Why Projects Blow the Budget: Consultants Tell All

Welcome to a deep-dive conversation on the realities of consulting and project management. In this episode, Rene sits down with industry leaders —Tarrant Elkington (GM, Snowden Optiro Consultants), Andrew Hall (MD, AMC Consultants), and Mark Noppé (ex-CEO, XSTRACT Consultants & Chair of SRK) —to explore why so many projects run over budget and what consultants can do about it. We kick off with a candid look at “strategic misrepresentation” and the cognitive biases that affect both consultants and clients, and why even the best teams underestimate costs.

Hear candid stories, practical tips, and lessons learned on scoping, client communication, and the power of peer review. If you want to know what really happens behind the scenes in consulting, —and how to avoid common pitfalls, —this conversation is for you!.

Timestamps:
16:11 - Having discussions as early as possible
17:05 - Frustration with Procurement departments?
18:59 - It's about communication, stupid!
20:17 - Flyvbjerg's Anchoring approach to project scoping
22:02 - Are you aware of your own anchoring bias?
22:22 - Iteration!
24:46 - Hidden cost, take it on the chin!
29:47 - Fixed-price quotes?
41:26 - Building feedback loops and milestones
43:33 - The Power of Peer Reviews
46:50 - Risk management, governance, boards.

Measured is RSC’s podcast series, with RSC Managing Director and Principal Consultant René Sterk conversing with a range of industry personalities. Expect a range of talking points, many with a technical theme, but also some of our industry friends sharing anecdotes about their career in the mineral exploration and mining sector and thoughts on some of the issues the industry faces.

Please enjoy, and don't forget to follow RSC on all our social media platforms!
YouTube: @rscyoutube
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rsc-mme-ltd
Instagram: rsc_gram
TikTok: rsc_tiktok
#measuredpodcast

In this conversation, Tim Craske, Director and CEO Geowisdom and Thinker Events, and Rene explore how to drive the industry forward and inspire the next generation of geologists. Discussing the importance of scientific debate and the challenges of fostering innovation in the mining industry they touch on the need for long-term strategy, the impact of geopolitical shifts, and the role of mentoring and nurturing new talent.

Charles Darwin Discovery Mentoring Program - for further info visit www.thinker.events

Timestamps:
02:48 The importance of work culture.
08:04 Industry problems - Closure of Geology courses in Australia
11:40 The industry is lacking strategy knowledge
15:17 Technology won't change exploration; a different perspective will.
20:36 Morrison Discovery Mentoring Program
27:23 Industry excitement
42:12 Challenge & debate - good for discovery?

Measured is RSC’s podcast series, with RSC Managing Director and Principal Consultant René Sterk conversing with a range of industry personalities. Expect a range of talking points, many with a technical theme, but also some of our industry friends sharing anecdotes about their career in the mineral exploration and mining sector and thoughts on some of the issues the industry faces.

Please enjoy, and don't forget to follow RSC on all our social media platforms!
YouTube: @rscyoutube
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rsc-mme-ltd
Instagram: rsc_gram
TikTok: rsc_tiktok
#measuredpodcast

Rene Sterk dives into the world of National Instrument 43-101 and its upcoming changes. Victoria Yehl, who has worked with the British Columbia Securities Commission for 9 years, shares her expertise on NI 43-101, explains the key changes proposed by the Canadian Securities Administrators, and discusses the importance of engaging technical communication.

Want to learn more about National Instrument 43-101? You can find a range of resources at www.bcsc.bc.ca/mining/

The public feedback period on the proposed NI 43-101 amendments ends on 10 October 2025. For more information: https://www.bcsc.bc.ca/-/media/PWS/New-Resources/Securities-Law/Instruments-and-Policies/Policy-4/43101-CSA-Notice-and-Request-for-Comment-June-12-2025.pdf?dt=20250609170103

Timestamps:
2:10 - Victoria discusses her background and journey from being a geologist to joining the BC Securities Commission (BCSC).
10:22 - The BCSC setup and how the team works together.
18:15 - Some of the interesting changes in NI43-101.
22:30 - The Vancouver Resource Investment Conference.
24:20 - Are Retail investors aware of the NI 43-101 report?
39:27 - PEA Disclosure.
56:37 - Classification problems with mineral resources.
01:10:00 - Overregulation? or are these rules helping investors.

Measured is RSC’s podcast series, with RSC Managing Director and Principal Consultant René Sterk conversing with a range of industry personalities. Expect a range of talking points, many with a technical theme, but also some of our industry friends sharing anecdotes about their career in the mineral exploration and mining sector and thoughts on some of the issues the industry faces.

Please enjoy, and don't forget to follow RSC on all our social media platforms!
YouTube: @rscyoutube
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rsc-mme-ltd
Instagram: rsc_gram
TikTok: rsc_tiktok
#measuredpodcast