In contract mining, few things sting more than the feeling of being ripped off—whether you're the contractor chasing fair compensation, or the project owner left footing an inflated bill. After decades of operating on both sides, one truth stands out: most disputes don’t start in courtrooms—they start on site, when an irregularity is first raised and never properly addressed.
Our expertise has seen it firsthand. We’ve worked in project recovery as contractors, owners, and advisors, and time and again, the real damage begins with early misunderstandings that go unresolved. That’s why we created Project First Response—a rapid, structured service designed to intervene before disputes spiral out of control.
When Mining Projects Stall, We Respond—Fast, Fair, and in Control
Project First Response is not a legal service. It’s a boots-on-the-ground, facts-first intervention designed to untangle commercial and operational gridlock. Whether you’re facing cost blowouts, stalled works, or a contract dispute heading toward escalation, our team provides the clarity and structure needed to reset the course.
Our approach bridges the gap between commercial claims and operational realities. We work with both mine owners and contractors to independently assess what’s happened, identify where things went wrong, and establish a defensible pathway forward grounded in real project delivery experience.
Project First Response: Fast, Fair, and Structured
Designed for use in high-pressure project scenarios, Project First Response brings clarity and momentum where it’s most needed. Whether the challenge is commercial, operational, or both, we step in with impartial expertise grounded in real-world project delivery experience.
Our support is delivered through two focused service packages:
We work with all parties to unpack contested claims, validate cost and scope changes, and develop a clear resolution framework. Using first-principles analysis and shadow bidding, we separate entitlement from exposure—helping clients and contractors find common ground and avoid escalation.
We step into live projects to identify where productivity is lost, resources are misaligned, or communication has broken down. Working on-site with existing teams, we optimise delivery flow, resolve coordination issues, and implement a structured short-term recovery plan without disrupting current operations.
If Further Support Is Required
For projects requiring sustained oversight or asset resilience following recovery, we offer continued support through:
– Digital construction management
– Equipment intelligence & lifecycle support
Don’t Wait Until It's a Legal Matter
Most disputes become expensive not because they’re complicated, but because no one acted early. Project First Response is built to step in before things break down—offering an impartial, experience-based intervention to stabilise projects and restore trust between stakeholders.
If you’re dealing with contract disputes, delivery delays, or a project that’s drifting off course, visit our Project First Response page to learn more about how we work, and the typical costs involved. Our service is designed to be affordable, effective, and grounded.
Contact Sarel Blaauw to request a 30-minute project review — confidential, obligation-free.
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Sarel Blaauw
senior partner
+61 498 785 165