Preparing a machinery & mining sourcing brief

A useful project brief connects the machine, the material and the site before supplier options are compared.

Describe the application and the material

Start with the work: digging, loading, hauling, drilling, crushing, screening or milling. State the material and the expected operating conditions. For processing equipment, share relevant material tests and the feed and product requirements so the supplier can assess suitability.

Define capacity in practical terms

Include target throughput, payload, bucket size, drilling depth or another relevant measure. Describe the expected daily duty and how the machine will connect to other equipment. Ask the supplier which operating assumptions support any quoted performance figures.

Document the working site

Provide the project location, terrain, gradients, ground conditions, available power, fuel and water. Include access restrictions and space for installation or operation. Tell the team about any transport, unloading or assembly constraints at the destination.

Set out new or used preferences

State your preferred condition and budget. For a used machine, request identity and serial-number details, operating hours, service history, recent photographs and working video. Agree whether an independent inspection is needed, who carries it out and what it covers.

Confirm the complete equipment list

Identify attachments, feeders, conveyors, motors, controls, compressors, hoses, tools and other necessary components. Request a clear list of inclusions and exclusions. Spares should be specified by model, serial number and part number wherever possible.

Plan delivery and support

Compare machine cost with the stated freight, loading, clearance and delivery scope. Confirm installation, commissioning, operator guidance, warranty, maintenance and spare-parts arrangements in writing. The availability and responsibility for each service must be agreed for the order.