Frequently asked questions about mining logistics consulting, pit-to-port studies, and bulk transport feasibility assessments. Find answers about our services, methodologies, and what to expect when engaging Rusu Consulting for your mining logistics project.

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What is a pit-to-port logistics study?

A pit-to-port logistics study is a comprehensive assessment of the transport and handling systems required to move bulk materials from a mine site to the export port. This includes evaluating different transport modes (road, rail, slurry pipeline, or overland conveyor), analysing route options, estimating capital and operating costs, and designing optimal operational plans. For mining projects, this study is typically conducted at the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) or Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) level and is critical for securing project financing.

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How much does a mining logistics study cost?

The cost of a mining logistics study depends on the level of detail and complexity required. Our starting fees are:

• Scoping level logistics study - from AU$10,000

• PFS level logistics study - from AU$20,000

• DFS level logistics study - from AU$25,000

• Logistics study peer review - from AU$10,000

• Logistics optimisation study - from AU$20,000

These are starting prices for standard projects. The final fee depends on several factors, including:

• Number of transport scenarios to evaluate (road only, rail only, or multiple hybrid options)

• Geographic scope and remoteness of the project location

• Whether traffic surveys are required

• Number of site visits needed

• Project complexity (single mode vs multi-modal transport)

• Timeline requirements

Each project is quoted individually based on your specific requirements. We provide transparent, fixed-fee proposals that clearly outline the scope of work and deliverables. All fees are in Australian Dollars and exclude travel, accommodation, and related expenses for site visits.

For a detailed quote tailored to your project, please contact us for an initial consultation. View our complete fee structure here.

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How long does a DFS-level logistics study take?

A typical DFS-level logistics study typically takes 12-20 weeks for standard projects, up to 40+ weeks for complex, multi-modal assessments, depending on project complexity and the number of transport scenarios being evaluated. This timeline includes site visits, traffic surveys (if required), transport modelling, infrastructure assessments, cost estimation, and report preparation. Projects with simpler logistics requirements or limited route options may be completed faster, while complex multi-modal assessments across remote regions may require additional time.

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What's included in your logistics consulting fee?

Our logistics consulting services are tailored to each project's specific needs. Unless specified otherwise, the fees typically include site visits, desktop analysis, traffic surveys (using our own radar equipment), transport modelling, route optimisation, infrastructure assessment, CAPEX and OPEX cost estimates, operational planning, and comprehensive reporting. We provide transparent fixed-fee quotes after an initial consultation to understand your project requirements. Travel costs for international projects are billed separately.

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Do you offer payment plans or milestone-based payments?

Yes, for larger projects (typically DFS-level studies), we structure payments based on project milestones to align with your cash flow and project progress.

Typical payment structure:

• Deposit: 30-50% upon engagement to commence work

• Progress payment: 25-30% at midpoint (e.g., after site visits completed or draft report delivered)

• Final payment: 20-40% upon delivery of the final report

The specific payment schedule is agreed upon before work commences and is outlined in our proposal and contract. This milestone-based approach provides you with:

• Better cash flow management

• Visibility of progress before each payment

• Confidence that deliverables meet expectations before final payment

For smaller scoping studies (AU$10,000-15,000), we may require full payment upfront or a simple 50% deposit/50% on completion structure.

We're flexible and can discuss payment arrangements that work for your organisation's procurement processes. Our goal is to make engaging our services as straightforward as possible while maintaining professional business practices.

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What's the difference between scoping, PFS, and DFS level logistics studies?

We offer three levels of logistics studies to match different project stages and requirements:

Scoping Level Study (from AU$10,000):

• Initial assessment of logistics options and constraints

• High-level cost estimates (±40-50% accuracy)

• Desktop analysis with minimal site visits

• Identifies potential show-stoppers or opportunities

• Suitable for early exploration-stage projects

• Quick turnaround (2-6 weeks typically)

Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) Level (from AU$20,000):

• More detailed evaluation of viable transport options

• Cost estimates with ±25-35% accuracy

• Includes site visits and preliminary route assessments

• Sufficient for initial project evaluation and concept selection

• Typical for mid-stage project development

• Completed in 8-16 weeks for standard projects

Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) Level (from AU$25,000):

• Comprehensive, detailed analysis of selected transport solution

• Bankable cost estimates with ±10-15% accuracy

• Multiple site visits and thorough field assessments (including traffic surveys if required)

• Required for project financing and final investment decisions

• Includes detailed operational plans and specifications

• Typically completed in 12-24 weeks

Most mining projects progress sequentially through these stages as the project matures and requires increasingly precise cost estimates and operational details

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Do you work internationally or only in Australia?

Rusu Consulting provides services globally. We've completed projects across five continents, including Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Europe, Africa, and North America. With a strong network of worldwide connections in rail, road, and sea transport industries, we can assess logistics solutions for mining projects anywhere. Our international experience means we understand regional infrastructure constraints, regulatory environments, and local logistics challenges.

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What's the difference between road and rail transport for mining?

Road transport offers greater flexibility, lower initial capital costs, and easier scalability, making it ideal for smaller operations, remote locations, or shorter distances (typically under 200km). Rail transport provides lower operating costs per tonne, higher capacity, reduced environmental impact, and is better suited for large-scale operations over longer distances. The optimal choice depends on annual tonnage, haul distance, existing infrastructure, capital availability, and project life. Many operations use hybrid solutions, combining road and rail for cost-effectiveness.

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Why choose an independent consultant over a large engineering firm?

Independent consultants offer several advantages: truly unbiased recommendations without ties to equipment suppliers or transport operators, direct access to senior expertise throughout the project, faster turnaround times without corporate bureaucracy, lower overhead costs, and a specialised focus on logistics rather than generalist engineering. Large firms excel at mega-projects requiring extensive resources, but for most feasibility-stage logistics assessments, independent specialists provide better value, responsiveness, and impartial advice.

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What does "starting at" mean for your fee structure?

Our published fees represent the starting point for standard logistics studies with typical scope and complexity. The "starting at" pricing reflects that each mining project has unique characteristics that affect the required scope of work.

Base fees typically cover:

• Standard desktop analysis and research

• One or two site visits (domestic Australia)

• Assessment of 1-2 primary transport scenarios

• Standard reporting and deliverables

• Normal project timelines

Additional fees may apply for:

• International projects requiring extensive travel

• Remote locations with difficult access

• Evaluation of multiple complex scenarios (3+ options)

• Traffic surveys using our radar equipment

• Accelerated timelines or urgent delivery requirements

• Projects requiring specialist subconsultants

• Unusually complex supply chains or regulatory environments

We always provide a detailed, fixed-fee proposal before commencing work, so you'll know the exact cost for your specific project. There are no hidden fees or hourly rate surprises - you'll receive a transparent quote outlining exactly what's included and any additional costs.

This approach ensures you only pay for the services your project actually needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all package price.

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What traffic survey equipment do you use?

We own and operate two TMS-SA4 traffic counters (radar-based systems) capable of autonomous operation for up to three weeks in any location. These devices accurately measure traffic volume by time of day, vehicle classification, speed distribution, and directional flow. This data is essential for assessing road capacity, planning truck routing, evaluating road infrastructure requirements, and understanding competitive traffic patterns on potential haulage routes.

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Can you help with green logistics transition planning?

Yes, we specialise in helping mining operations transition to more sustainable logistics solutions. This includes cost-benefit analysis of electric versus diesel trucks, evaluation of renewable energy integration for transport operations, assessment of alternative fuels, optimisation of routing to reduce emissions, and development of phased implementation strategies that balance environmental goals with economic realities. We help you choose the right timing and level of green policy implementation to minimise CAPEX and OPEX while meeting sustainability targets.

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Are travel costs included in your quoted fees?

No, travel costs are not included in our base consulting fees. As stated on our fees page, all fees exclude travel, accommodation, and related expenses for site visits.

What this means:

• The quoted study fee covers professional consulting services, analysis, and reporting

• Travel expenses (flights, accommodation, vehicle hire, meals) are billed separately at cost

• International projects will have higher travel expenses than domestic Australian projects

• We provide estimated travel costs in our proposal so you understand the total investment

Why we structure fees this way:

• Projects vary dramatically in location and accessibility (Perth vs Papua New Guinea vs Africa)

• You don't subsidise other clients' expensive travel

• Keeps our base fees competitive, especially for local projects

• Provides transparency - you see exactly what you're paying for

For South Australian or nearby interstate projects, travel costs are typically modest. For international or remote locations, we provide detailed travel cost estimates in advance so there are no surprises.

All travel is arranged efficiently to minimise costs while ensuring thorough site assessments. We often coordinate multiple site visits or projects in the same region to optimise travel expenses.

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What minerals and commodities do you specialise in?

We have extensive experience with a wide range of bulk materials, including iron ore, lithium (spodumene concentrate), gold ore and concentrate, mineral sands (ilmenite, rutile, zircon), copper concentrate, limestone and lime, coal, bauxite, and various other ores and concentrates. Each commodity has unique handling, storage, and transport requirements, and our experience spans diverse product specifications from fine powders to coarse rock.

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Can you provide a quote without a site visit first?

Yes, we can provide an accurate fee quote based on project information without requiring an initial site visit.

To quote your project, we typically need:

• Project location (mine site and destination port/facility)

• Commodity type and expected annual tonnage

• Approximate haulage distance

• Transport modes to consider (road, rail, hybrid, etc.)

• Study level required (scoping, PFS, or DFS)

• Current project stage and timeline

• Any known constraints or special requirements

This information can be provided via:

• Phone call (+61 422 895173)

• Email with project overview

• Video conference for more complex projects

• Completion of our online enquiry form

Based on this information, we'll provide a detailed proposal outlining:

• Scope of work and methodology

• Deliverables and reporting format

• Timeline for completion

• Fixed fee for consulting services

• Estimated travel and accommodation costs (if site visits required)

The site visits themselves occur after engagement, as part of the study work. For some scoping-level studies, particularly if you can provide good existing data, site visits may not be necessary, which reduces both cost and timeline.

We aim to provide quotes within 3-5 business days of receiving sufficient project information.

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Do you provide peer reviews of logistics studies?

Yes, we regularly conduct independent peer reviews of logistics studies prepared by other consultants or mining companies. These reviews assess the technical validity of assumptions, verify cost estimates, evaluate route selection logic, identify risks or gaps in the analysis, and provide recommendations for improvement. Peer reviews are particularly valuable for boards of directors, lenders, or investors seeking independent validation of logistics plans before making major capital commitments.

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Ready to discuss your project? Contact us for a no-obligation consultation.

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FAQ Disclaimer

The information provided in these FAQs is general in nature and intended to provide an overview of typical mining logistics consulting services and considerations. Every mining project has unique characteristics, challenges, and requirements. The timelines, costs, methodologies, and recommendations mentioned are indicative only and may vary significantly depending on project-specific factors, including location, scale, commodity type, existing infrastructure, regulatory environment, and client requirements.

This information does not constitute professional advice for any specific project. Rusu Consulting recommends that all mining companies/quarries/manufacturers obtain tailored consulting services and conduct comprehensive feasibility studies appropriate to their individual circumstances before making logistics or infrastructure decisions.

For project-specific advice and quotations, please contact Rusu Consulting directly.