Building a compelling value proposition

To Steve, the combination of experience gained building and operating challenging projects throughout the region, coupled with the use of world-class processes are key success factors in STRACON´s value proposition. In his view, there are seven aspects to the STRACON approach that have helped clients build local capacity to safely manage ongoing operations:

1. SAFETY

"All employees returning home safely, every day". This is how we live says Steve and we will not negotiate this aspect under any circumstance. 

STRACON is committed to achieving the highest possible performance in occupational health and safety across all business operations. From the start of the project, STRACON focuses on the safety of our employees, clients, partners and other stakeholders. 

Steve lists specific activities that are core to safety and support STRACON´s way of operating:

• Strong and visible leadership at site.
• On-site training of personnel.
• Awareness campaigns.
• Detailed & rigorous equipment inspections.
• Fatigue management. 

2. OPERATIONAL RAMP-UP

"To be effective and efficient, you need to be committed", under this premise STRACON has successfully participated in the construction, startup and operation of several greenfield projects throughout Latin America. Our experience has enabled us develop teams capable of addressing specific operational challenges at our projects, particularly during start up, delivering the required solutions for our clients.

3. COMMERCIAL VERSATILITY

One size does not fit all. Our commercial approach to resolving the challenges our clients face allows us to provide a range of commercial solutions that suits their needs.  

We seek to structure solutions that minimize administration time and operating claims while fostering win-win relationships. This approach ultimately translates into tangible benefits for the projects we are involved in. 

As an example, we have been able to successfully implement an "Alliance" approach whereby STRACON and the client integrate resources to deliver projects.

4. FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY

STRACON has developed several mechanisms to support clients in addressing their CAPEX requirements, investing in equipment and facilities to help get projects off the ground. 

5. MAXIMIZING PRODUCTIVITY

Operational leadership, rigorous cost & schedule control and on-field expertise are key components that have contributed to STRACON improving productivity at projects. We also build on this experience and transfer best practices from one site to another, developing and implementing the right operating model. Steve mentions a few success cases: 

• • Training operators in efficient techniques.
  • Provide critical input for the design and construction of operating facilities such as pit design, waste dumps, fuel farms and truck shops.
  • Optimizing design and build of facilities and infrastructures. Ex. Tailings management facilities design input.
  • Optimizing operational crew shift change times.
  • Redesign haul roads to improve safety and reduce truck cycle times. 

6. ASSET MANAGEMENT

Another relevant aspect of an operation is to balance costs and mechanical availability of property, plant and equipment. Once again, our mining experience, regional presence and size allows us to transfer tangible benefits to our clients. To name a few achievements:

• Reduction of costs and delivery time of spare parts by introducing international well known suppliers in the procurement matrix.
• Increased life expectancy of OTR tires by introducing a season driven strategy.
• Improved clients' maintenance facilities and program.

7. RESPECTING AND SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Last but not least is the relationship with the communities where we operate. STRACON works towards developing successful relationships and implementing a range of strategies focusing on local employment, social responsibility and cultural heritage management, aimed at complimenting and supporting our client's initiatives.

It is important to mention that many of the people involved in our projects are residents of neighboring communities, one of the reason why STRACON implements training programs to develop necessary skills for the operations. 

To maximize the effectiveness of our programs, we have invested in acquiring state-of-the-art simulators, that way we are able to efficiently train inexperienced personnel in a safe environment.

In the same token, STRACON has supported initiatives that lead to local self-reliance through employment and engagement with local suppliers and subcontractors.