Page 22 - NG_AR_2015

Q:
What are the next steps after the receipt of permits? When could construction begin on the Donlin Gold project? And what are your thoughts on project execution?
A:
Richard Williams
vice president, engineering and development NOVAGOLD
Project Executi1on
Plan
Field Work – Geotechn2ical
Conditions
Field Wo3rk – Right-of-Way
Finalize Enginee4ring
Specifications
Order Mine Equipme5nt & Components
Construc6tion Begins
Time from Discovery to Production
Average Number of Years from Discovery to Production
35
30 25 20 15 10 5
~ 11 years
57 mines
Startup Year
~ 18 years
121 mines
~ 8 years
27 mines
Data sourced from SNL Metals & Mining.
20
The permitting process was initiated based on the project described in the Second Updated Feasibility Study dated November 18, 2011 and amended and filed on January 20, 2012. Basic and detailed engineering is required to advance the project design from the feasibility level to construction-ready. Additional field work, e.g. drilling to further define geotechnical conditions in the area of the proposed tailings facility embankment, will
be undertaken in support of the detailed engineering. Work
will also take place along the natural gas pipeline right-of-way
to finalize the pipeline alignment and plans for borrow sites
and river crossings. As engineering specifications are finalized, orders will be placed for mine equipment and plant components (such as mills, crushers, motors, and pumps), as well as pipe
and other bulk materials. All of these actions will be identified in a well-thought-out Project Execution Plan (PEP) that will
be used to manage scope and to reduce the risks inherent in implementation. The first development works would be the execution of site capture, which includes port facilities, airport, roads, and camp.
My experience has shown that it is key to assemble the right project team and gain their buy-in during the development of the execution plan. This includes obtaining input from the construction personnel who will be in the field. The more time and effort spent in developing the PEP prior to a construction decision, the higher the chance of success in executing the job. In other words, “plan the work and work the plan.”
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