Navigating the Many Faces of Minerals Consulting

Minerals consulting is a diverse and sometimes bewildering landscape—an industry filled with firms of every size, structure, and philosophy. Mark Berry opened his presentation with characteristic humour, warning the audience that there are “so many … and so many models of how they are set up and run” and that any advice he offered should be adopted “at your own peril.” Yet beneath the playful tone lies a clear and practical framework for understanding how consulting businesses operate and how professionals can find their place within them.

Mark outlined four generic models that dominate the minerals consulting sector:

• The Big Ones — large, multidisciplinary consultancies with broad capability, high overheads, and global reach.
• The Specialists — focused firms with deep expertise in one or two disciplines and lower cost structures.
• The Entrepreneurs — small, highly experienced teams that rely on networks of associates to deliver multi‑disciplinary work.
• The Little Ones — sole practitioners offering specialised, personal, and cost‑effective services.

Each model comes with distinct strengths. The Big Ones provide “a one‑stop shop that can do almost everything,” while Specialists and Entrepreneurs offer focused expertise with cost advantages. Sole practitioners deliver personalised service and deep knowledge, often at moderate cost. But Mark also highlighted the drawbacks: large firms may not always have the preferred team available, Specialists may struggle with multi‑disciplinary scope, Entrepreneurs may not secure their preferred associates, and sole practitioners face capacity and availability constraints.

Beyond business models, Mark devoted significant attention to the personal considerations that shape a consulting career. He repeated a list of factors that aspiring consultants must evaluate: experience, job location, flexibility, promotion opportunities, diversity of work, appetite for business development, access to peers, travel requirements, and remuneration. These slides appeared multiple times, reinforcing their importance.

Mark distinguished between the needs of early‑career and senior professionals. Those with less than 15 years’ experience often benefit from team environments, mentoring, and exposure to multi‑disciplinary projects—conditions more common in larger firms. More experienced consultants may prioritise autonomy, flexibility, and remuneration, finding appealing opportunities across all four models.

On the topic of job security, Mark was blunt: “Are you kidding me?” Consulting, he reminded the audience, is inherently variable. But variability does not mean instability—it simply requires awareness, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty.

In closing, Mark encouraged professionals to explore widely, ask questions, and reflect honestly on their goals. His final message was both humorous and sincere: “GO FOR IT … jump in at the deep end and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of consulting (it’s not a black hole).”

Conclusion

Mark’s presentation demystifies the consulting landscape by showing that there is no single “right” model—only the model that best aligns with one’s skills, preferences, and aspirations. Consulting offers challenge, flexibility, and opportunity, but success depends on understanding the trade‑offs and choosing a path that fits both professional goals and personal temperament.

For anyone thinking of moving into the consulting world, and following Mark Berry's encouragement, here are a few resources to help you on your way!

1. Mineral Consultants Handbook - Monograph 34 provides useful and practical advice on a range of relevant topics for those working as, or considering becoming, a minerals consultant
2. Consultants Society - Series of six (6) webinars presenting on the topics covered in the handbook, available at the links below: 
   
   

   Webinar 1 - Consulting practice

    

   Webinar 2 - Business operations

   Webinar 3 - Winning work 

   Webinar 4 - Reporting technology 

   Webinar 5 - Disputes and liability 

   Webinar 6 - Competent practice

3. Mineral Consultants Fundamentals Series - self-paced learning based on the Mineral Consultants Handbook.