Project experience on 4 continents for some of the world's largest mining companies. Sample engagements include:Fleet Budget/Selection – Assisted a multi-national energy company plan development of a major oilsand mine in northern Alberta. Role was to optimize machine selection based on operating and maintenance models for a truck and shovel fleet comprising approximately 30 ultra-class trucks and 6 electric/ hydraulic shovels, as well as all support equipment to operate a 50 million BCM per year mine. Key deliverables included full life cycle production and operating budgets, maintenance plans and downtime estimates for alternative fleets. MARC Audits – Assisted one of the world’s top miners assess its mobile fleet contract maintenance (MARC) performance against global standards. Project included site visits to African operations to assess contractor planning, execution and results, and to report to management regarding recommended changes that both the contractor and the mine can make in order to improve equipment availability.Expert Witness Testimony – Provided expert testimony regarding fleet management performance for a first-tier global contractor during a $100 million International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Arbitration hearing concerning a disputed mining contract in South America. Engagement included significant research and analysis, witness interviews and submission of a legally robust written report that was defended during live cross-examination.

Member of PwC’s global mining group, which supported the firm’s large base of mining clients by providing expertise in operations, maintenance and technology enablement. While at PwC he created a specialist team that delivered Maximo, an asset management software solution, to the firm’s mining, transportation and energy clients. Sample Engagements:Asarco/Cypress – Assisted Asarco, Cypress Amax, and their investment bankers during the course of merger negotiations. Developed a new asset management organization structure and financial model that assumed significant consolidation of fleet and manpower, as well as outsourcing of critical maintenance activities. Assessed the compatibility of the two companies’ management structures, operating cultures, individual executives and labour relations relative to the proposed new organization. Kennecott Energy (Rio Tinto) – Developed a consolidated maintenance strategy that leveraged outsourced services for fleet assets, primarily major component overhauls and welding, for Kennecott’s five coalmines in the Powder River Basin in Eastern Wyoming. Ensured that outsourced services were procured competitively, that they met or exceeded industry quality standards, and that the business case for outsourcing provided an acceptable shareholder return. Also developed a dynamic “repair versus replace” model for Kennecott’s haul truck fleet.Placer Dome - Provided mobile fleet management expertise to a global team reviewing Placer Dome operations and maintenance performance at mines in Canada, Australia and Chile. Assessed equipment availability relative to specific mine circumstances, supplier support and machine application.

Led turnaround of the company’s largest business unit, which was responsible for rebuilding Caterpillar power train and hydraulic components for mining, forestry and construction machinery. Based in Edmonton, operations included 120,000 ft² of heavy-duty shops and testing facilities, employing 150 tradesmen and support staff. Value of finished goods exceeded $50 million annually. Achieved 200% improvement in financial results, a 25% gain in productivity, reduced safety-related incidents by 50%, and secured long term supply contracts so that over 50% of production was allocated to end users in advance. Also devised apprenticeship program as a key condition of resolving province-wide labour disruption.

Managed Finning’s Yukon operations that included branches in Whitehorse and Dawson City, employing 50 people and generating $30 million in annual revenue. Mining was the primary focus of the business, including base metals (Faro), gold (Dawson City and Mayo), and asbestos (Cassiar). Grew business 25% while in Whitehorse, and was a Top 3 dealer salesman each year. Developed a thriving used equipment and consignment business, and placed significant fleets of Caterpillar 789 and 776 mining trucks and support equipment to the Anvil Mine in Faro. Expanded operations to include year-round coverage in Faro by rotating resident mechanics on site supported by a large consignment inventory of Caterpillar parts Served as a director of the Klondike Placer Mining Association, and participated in negotiations over land and water use with First Nations and the Federal Government.