Mincore

PROJECT DIRECTED BY Liv Culling

WRITTEN BY Frew Murdoch

Success Breeds Success

Mincore Pty Ltd’s resilience and forwardthinking brings life to the old adage.

The hallmark of a great organization can be found in its adaptability during adversity. It’s a subtle skill to be able to build and develop core competencies in the aftermath and uncertainty of a black swan event. You will find that the businesses that do this are the very same that end up being best placed to capitalize on the opportunities that emerge in the broader markets. The relief of restrictions in 2021 and a renewed hunger for resources internationally coupled with the recent rise of commodity prices being prime examples of the case in point.

It is hard to believe, but we increased our business [during the COVID-19 pandemic]. We mastered the art of Zoom, Teams, and Google Video calls

world-wide. “

The pandemic presented its own unique set of challenges that pushed businesses across the board to their limits. None more so than with the mining sector, which was already grappling with an almost decade-long slump before the onset of the virus. However, for those with a keen eye, business mind, and a firm grasp on the latest developments and technologies, the pandemic itself was an enabler of innovation that led to accelerated growth and rapid expansion.

“It is hard to believe, but we increased our business [during the COVID-19 pandemic]. We mastered the art of Zoom, Teams, and Google video calls worldwide. As a result, we won a project in South Africa and Saudi Arabia. We wouldn’t have won these projects otherwise. Due to the lockdowns, many were working from home, meaning many of our clients were more available,” explained Mincore’s General Manager John Tusa. John attributes some of his prowess as a leader to the delightful satirical guide How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying; one of his all-time favorite books.

Mincore

Humble beginnings to unexpected winnings

From a modest beginning six years prior with a team of about four people, Mincore has expanded and forged a reputation as Australia’s leading Engineering, Purchasing, and Construction Contractor in the Cement Lime Materials and Minerals Processing industries. Based in Melbourne, Mincore has accumulated an impressive set of projects under its name, spanning countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Papua New Guinea, and Uganda; with the coronavirus providing an unexpected springboard to further projects in Africa and the Middle East.

Mincore has executed design and construction projects for a variety of clients, proffering firsthand exposure and experience in commodities and mineral processing industries such as Alumina, Bauxite, Cement, Coal, Cobalt, Copper, Lime, Gold, Iron ore, Lead, Phosphate, Magnesium, Oil and Gas, Specialty chemicals, Tin, and Zinc.

Referrals trump advertising

Mincore has seen especial accomplishments in the form of a large, lucrative project in the DRC as well as a gold processing system in Victoria, Australia, for one of the richest gold mines in the world. Mincore executed this project within six months; a notable feat as every other company competing for the tender offered a 12-month time frame. “The client had no option but to buy from us. Every day is big money in the gold business and we kept that promise. As a result, that company became one of our best references,” stated John. “ The client had no option but

to buy from us. Every day is big money in the gold business and we kept that promise. As a result, that company became one of our

best references. “

Mincore’s core businesses are Feasibility Studies (FS) Engineering Design (ED), Engineering Design Procurement (EP), Engineering Design Procurement and Construction (EPC), Engineering Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM.) Owners Engineer (OE) Mincore maintains a team of approximately 80 experienced design, process, civil, mechanical electrical engineers, and construction managers for the above services, in process-related industrial plants, and manufacturing facilities. The firm provides specialist consulting engineering and construction services for modifying and upgrading existing production facilities.

Mincore’s services include design and construction, estimating,feasibility, business optimization, project development support, procurement, and implementation. The fast-growing firm has made an impression with its capabilities and team, with great credit to its process specialists, project managers, and client-centric services that ultimately deliver value to the life cycles of clients’ projects.

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Sustainability - a win-win for the client and environment

Aside from a client-centric approach and specialized personnel, Mincore provides value in terms of sustainability efforts. Through the use of effective, cutting-edge technology, Mincore reduces the energy consumption of its projects and not just by a fraction. John put forward this example: “We’re talking about big, big kilowatt (KW) savings. Some machines will produce 5000 tons per hour of copper or other minerals, but there are other machines that will produce 5000 tons per hour that are more compact and energy-efficient. The first machine, the older one, may use approximately 20 000 KW - enough energy to light up a suburb. But, there are other technologies, which will only use 10 000 KW overall. In the end, it means that there is a significant reduction of CO2 emissions from the power station, but also means the client doesn’t use as much energy therefore his production costs are reduced and profits increased “Another important factor is providing the lowest material consumption - in other words, the wearing elements of a machine system. If you replace them every year, then good. But, if you have to replace them every six months due to poor quality or old design, on these large machines there is a huge cost to the company. Furthermore those parts need to be produced back in the workshops. This adds up and impacts the amount of energy used to manufacture the items. All need to be taken into account for good engineering,which ends up maximising financial returns and reducing the CO2 emissions ”

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“There are a lot of innovations coming in every day... “

Mincore

Vision for the future

John joined Mincore three years ago and has played a significant part in its expansion. He has acted in the role of an innovator, drawing from valuable experience across several past company roles, and specialties, including originally as a mechanical engineer, project design, project engineer, project management, and equipment supply. His leadership paired with Mincore’s capabilities, team, and client-oriented approach, ensures a bright future for the firm. Elaborating on the way forward for Mincore and similar businesses, John ended with these astute words:

“Hard work, dedication, persistence,understanding commercial issues , caring for people who work with you and being up to date with your knowledge of the technologies in the industries you operate in, is so important .There are a lot of innovations coming in every day and everyone who follows this advice will be one step ahead of the competition and will succeed”

www.mincore.com.au