Mining budgeting
MINE STARTUP COST CALCULATOR
Pre-production capex is what you spend before the first tonne is sold. Underestimating it is the #1 reason small mines stall.
Startup line items
Mining licence + EIA, exploration & resource definition, mining fleet, processing plant, infrastructure (power, water, road, camp), pre-strip, working capital, contingency (15–25 %).
Typical small-mine startup
Artisanal gold sluice operation: $50–$150k. Small open-pit copper with mobile crusher: $1.5–$4 m. Small heap-leach gold: $5–$15 m.
Frequently asked questions
What contingency should I add?
15 % for known scope, 25 % if first-of-kind or remote location, 35 % for greenfield with limited infrastructure.