Ausenco predicts surge in asset optimisation services

Global engineering and project management firm Ausenco says it anticipates a surge in asset optimisation services as the mining industry shifts its focus from capital-intensive greenfield projects to getting the most out of existing operations.

The company recently acquired The Rylson Group, an Australian-based global provider of asset management and business improvement services, to strengthen its offering in this area.

Simon Cmrlec, Ausenco’s President APAC/Africa, says there has been a steady increase in demand for continuous improvement services over the past 12 months as clients seek to optimise their productivity.

“Continuous improvement practices, which identify ways to ‘sweat’ assets and increase productivity with minimal capital outlay, can generate substantial returns for companies particularly in the resources and energy sector - it’s not unusual to achieve more than 10% savings against operating budgets,” Cmrlec said.

“While continuous improvement is not a new concept, we are seeing strong growth throughout the industry and a number of major, globally diversified mining groups have said their current strategies involve an increased focus on asset optimisation to unlock capacity within existing operations.

Cmrlec says Ausenco has delivered significant long-term savings for a number of clients through its software, engineering and continuous improvement solutions. He says this has also reduced the overall maintenance effort required and optimised capital expenditure.