Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to engage a service provider to provide advisory services for establishing a technical advisor company with mining operations and geology expertise. The goal is to validate the submissions received by Transnet from iron ore mines in the Northern Cape, supporting the long-term capacity validation and operational readiness of the ore export corridor.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Developing a comprehensive Demand Validation Final Document for a six-month period.
• Supporting Transnet in executing validation processes to ensure accurate, independent, and reliable information on long-term capacity requirements and operational readiness of mines.
• Focusing on Volume Validation, excluding Capacity Validation unless formally varied.
• Confirming the accuracy of demand and resource data, operational plans, and regulatory compliance.
• Supporting capacity allocation, risk assessment, and long-term strategic planning for iron ore exports.
• Providing expert advisory input, on-site due diligence, and risk assessments for existing and prospective mines.
• Ensuring independence and impartiality in validation processes.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include:

• Development of a Demand Validation Final Document supporting long-term capacity planning.
• Support for demand and capacity validation stages aligned with Transnet’s Capacity Allocation Process.
• Conducting on-site due diligence to verify information provided by mining applicants.
• Providing expert advice on long-term operational and infrastructure readiness, including washing, beneficiation, water, and power supply.
• Performing risk assessments to support 10-15 year long-term agreements with mines.
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory, technical standards, and safety regulations.
• Delivering weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports, including progress updates and signed-off deliverables.
• Supporting capacity planning, infrastructure assessment, and resource validation.

Skills Requirements

The successful bidder must demonstrate:

• At least 20 years of experience in mining, geology, and demand advisory services.
• Proven expertise in mineral resource assessment, Life-of-Mine (LOM) evaluations, and operational readiness validation.
• Experience in legal, regulatory, and risk assessments related to mining operations.
• Capability to conduct technical validation, due diligence, and advisory reporting for strategic decision-making.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to deliver comprehensive reports within specified timelines.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, risk management, and impartial validation processes.
• Ability to transfer skills and provide training to Transnet internal staff where required.