Pratt, AGL 2024, 'Project readiness for mining projects', in Daniel Johansson & Håkan Schunnesson (eds), MassMin 2024: Proceedings of the International Conference & Exhibition on Mass Mining, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, pp. 1617-1633.
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/2435_R-09/)
Abstract: “Project Readiness” defines a mineral project owner’s ability to execute a project. It is the connecting piece between completing a project’s studies and the execution phases. It differs from the feasibility study itself, although it requires recognition in this phase along with “Operational Readiness”, the project owner’s readiness for operations. These readiness components are important for successful project delivery. Therefore, they should have strong links to the processes and relationships the project owner needs for success. The scope of work for Project Readiness is often poorly understood, and this typically results in an unreliable delivery performance for mineral projects. 
In approaching the discussion of Project Readiness, this paper looks holistically at the life cycle for mineral projects from its study phase through to operations. It does this by examining the owner’s role using the relationships between a project owner’s Operating Framework, its Operating Philosophy, its selection of an Operating Model for a particular project, and the Operating Management Systems it intends to use. The scale and complexity of a project relative to the owner’s size, existing capability, and experience have a significant role in its decision making.
The discussion of Project Readiness is built around three focus areas for a mineral project: the people it needs to employ, the processes it needs to deploy, and the external relationships required to construct and operate a mine. These focus areas recognise a continuum from the study phase through execution to the commencement of operations for a new minerals project.