Mine owners engage contractors for their specialised expertise, access to capital, and operational focus. However, differing priorities between clients and contractors can hinder operational flexibility and limit mine-to-mill optimisation. A collaborative contract structure, such as an alliance, can address these issues by aligning the goals of both parties and accommodating changing project conditions and priorities. Barminco first entered an alliance-style contract over 13 years ago, and the success of this model has led to its adoption at five additional projects across Australia and Africa. This paper examines the fundamental reasons for choosing an alliance, the planning and implementation processes, the structural and procedural considerations that impact daily operations, and acts as a practical guide for those wanting to explore collaborative contracting. Additionally, the paper provides real-life examples of where alliance-style contracts have delivered value for stakeholders, and also addresses scenarios where alliances may not be beneficial and discusses potential downsides.