From feasibility to reality: A predicament for the mining industry in South Africa

Based on the authorpsilas experience in the mining industry and also from project performance data, evidence exist that suggests that there is a ldquogaprdquo between feasibility studies and project execution. This ldquogaprdquo is associated with unpredictable project results and project risks that could debilitate investments into South Africa. This paper proposes a ldquogaprdquo-model that illustrates the dynamics associated with a ldquogaprdquo between feasibility studies and project execution with specific reference to the mining industry. Understanding the dynamics associated with the ldquogaprdquo could assist the project team to be proactive in addressing the drivers to reduce the ldquogaprdquo in order to meet project objectives. The study followed a theory based empirical research approach and used existing theories, models and methods to build the ldquogaprdquo- model. The ldquogaprdquo-model is based on five propositions and the relevance of the ldquogaprdquo-model is derived from qualifying the propositions. Based on the questionnaire feedback from 69 individuals with a reputable knowledge and experience in mining projects, all five propositions are qualified and the ldquogaprdquo-model is considered to be relevant.