Michael Yelf

Biography

Michael is based in our Sydney office with a background in Mining Engineering and 20 years of experience in the mining sector. Michael specialises in mine planning and the optimisation of mining projects on a global scale. His key strengths include strategic thinking, mine planning capabilities, strategic optimisation, mine design, and the economic evaluation of mining projects.

Michael has successfully completed numerous mining studies that have navigated complex ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) requirements and constraints. He has prepared and led studies across all major commodity types, with a focus on complex and large-scale mining operations. His recent work includes studies on battery minerals along with traditional commodities such as copper, gold, iron ore, magnetite, cobalt, lithium, graphite, nickel, molybdenum, and tungsten. His experience in managing technical studies allows him to tailor project objectives to meet each client's unique requirements.

Michael has global experience in preparing mining studies for investor purposes (JORC, 43-101, etc.) for projects located around the world, including Australia, China, India, Mongolia, Canada, Africa (Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Ghana), Indonesia, the United States, and Turkey.

His expertise encompasses the full spectrum of mine planning, from the early stages through to feasibility studies. He specialises in Strategic Optimisation Studies, Pre-Feasibility Studies (PFS), and Feasibility Studies. His skills include pit limit optimisation, mine design, scheduling, equipment selection, costing, economic analysis, and the management of study teams tasked with these responsibilities. Michael's profound understanding of the economic aspects of mining enables him to develop practical and achievable mine plans that maximise value.

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