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Mineral 
Exploration
Management 

Course Overview

This comprehensive 5-day training course, offered in collaboration with James Cook University, is designed for professionals in the mineral exploration industry seeking to advance their management skills. The program covers a wide range of topics, from the core principles of mineral exploration management to the non-technical aspects of the industry.

Course Speaker
Nick Franey

Nick Franey is a seasoned exploration geologist with a diverse career spanning decades. His expertise encompasses all stages of mineral exploration, from early-stage prospecting to advanced project development and near-mine operations. Franey has a proven track record of identifying and evaluating a wide range of gold and base metal deposits in various geological settings across three continents. His extensive fieldwork experience in over 20 countries has equipped him with a deep understanding of global exploration trends and challenges.

Course Objectives

  • Understand the key success criteria for effective mineral exploration management.

  • Develop a strong foundation in general management principles and their application to the exploration context.

  • Create a clear mission, vision, and exploration strategy.

  • Gain insights into the exploration process, portfolio management, and decision-making.

  • Learn about exploration methods from a management perspective.

  • Acquire expertise in data management and technical report preparation.

  • Understand the non-technical aspects of mineral exploration management, including HR, administration, health and safety, and community relations.

  • Gain a solid understanding of the financial aspects of mineral exploration and project evaluation.

Who Should Attend?

Geologists, engineers, and other professionals seeking to advance their careers in mineral exploration, including:

  • Exploration team leaders

  • Project managers

  • Geologists transitioning to management roles

  • Anyone working in the mineral exploration industry who wants a stronger foundation in management principles

Course Content

1- The Principles and Key Success Criteria of Mineral Exploration Management

  • The Mineral Exploration Business

  • Principles of general management (the management cycle) & a management toolkit

  • Mission, Vision, Exploration Strategy

  • Communication (& Press Releases)

  • Exploration Management Success Criteria (including the McKinsey Study)

 

2- Day-to-day management for Mineral Exploration

  • The Exploration Process

  • Exploration Portfolio & Pipeline

  • Key exploration management decisions

  • Exploration methods: Geology, Geochemistry & Geophysics – from a management perspective

  • Engaging consultants

  • Drilling: Planning, the Drill Contract, Rig Supervision, monitoring performance

 

3- Data Management for Mineral Exploration and Feasibility Studies

  • The Geochem/Drilling data – the importance of a relational database

  • Geochem QAQC

  • Managing geophysical data

  • Spatial Data: GIS & maps

  • Technical reports – why they are so important, and how to ensure they get done

 

4- The Non-Technical Aspects of Minerals Exploration Management

  • HR: organizational structure, job descriptions, succession planning, teamwork, employment contracts, performance management, staff development & training

  • Admin: asset management, field logistics, tenement administration, budgets & expenditure controls

  • Health & Safety: risk management, promoting awareness, MERP, incident investigations

  • Environment: Approvals, Baseline Studies, Minimising impacts, Rehabilitation

  • Community Relations: Engagement. Why does it matter? standards & guidelines, sticky issues, security, socio-economic development

 

5- Financial Aspects of Mineral Exploration and Project Evaluation

  • Introduction to Finance, the market, funding exploration

  • Economic Evaluation of Projects: DCF analysis, building an economic model

  • Project Valuations: Income, Cost- & Market-based methods

  • Accounting Basics: the balance sheet, income statement & cash flow

  • The use of financial ratios

Course Details

Dates: November 24 - 28, 2024

Duration: 5 Days (25 hours)

Timing: 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M

Venue: Madareem Crown Hotel, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Course Fee: 6,000 SAR / 1,600 USD (Hard and digital course materials included)

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