STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR LEVERAGING DATA TO IMPROVE EPC PROJECTS EXECUTION E. F. Hernández | M. King Department of Project Management, Fluor South America, Chile, (*Presenting authors: Enrique.Hernandez@Fluor.com | Matías.King@Fluor.com ) Abstract Meeting the surging demand for copper and critical minerals requires EPC projects to rethink execution strategies. This paper introduces a data-driven framework that enables owners, EPC firms, and contractors to transform decision-making and deliver certainty through integrated project data. The framework outlines steps to integrate 3D engineering models, procurement analytics, and vendor progress tracking, providing real-time visibility and alignment across functions. It draws on experience from multi-billion-dollar projects in Chile and worldwide. During execution, the framework improves cost and schedule forecasts, enhances visibility, and drives alignment across EPC functions. Integrated workflows enable proactive, timely decisions, maintaining schedule certainty and cost control. Savings come from three sources: (1) greater certainty in design and supply, saving hours at site; (2) reduced manual effort through semiautomated data updates; and (3) timely, actionable insights for informed management decisions. By offering a replicable approach to harnessing project data, this work establishes a new benchmark for efficiency and resilience in large-scale EPC delivery, critical for meeting global electrification and AI-driven demand. Executive Summary The surging global demand for copper and other critical minerals is forcing engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects, especially mining megaprojects in regions like Chile and Peru, to deliver more reliably under tight schedules and budgets. Studies warn that copper demand could rise ~50% by 2040 (from ~28 million metric tons today to 42 million), with projected supply deficits of ~10 million tons if project delivery does not accelerate1. Meeting this challenge will require new execution strategies to improve cost certainty, schedule predictability and decision quality. Owners and contractors alike have invested in software to streamline several aspects of the operation; from engineering and BIM / CAD software to document control, cost and schedule. Today, large projects collect abundant data but fail to fully exploit it, due to data silos and cultural barriers. According to recent industry research, nearly 90% of owner-operators and EPC 1S&P Global (2026, Jan08) Substantial Shortall in Copper Supply widens as the race for AI and Growing Defense Spending. https://press.spglobal.com/202601-08-Substantial-Shortfall-in-Copper-Supply-Widens-as-the-Race-for-AI-and-Growing-Defense-Spending-Add-to-Accelerating-Demand,-NewS-P-Global-Study-Finds
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