Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our mining consultancy services, processes, and expertise.

General Questions

What services does Kavian Development Mine offer?

We offer five core services: Equipment Optimization & Plant Design, International Equipment Procurement, Cost Analysis & Equipment Pricing, Feasibility Studies & Financial Consulting, and Plant Engineering & Production Optimization. Each service is tailored to meet the specific needs of mining operations worldwide.

What makes Kavian different from other mining consultants?

We combine 50+ years of industry experience with cutting-edge AI technology. Our team uses AACE-compliant methodologies, maintains a comprehensive equipment database, and leverages machine learning for 94% accuracy in cost predictions. We're a new company with veteran expertise.

Which industries and commodities do you serve?

We serve all major mining sectors including gold, copper, iron ore, coal, zinc, lithium, and industrial minerals. Our expertise spans open-pit and underground operations, processing plants, and auxiliary facilities across all continents.

Cost Estimation & Pricing

How accurate are your cost estimations?

Our cost estimations follow AACE International standards with accuracy ranging from ±50% (Class 5) for early studies to ±10% (Class 1) for detailed engineering. Our AI-powered models achieve 94% accuracy in predictions, significantly above industry averages.

What is included in CAPEX and OPEX analysis?

CAPEX includes equipment costs, installation, infrastructure, engineering, and contingencies. OPEX covers labor, energy, consumables, maintenance, and overhead. We provide detailed breakdowns with sensitivity analysis and optimization recommendations for both categories.

How long does a cost estimation study take?

Timeline varies by complexity: Class 5 (Order of Magnitude) takes 1-2 weeks, Class 3 (Budget) takes 4-6 weeks, and Class 1 (Definitive) takes 8-12 weeks. Rush services are available for urgent projects.

Equipment & Procurement

Do you help with international equipment procurement?

Yes! We have established relationships with manufacturers worldwide including Caterpillar, Komatsu, Sandvik, Metso, FLSmidth, and more. We handle vendor selection, technical specifications, negotiations, quality assurance, and logistics coordination.

Can you help optimize existing equipment fleets?

Absolutely. We conduct comprehensive fleet audits, analyze utilization rates, identify bottlenecks, recommend replacements or upgrades, and develop maintenance strategies. Typical clients see 15-25% improvement in equipment efficiency.

What equipment database do you use?

We maintain a proprietary database with 10,000+ equipment specifications, current pricing, performance data, and maintenance costs. We also subscribe to CostMine, InfoMine, and other industry databases for comprehensive coverage.

Project Process

What is your typical project workflow?

Our process includes: 1) Initial consultation and scope definition, 2) Data collection and site assessment, 3) Analysis and modeling, 4) Draft report and client review, 5) Final deliverables and presentation, 6) Implementation support. We maintain regular communication throughout.

Do you provide ongoing support after project completion?

Yes. We offer post-project support including implementation assistance, staff training, performance monitoring, and periodic updates. Many clients engage us for long-term retainer agreements to ensure continued optimization.

Can you work with our existing engineering team?

Definitely. We excel at collaborative engagements and can integrate seamlessly with your internal teams, EPCM contractors, or other consultants. We adapt our approach to complement your existing resources and workflows.

Pricing & Contracts

How do you structure your fees?

We offer flexible pricing models: fixed-price for defined scope projects, time-and-materials for ongoing work, and retainer agreements for long-term partnerships. Pricing depends on project complexity, timeline, and deliverables. Contact us for a custom quote.

Do you offer free initial consultations?

Yes! We provide complimentary 30-minute consultations to discuss your project needs, answer questions, and determine if we're a good fit. There's no obligation, and we can often provide preliminary insights during this call.

What payment terms do you accept?

Standard terms are 30% upfront, 40% at interim milestones, and 30% upon completion. We accept bank transfers, letters of credit, and for established clients, net-30 terms. International payments are handled through secure banking channels.

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