Unlocking Cash Flow to Support a Mining Company

A well-established mining business in regional Queensland needed fast, flexible funding to complete development of a new processing site, without slowing down operations or tying up long-term capital.

The Challenge

A long-standing mining operator with over 20 years’ experience across mining, quarrying and civil construction had recently secured a site to process minerals. To move ahead, they needed $1 million to complete key infrastructure, including:

• A processing plant
• Hard stand
• Other site-critical works

Despite having major contracts and a strong reputation, the business was facing short-term cash flow pressure. They needed immediate working capital to keep the project moving and be ready for production.

Key challenges included:

• Time sensitivity: The site required rapid mobilisation and the window to get works completed was tight.

• Traditional funding too slow: Banks and traditional lenders could not move quickly enough to provide the required liquidity.

• Complex asset mix: The fleet included a mix of crushing gear, trailers, excavators, graders and trucks, requiring specialist understanding to value and structure.

Although Iron Capital already had a relationship with the client, there had been no recent transactions. The customer returned to Iron Capital because they needed a fast, pragmatic solution to unlock capital against their existing fleet.

The Solution

Iron Capital responded with a rapid Sale & Lease Back structure tailored to the client’s asset base and timeframes.

Key elements of the solution:

• On-site assessment: Within days, an Iron Capital asset manager was on site to inspect, validate and assess the machinery.

• Fleet monetisation: Nine machinery assets were identified, assessed and valued for sale.

• Capital injection: $1 million in cash was paid directly to the client within one week.

• 12-month RPO structure: Each machine was rented back under a 12-month Rent-to-Own (RPO) agreement, allowing the client to continue operating the equipment on site without disruption while building equity over time.

This approach delivered both the speed and flexibility the client needed, injecting cash into the business while keeping critical machines working in the field.

The outcome for the Customer

The structure delivered clear, tangible benefits for the customer:

• $1 million in working capital delivered in less than 7 days
• 9 machinery assets kept on site and operational with no interruption
• Project continuity: Development of the processing site could continue on schedule
• Cash flow stabilised: With production ramp-up and mineral sales secured, the client is on track to normalise cash flow
• Stronger relationship: The client has re-engaged with Iron Capital and is now considering further transactions and referring new opportunities.

Key Takeaway

“The client had a solid business, but a mix of delayed projects and a new growth opportunity meant cash flow was going to be tight. Once they crunched the numbers, our solution stood out. It gave them the speed and agility they needed to move forward without compromising their margins.”
— Iron Capital BDM

This case highlights Iron Capital’s ability to:

• Move quickly on complex, asset-backed transactions

• Deploy meaningful capital in regional and remote locations

• Structure relationship-driven solutions that balance short-term liquidity with long-term ownership goals

For operators in the mining, quarrying and civil sectors dealing with lumpy cash flows, tight project starts or new site developments, Iron Capital provides a powerful alternative to traditional finance - unlocking the value in existing fleets to keep projects moving.