Acting as a third-party reviewer for gap analysis and capital cost data

East Pilbara Independent Rail Study Peer Review

We were engaged by Atlas Iron to complete a peer review of the gap analysis and capital cost data included in the East Pilbara Independent Rail (EPIR) Study Report and its attachments. Atlas Iron was a party to the study commissioned by Aurizon, and they wished to have the costings checked by an independent third party.

During the peer review, our team determined a typical standard gauge railway could be achieved, using flatter grades and longer trains, for a lesser capital cost than proposed in the EPIR study report—leading to a more efficient operation and a reduced operating cost. We also looked at the technical and financial information provided in the study report to see if it met industry standard requirements for a prefeasibility study. For areas that did not meet the industry requirements, we provided a description and estimate of the works required to bring it up to standards.

The result? We delivered a concise report that pinpointed exactly where the gaps were and what needed addressing in the prefeasibility study. The project then continued onto the next stage of development.