Due Diligence in Coal – Do SRK Clients Get Good Value for Their Money?

authors

Keith Philpott

The short answer to this important question is Yes – SRK brings value to clients, licence holders and advisers during the mining due diligence process, whether it involves an IPO, purchase, sale, or borrowing. We are able to do this because of the experience, breadth of knowledge, and communication skills of our multidisciplined coal teams.

SRK has staff located in all the major coal producing areas of the world and most have worked for many years “at the sharp end” of the industry, as technical specialists and managers, before entering the consultancy business. Team members are able to communicate with the “workforce at the face” as well as the most senior technical specialists, managers and board members.

SRK teams can advise on a spectrum of issues, covering not only mining and geology/reserves, but also geotechnical, hydrogeology, environmental, processing, infrastructure and financial issues. The team is able to carry out associated detailed assessments if they are needed, from scoping to mining feasibility studies and software modelling using numerous proprietary software packages.

Our due diligence and independent reporting skills have been employed over the past 5 years by major clients, including SUEK, the largest steam coal producer in Russia and a world top-ten producer. The company has over 40 open pits, underground mines, washing plants and associated infrastructure located between western Siberia and Vladivostok. SRK has mobilised up to six multidisciplined teams, including specialist Russian technical translators, to visit the assets. SRK has prepared updated reserve statements and IPO documentation (not yet used!), working closely with SUEK in preparing LoMps and financial budgets for these tasks and, in 2010, is continuing to work with the client.