Press release

Why financial management matters at every stage of the mining lifecycle

12 Aug 2026 3 min read

Grant Thornton Australia has released a new guide highlighting the key financial, tax and funding decisions made during the development phase of mining projects and how they can shape long-term outcomes, investor confidence and value realisation.

The guide, ‘From development to production: Financial management across the mining lifecycle’, outlines accounting and tax considerations during each stage of a mining project, and the key decisions that can materially influence success.

Will Kendall, Head of Mining and Mining Services, Grant Thornton Australia, said the industry is experiencing changes in financial management practices impacting project developers, including evolving tax and accounting treatments, as well as the emergence of new funding structures and financiers.

“While the quality of the resource remains paramount, financial management decisions are becoming increasingly important to project success. Matters such as project structure, funding strategy, tax and accounting treatments, and execution planning can have a material impact on value and outcomes. Understanding and adapting to these changes remains critical for developers seeking to successfully advance projects.”

The guide highlights the development phase as a critical point in the mining lifecycle, where geological potential is converted into a fundable and executable project. It points to rising capital intensity, inflationary pressures, labour constraints and supply chain volatility as ongoing challenges for project economics, reinforcing the need for robust planning and disciplined execution.

As projects transition into production, the focus shifts to cash generation, cost control and managing volatility. At the same time, the funding landscape is evolving, with a broader mix of capital sources, ranging from government-backed financing and private credit to royalty and joint venture structures, requiring more sophisticated structuring aligned to project risk and maturity.

The guide also highlights the growing importance of sustainability considerations, including Australia’s mandatory climate-related financial disclosures, which are reshaping governance, reporting obligations and access to capital across the sector.

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From development to production: financial management across the mining lifecycle
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From development to production: financial management across the mining lifecycle

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