Interview with
Louis-Pierre Gignac, President & CEO of G Mining Ventures Corp.
David Cataford, CEO of Champion Iron Ltd.

Recording date: 30th May 2025

In an industry plagued by cost overruns and schedule delays, two mining executives have demonstrated a blueprint for successful project development. Louis-Pierre Gignac of G Mining Ventures and David Cataford of Champion Iron recently shared insights from their track records of delivering projects on time and within budget, even during the challenging COVID-19 period.

Both companies prioritize building strong internal teams over relying on external contractors. G Mining employs a "self-perform approach," maintaining in-house engineering, procurement, and execution capabilities to eliminate intermediary costs and maintain direct project control. Champion Iron works with multiple specialized engineering firms but requires rigorous personnel selection, including psychometric testing to ensure effective collaboration.

The executives demonstrate conservative approaches to technology adoption, preferring proven equipment with established track records over innovative but unproven alternatives. "It has to be proven somewhere else. I'm not going to be the guinea pig of anything," Gignac explains. This philosophy extends to systematic evaluation of new equipment, with teams required to visit multiple operating sites before implementation.

Project control relies on simple but comprehensive reporting systems that provide real-time visibility without overwhelming stakeholders. Both companies emphasize realistic initial estimates rather than optimistic projections designed to attract investment, recognizing that artificially low capital expenditure estimates often lead to execution failures.

Strategic decisions around mining methods, infrastructure sizing, and power generation significantly impact project economics. The executives note that processing plants typically represent only 30% of total capital expenditure, with indirect costs and infrastructure accounting for substantial portions often underestimated in feasibility studies.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Champion Iron demonstrated exceptional adaptability by establishing an on-site testing facility, enabling continuous construction despite government lockdowns. This $2 million investment allowed completion of a $700 million project on schedule.
The companies' success illustrates that systematic management approaches, transparent communication, and empowered teams can generate substantial returns in mining project development despite inherent industry risks.

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The Skeptics Guide #293 - Feb 23 2011