In 2020, OZ Minerals released the Carrapateena Block Cave Expansion Prefeasibility Study (PFS) for the expansion of its Sub Level Cave mine to a 12 Mtpa Block Cave mine. The team responsible for delivering the PFS did so using an Agile delivery methodology, along with an adaptive leadership approach using Vertical Development. This new and innovative approach resulted in improved project delivery, output quality, project economics and Life of Mine sustainability outcomes, compared to traditional project management methods.
Agile methods have been widely applied to other industries and represent an opportunity for the mining industry. Agile methods have two main focuses, one being ‘above the line’ that employs tactile and practical mechanics of the agile process and practices; the second being ‘below the line’ mindset and interpersonal development to manage the Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity (VUCA) and emergent team dynamics. Agile increases visibility of work underway, by progressively adapting work outcomes and incrementally delivering business value while reducing risk. It does all these things with the intention of delivering value at a faster rate compared to the traditional ‘waterfall’ study and project management methods commonly used in the mining industry.
Agile methods that develop ‘below the line’ mindset and interpersonal development also support a growth in Vertical Development of individuals and teams through retroflection and continuous learning. Research suggests that most professionals and managers are in the lower levels of leadership evolution of Expert or Achiever (~68% of leaders), with opportunity to grow towards the post-heroic or more inclusive and advanced levels of leadership development of Individualist, Strategist and Alchemist levels (~15% of leaders) (Torbert, 2005).
Research indicates that professionals and leaders within the post-heroic levels are more likely to develop key stakeholder relationships dedicated towards the common good (Joiner, 2007), and be focused on delivery of holistic and sustainable value for future generations. Traditional mining studies and operations are largely focused on managing fundamental near-term threats. Agile leads to greater openness, more collaborative work, and better outcomes for both the total Life of Mine and impacted stakeholders.
The use of Agile on the Carrapateena Expansion project culminated in a ‘boots-on-the-ground’ approach to stakeholder collaboration (Steelcaps), an adaptive and curious mindset to project delivery (using sticky-notes) and a light-hearted and team-focused approach to delivering a successful outcome, together (which has more to do with a squeaky chicken than you might think…).