to prepare a Scoping Study for the project, to help align the development phases and to identify and mitigate risks to the project. The project has a capacity of 100 ktpa plant, and is located 180 km NNE of Laverton in Western Australia.
Minestone has been mandated by Novopro to support the study in terms of project controls management and AACE level 5 scoping study CAPEX estimate with supporting reports and documentations.
Oxley Potash Project Scoping Study - Centrex Metals Limited
August 2016 - November 2016
Novopro was mandated by Centrex to perform a review of the overall process route and equipment selections for the solar evaporation and process plant. This review will provide input into the scope of the next phases of the project, including testwork and the pre-feasibility study.
Minestone has been mandated by Novopro to develop the capital cost estimate scoping study and provide comparison reports between the previous CAPEX estimate prepared by a third party and the current one.
GMH Copper Project - Quadra Mining Corporation
October 2016 - November 2016
Novopro has been awarded a mandate by Quadra Mining Corporation to prepare an Engineering Assessment and Investigation report on the present state of the GMH processing facility for the GMH Copper Project in Chilie.
Minestone has been mandated by Novopro to develop the capital cost estimate scoping study in two phases which consist in the requirements to bring the existing facility back to the nameplate capacity of 50 TPM of CuSO4, and the requirements to expand the facility capacity to 100 TPM CuSO4.
Yara Dallol Potash Project - Yara
January 2015 - May 2016
Located in North-Eastern Ethiopia, the Yara Dallol Potash project involves the exploration and financial evaluation of 600,00 TPY potash plant, producing Sulphate of Potash (SoP) through the use of solution mining technology and solar evaporation ponds. Novopro has been mandated by Yara to advance the project further by performing The Bridge Engineering phase.
Minestone has been mandated by Novopro to support the bridge phase for the different trade off studies, cost control, project controls and procurement activities.
Dhariala Potash Project - APM
May 2016 - July 2016
Novopro was mandated by Asian Precious Minerals (APM) to complete a scoping study for the Dhariala Potash Project using secondary solution mining techniques in the Jhellum District of Punjab, Pakistan. The objective of the study was to evaluate the preliminary project economics before a second-phase exploration drilling program is initaited to better classify the salt range formation in Pakistan.
Minestone has been mandated by Novopro to develop and provide the estimated CAPEX of the project based on AACE standards level 4.
El-Dorado Ammonia Project - Hatch
September 2015 - October 2015
Hatch has been in contact with MineStone concerning estimating services for a project in Arkansas, USA.
The project has major discrepancies in piping quantities and unit rates. MineStone main task is to clarify the dispute by generating reports and developing the proper piping bill of material and variances.
Pilot Plant Milestone Potash Project - Western Potash Corp
March 2015 - June 2015
The Pilot Study is a preliminary economic assessment and was prepared by Novopro Projects Inc. in conjunction with Agapito Associates Inc. The Pilot Study outlines how the Company may effectively exploit the Milestone asset through reduced targeted levels of potential production, using innovative selective potash solution mining techniques, while projecting a reduced CAPEX and competitive OPEX.
Minestone has been mandated by Novopro to develop CAPEX estimate study and the project controls activities.
Renard Diamond Mine Project - Stornoway
March 2015 - May 2015
The Renard Diamond Project, Stornoway’s flagship asset, is located 250 km north of the Cree community of Mistissini and 350 km north of Chibougamau in the James Bay region of north-central Québec. Once in full production, the project is expected to produce an average of 1.6 million carats per year over an initial 11-year mine life.
Minstone have been mandated by Stornoway to re-edit the baseline feasibility estimate developed by SNC-Lavalin and provide new reports and job costing estimates based on coding (WBS/Package) system generated by Stornoway.
NRE Congo Potash Project - NRE
December 2014 - June 2015
AMED Management Services Ltd via their operating vehicle Natural Resource Exploration Ltd. (NRE) owns offshore potash concessions in the Republic of Congo (RoC), where potash salts in the form of several thick layers of carnallite are assumed to occur, based on historical geophysical data from three offshore oil drill holes.
Minestone has been mandated by Novopro to provide and develop the pre-feasibility study for the offshore platform, pipeline and onshore pipeline and plant. Minestone is also providing project control services.
PNW Liquid Natural Gas Project - Promec Construction
April 2014 - June 2014
Pacific NorthWest LNG is a proposed natural gas liquefaction and export facility on Lelu Island within the District of Port Edward on land administered by the Prince Rupert Port Authority. The facility would liquefy and export natural gas produced by Progress Energy Canada Ltd. in northeast B.C.
Minestone has been mandated by Promec Construction to provide and develop an estimate of +/-15% accuracy for the PNW LNG project and establish unit rates in regards to piping and mechanical disciplines.
Yara Dallol Potash Project - Yara
May 2013 - January 2015
Located in North-Eastern Ethiopia, the Yara Dallol Potash project involves the exploration and financial evaluation of 600,00 TPY potash plant, producing Sulphate of Potash (SoP) through the use of solution mining technology and solar evaporation ponds. Novopro has been mandated by Yara International ASA to advance the project further by performing a Definitive feasibility study.
Minestone has been mandated by Novopro to develop CAPEX estimate for the project at level 3 AACE standards and the project controls services.
OCHOA Potash Project - Intercontinental Potash
November 2013 - January 2014
Intercontinental Potash Corp (IC POTASH), intends to become a primary producer of Sulphate of Potash ("SOP") and Sulphate of Potash Magnesia ("SOPM") by mining its 100% owned potash Ochoa property in southeast New Mexico, USA. IC POTASH has a highly advanced mineral deposit containing total proven and probable reserves of more than 400 million tons of ore within the proposed mine plan.
Minestone has been mandated by Novopro to audit & provide CAPEX report for the feasibility estimate study for the Ochoa potash project developed by SNC-Lavalin.
Milestone Potash Project - Western Potash Corp
March 2012
Western Potash Corp. has engaged AMEC Americas Ltd in Saskatoon to perform a full feasibility study for the techno‐economic assessment of a 2,800,000 tonnes of potash per annum solution mining and processing operation, to be located on their Milestone property, approximately 30 km southeast of Regina, Saskatchewan.
Prior to the feasibility study Minestone has been mandated by Novopro to perform value engineering studies and later audit the feasibility study developed by AMEC.
Wynyard Carnallite Project - Karnalyte Resources
March 2012
The Karnalyte Property is located 0.5 km to the south of Highway 16 near the town of Wynyard, Saskatchewan. The Wynyard Carnallite Project is an exploration and early stage pre-development property with a dominant zone of carnallitite and sylvinite (potassium-containing minerals).
Minestone has been mandated by Novopro to audit and take part of the due diligence exercise of the Wynyard Carnallite Potash Project in Saskatchewan,Canada.
Holbrook Basin Project - Prospect Global Resources
May 2013
The Holbrook Basin Potash Project is an early stage potash exploration project located within the Holbrook Basin of northern Arizona, U.S.A. The Holbrook Basin contains relatively flat-lying potash deposits in the upper part of the Permian Supai Formation.
Minestone has been mandated by Novopro to audit and take part of the due diligence exercise of the Holbrook Basin Potash Project in Arizona.
Muskowekwan Project - Encanto Resources Corp
September 2012
Encanto Resources is developing a potash project located approximately 100 kilometers (km) north‐northeast of Regina. The potash is processed by evaporation and crystallization producing at least 2.5 million tons of granulated and standard product, which will be shipped by rail primarily to the west coast for export shipping.
Minestone has been mandated by Novopro to develop and provide a pre-feasibility estimate study (Level 4 AACE Standard)
RusMag Magnesium Project - Minmet
January 2010
Minestone has been mandated by Novopro to develop and provide a total installed cost (TIC) for the Rusmag Project regarding magnesium production in the Urals's Sverdhovsk region.
Direct costs for the Order of Magnitude study were estimated and included the labor acitivity to perform the work, bulk materials, process equiment, and indirects.