Human capital and planning
Value chain consulting
Better resource management and future workforce planning
The SFA (Oxford) team has completed many labour workforce projects analysing demographic trends and forecasting future labour requirements, and working with very large data sets to provide clear guidance for strategic action. Our human capital modelling and analytics can guide your labour strategy by tracking underperformance to optimise labour achievement. We also provide peer-group labour benchmarking support comparing performance and costs for in-service and contractor labour.
Case studies
Human capital guidance provided for strategic action
Comparative analysis of the performance of contract mining versus owner-operated PGM mines
This assignment compared contract mining with owner-operated models employed on each new PGM project, undertaken by listed mining companies during start-up and then steady state, since 1997 in South Africa and Zimbabwe. It included a comparative analysis of performance and costs, contrasting the relevant mining methods and consequent workforce models. In addition, the analysis provided valuable insight into productivity achievements and production timelines. The focus was on those contracts used in the platinum mining sector. A review of other sectors was also undertaken in order to determine whether the contracts currently in use in the platinum sector are in line with any trends that are being observed in other areas. A strategic recommendation on the approach in terms of contractor vs. owner-operated for a specific project, that lowered project risk to reach steady-state production and in accordance with the company’s mine schedule and cost forecasts, was provided.
Better labour resource management
Cost and efficiency analysis of a major producer’s human resources: maximising workforce performance
In assisting a client in the implementation of a progressive shaft improvement schedule, SFA (Oxford) identified and analysed key areas of labour underperformance (health, skills mismatch, prolonged absenteeism, unproductive labour pools etc.) so as to create additional value through increased productivity, and thus facilitating more cost-effective business planning. We helped to develop value-creating inputs for the strategic planning process to optimise future workforce skills and training going forward.
Future workforce planning
A historical study of the relationship between optimal workforce management and successful mining ramp-ups in South Africa
In order to gauge post-ramp-up success (including schedule, sustainability etc.) in relation to differing types of workforce, SFA (Oxford) carried out a comparative analysis of each mine using the relevant mining method and consequent workforce model as variables. The study detailed the mining method and consequent workforce model employed on each new project and a comprehensive reference (contract labour) document was produced.
Let's discuss your labour challenge
Contact one of our team for more details.
Henk de Hoop
Chief Executive Officer
Beresford Clarke
Managing Director: Technical & Research
Dr Jenny Watts
Head of Clean Energy & Sustainability
Jamie Underwood
Principal Consultant
Lakshya Gupta
Senior Battery Technologies Analyst
Dr Ralph Grimble
Operations Director
Thomas Chandler
Principal Market Analyst
Alex Biddle
Senior Mining Analyst
Jordan Roberts
Senior Battery Metals Analyst
Carol Lu
Associate Principal Analyst: China
Jeremy Coombes
Independent Consultant
Other ESG consulting solutions
Explore other sustainability services for green investors.
ESG strategy, planning and stewardship
SFA works closely with value chain players to understand how materially significant ESG issues can be integrated into their wider company strategy.
Peer-group ESG benchmarking
SFA's benchmarking of PGM and Battery Raw Material producers on critical ESG factors generates high-resolution insights for sustainability-conscious investors.
Cradle-to-grave ESG recycling studies
SFA's analysis of environmental footprints from recycled material in terms of GHGs, waste generation and processing is helping future PGM recycling investments.
Battery life cycle analysis and ESG impact
SFA evaluates the long and complex life cycle analysis of battery metals and materials to improve the recycling opportunities available for market stakeholders.
Sustainable investing and portfolio realignment
SFA supports investors finance new projects and opportunities through analysing clean energy investment targets and portfolios to reach their sustainability goals.
Asset optimisation and energy sustainability
SFA assists clients in capital-intensive industries to optimise assets and energy processes to reduce their environmental footprint to achieve higher returns.
Balancing the grid and energy storage
With the energy transition well underway, SFA helps energy-intensive industries with energy storage assessments to reduce their reliance on the grid.
Policy implications and regulation landscape
SFA delivers detailed insights into climate change policies and sustainability targets to support industry stakeholders sustainability targets and market impacts.
ESG investor board packs and roadshows
SFA provides institutional investors and industrial players with sustainability and energy insights to enhance their pathway to net-zero strategies.
'Black box' ESG scenario and modelling
SFA executes scenario analysis to evaluate the impact of ESG development and clean energy to meet sustainability goals and optimise investment returns.
Sustainable mobility strategies for tomorrow
SFA supports mobility companies with their strategies providing global or local industry context, benchmarking competitors and identifying new opportunities.
Charging infrastructure and sustainable energy
SFA can help you analyse the rise of electric vehicle charging, grid development and clean energy to enhance your sustainable transport and air pollution strategies.
Decarbonising PGMs, BRM and the Hydrogen economy
SFA evaluates mine-to-market carbon reduction opportunities for producers to OEMs by tracking product carbon footprints and process emissions.
Establish a new 'green' premium market price
SFA can help you unlock a green carbon price premium and identify new opportunities by assisting your transition away from high emissions-intensive processes.
Country-wide ESG investment reviews
SFA’s regional industry ESG assessments analyse and peer-review your competitors to help discover the environmental leaders, and sector underperformers to measure future value opportunities.
Carbon trading and emissions intelligence
SFA can help industrial clients accelerate investments into low carbon energy sources with in-depth research into carbon trading systems and credit mechanisms to help offset and reduce their carbon emissions.
Carbon capture, utilisation and storage
SFA's insights of CCUS evaluates opportunities and technology risks for circular-economy players seeking to optimise their clean energy transition and long-term sustainability goals.
How can we help you?
SFA (Oxford) provides bespoke, independent intelligence on the strategic metal markets, specifically tailored to your needs. To find out more about what we can offer you, please contact us.