Brownfield processing plant upgrades: From readiness to ramp-up

Learn how operators can better plan and deliver brownfield processing plant projects by improving early project readiness, managing brownfield risk and planning for successful ramp-up after implementation.

About this event

Existing processing plants are often expected to deliver more throughput, recovery, reliability and flexibility while operating within ageing infrastructure, changing ore characteristics and capital constraints. 

This webinar will explore the practical realities of brownfield processing plant upgrades, from understanding where value is being lost to preparing the right technical, operational and asset information before a project begins.

The presenters will discuss why upgrades in operating plants are often harder than they look, what is needed to prepare for an expansion or upgrade, and how to select the right pathway by balancing value, risk and deliverability. 

The session will also look beyond installation and commissioning, highlighting the importance of restart, stabilisation and ramp-up planning to ensure upgrades translate into sustained plant performance.

Attendees will gain practical insights into identifying value opportunities, reducing project and operational risk, and improving the likelihood that brownfield upgrades deliver their intended business outcomes.

Speaker/s

Ben Narbutas

Director, Technical Services

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Ben is Ausenco’s Director of Technical Services for New South Wales, with more than 15 years of experience in minerals processing across studies, design, commissioning and brownfield optimisation. He leads the Newcastle technical team and provides strategic direction across a diverse portfolio of projects, supporting clients from early-stage scoping through to execution.

Ben has worked across base metals, gold and coal, with particular expertise in process plant upgrades, debottlenecking, pumping and piping, hydrocyclones and filtration systems. An active industry contributor and published technical author, he brings a practical, value-focused approach to technical delivery and team leadership.

Ritche Habraken

Manager, Sustaining Capital

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Ritche is an experienced and solutions-focused Project Manager with a proven record of delivering complex projects worldwide. With 20 years’ industry experience, he has been involved in a diverse range of projects and studies in various countries around the world.

He has been involved in a variety of projects and studies for greenfield and brownfield metalliferous process plants and upgrades and has a proven track record of making significant contributions to all aspects of a project – from concept and feasibility through to detailed design, construction and commissioning.