About PEC Consulting Group
PEC Consulting is a leading global consultancy that shapes the Minerals Industries with its expertise and trusted advice. As a subsidiary of PENTA Engineering Corporation, PEC Consulting focuses on providing comprehensive studies for the minerals industries. Our expertise covers cement, lime, coal, coal ash, and other building materials, serving owners, financial institutions, private investors, and government agencies.
Your trusted partner in the minerals industry
Our history speaks for itself—decades of expertise, forward-thinking, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With a powerhouse team of senior consultants and industry specialists, we empower clients with the insights and strategies they need to thrive. Ready to unlock the full potential of your project? Connect with PEC Consulting Group today.
Executive Leadership & Consultants
At PEC Consulting, we set the benchmark for excellence in mineral industry consulting. Our strength lies in visionary leadership, deep industry knowledge, and a relentless focus on results. Through strong management, specialized expertise, and seamless collaboration, we build solutions that drive progress. Above all, we measure success by one key factor—your results.
Senior Leadership
Dario Hadziselimovic
Principal Consultant
Mr. Hadziselimovic has over 25 years of experience in mechanical engineering design, project coordination and management. As a Senior Managing Consultant at PEC Consulting Group, he is responsible for high-level consulting assignments. During a 4-year tenure as Chief Mechanical Engineer at PENTA, he was responsible for the performance of the mechanical engineering team on various studies and projects for cement, lime, mining, minerals, and recycling industries. His experience also includes applications engineering for a Midwest-based manufacturer of heavy industrial equipment.
Mr. Hadziselimovic has a Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in multiple U.S. states and holds a Project Management Professional Certification.
Francisco Benavides
Senior Advisor
Mr. Benavides has extensive experience in management, engineering, and construction. He has conducted bankable feasibility studies, financial evaluations, plant valuations for acquisitions and for financing purposes, and due diligence studies.
Mr. Benavides holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, a BS and Professional Degree in Civil Engineering from Missouri University of Science & Technology, and has completed Graduate Studies in Engineering Management and Environmental Engineering at Missouri University of Science & Technology.
Managing Consultants
Lisa Tang
Managing Consultant
Ms. Tang has ten years of experience in capital project management, project design, and implementation of mineral processing equipment. At PEC Consulting, she is responsible for the process engineering requirements for the development of feasibility studies for the minerals industries.
Ms. Tang holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Washington University, St. Louis, MO.
Bruno Diaz
Managing Consultant
Mr. Diaz is an Industrial Engineer. Prior to joining PEC Consulting, he worked in mine operations analyzing data to recommend improvements to operating efficiencies and related cost reductions. With PEC Consulting, he has been involved in the preparation of feasibility studies for the cement industry.
Mr. Diaz holds a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo, Peru, and an MBA from Lindenwood University, Missouri.
Consultants
Jose I. Escavy
Mr. Escavy has over 20 years of experience in mining of industrial minerals. He has hands-on experience in exploration, investigation, deposits modeling, reserves calculation, mine planning, reclamation, and closure of quarries. He has served as Manager of the Quality and Environmental Department and Quarries Manager of large cement production facilities. Mr. Escavy has been a presenter at many international conferences and publisher of scientific and technical publications on evaluation and design of mining deposits. He is fluent in Spanish, English, and French. His credentials include a Degree in Geology from the University of Madrid, Spain (5-year program); M. Sc. in Minerals Resources from the University of Cardiff, U.K.; Ph.D. in Industrial Minerals from the University of Madrid, Spain; and, Geological Research Accreditation, University of Madrid, Spain.
Mr. Escavy has over 20 years of experience in mining of industrial minerals. He has hands-on experience in exploration, investigation, deposits modeling, reserves calculation, mine planning, reclamation, and closure of quarries. He has served as Manager of the Quality and Environmental Department and Quarries Manager of large cement production facilities. Mr. Escavy has been a presenter at many international conferences and publisher of scientific and technical publications on evaluation and design of mining deposits. He is fluent in Spanish, English, and French. His credentials include a Degree in Geology from the University of Madrid, Spain (5-year program); M. Sc. in Minerals Resources from the University of Cardiff, U.K.; Ph.D. in Industrial Minerals from the University of Madrid, Spain; and, Geological Research Accreditation, University of Madrid, Spain.
Steven G. Phagan
Mr. Phagan is an accomplished professional who for 40 years has worked in operations for the lime industry. During his career, he has gained knowledge and expertise in the process, design, operations management, and strategic planning for the manufacture of quicklime and its derivatives. His technical expertise includes plant design, selection of process equipment, operations improvement, plant personnel and equipment evaluations, due diligence analysis and construction & commissioning services for the lime industry. Mr. Phagan earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Saint Leo University, Tampa, FL.
Mr. Phagan is an accomplished professional who for 40 years has worked in operations for the lime industry. During his career, he has gained knowledge and expertise in the process, design, operations management, and strategic planning for the manufacture of quicklime and its derivatives. His technical expertise includes plant design, selection of process equipment, operations improvement, plant personnel and equipment evaluations, due diligence analysis and construction & commissioning services for the lime industry. Mr. Phagan earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Saint Leo University, Tampa, FL.
David F. Smith
Mr. Smith has over 30 years of experience in engineering, preparation of capital cost estimates, purchasing and expediting, construction management, operational planning, scheduling, and cost control for mining projects. He has prepared numerous capital cost and design/build estimates, project scheduling and tracking for cement, lime, and the mining industries. Prior to joining PENTA, he was Chief Engineer and Acting Mine Manager for Getchell Gold and Independence Mining, NV. He attained a BS in Mining Engineering and a BS in Geological Engineering from the University of Missouri, Rolla.
Mr. Smith has over 30 years of experience in engineering, preparation of capital cost estimates, purchasing and expediting, construction management, operational planning, scheduling, and cost control for mining projects. He has prepared numerous capital cost and design/build estimates, project scheduling and tracking for cement, lime, and the mining industries. Prior to joining PENTA, he was Chief Engineer and Acting Mine Manager for Getchell Gold and Independence Mining, NV. He attained a BS in Mining Engineering and a BS in Geological Engineering from the University of Missouri, Rolla.
Antonio Benavides
Mr. Benavides has over 20 years of experience in banking, consulting, project management, digital transformation, and financial risk management. His expertise includes managing all aspects of consulting projects, from design and planning to execution and reporting. His extensive financial services experience includes financial analysis, integration management, operational & sales transformation and organizational development. He has managed projects throughout the US, Europe and Latin America. Mr. Benavides is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Financial Risk Manager (FRM), and has an MBA from IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain.
Mr. Benavides has over 20 years of experience in banking, consulting, project management, digital transformation, and financial risk management. His expertise includes managing all aspects of consulting projects, from design and planning to execution and reporting. His extensive financial services experience includes financial analysis, integration management, operational & sales transformation and organizational development. He has managed projects throughout the US, Europe and Latin America. Mr. Benavides is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Financial Risk Manager (FRM), and has an MBA from IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain.
Narayana Jayaraman
Mr. Jayaraman has over 48 years of experience in the cement industry with expertise in plant conceptualization, layout, various operating systems, process calculations, production optimization, and Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) based power projects for cement and lime plants. He has led several studies to estimate realistic waste heat for power generation. He has had in-depth exposure to the technical, economic, and commercial aspects of large cement projects, and extensive experience in the upgrade and optimization of existing plants. He earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Osmania University, Hyderabad, India, and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India.
Mr. Jayaraman has over 48 years of experience in the cement industry with expertise in plant conceptualization, layout, various operating systems, process calculations, production optimization, and Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) based power projects for cement and lime plants. He has led several studies to estimate realistic waste heat for power generation. He has had in-depth exposure to the technical, economic, and commercial aspects of large cement projects, and extensive experience in the upgrade and optimization of existing plants. He earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Osmania University, Hyderabad, India, and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India.
Petko Vlaytchev
Mr. Vlaytchev is proficient in detailed engineering design for new construction, upgrades, conversions, and evaluations of structures for projects worldwide. He has over 20 years of experience in the design of steel and concrete structures for industrial projects. He has designed a wide range of structures such as pre-heater towers, silos, mill foundations and buildings, ductwork and material handling systems. Mr. Vlaytchev earned a Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Structural Engineering from the Higher Institute of Architecture and Civil Engineering in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Mr. Vlaytchev is proficient in detailed engineering design for new construction, upgrades, conversions, and evaluations of structures for projects worldwide. He has over 20 years of experience in the design of steel and concrete structures for industrial projects. He has designed a wide range of structures such as pre-heater towers, silos, mill foundations and buildings, ductwork and material handling systems. Mr. Vlaytchev earned a Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Structural Engineering from the Higher Institute of Architecture and Civil Engineering in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Thomas Boutaugh
Mr. Boutaugh has over 35 years of experience in planning, scheduling, and execution of projects in the coal industry. His expertise includes managing all aspects of design and construction. His extensive mining experience in coal mines and limestone quarries includes mine plans, material handling, ventilation, quality control, blasting, and management of mining operations. Mr. Boutaugh is a member of SME, ASME, and ASCE. Mr. Boutaugh is a certified MSHA instructor, and has Foreman Certification in Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio; he is also certified in Illinois as a Mine Manager, Examiner and Shot-firer. Mr. Boutaugh holds a BS in Mining Engineering from West Virginia University.
Mr. Boutaugh has over 35 years of experience in planning, scheduling, and execution of projects in the coal industry. His expertise includes managing all aspects of design and construction. His extensive mining experience in coal mines and limestone quarries includes mine plans, material handling, ventilation, quality control, blasting, and management of mining operations. Mr. Boutaugh is a member of SME, ASME, and ASCE. Mr. Boutaugh is a certified MSHA instructor, and has Foreman Certification in Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio; he is also certified in Illinois as a Mine Manager, Examiner and Shot-firer. Mr. Boutaugh holds a BS in Mining Engineering from West Virginia University.
Jose Clavijo
Mr. Clavijo is an accomplished executive with expertise in process optimization for increasing production yields. Thirty-seven years of professional background in various areas of the cement industry have equipped Mr. Clavijo with impressive knowledge and skills which make him an advantageous contributor to PEC Consulting Group. Prior to joining PENTA as a Senior Consultant, he served as Technical Manager, Plant Manager, Project Engineer, and Plant and Quarry Engineer for Cementos ARGOS in Colombia. As Plant Manager, he was responsible for investment projects to increase production, addressing the individual challenges of each facility and reducing production costs in various areas of the plants. In addition to his depth of knowledge in the cement industry, Mr. Clavijo has vast experience with management for expanding existing facilities and in the investment decision-making for new installations. Mr. Clavijo attained a degree in Chemical Engineering from the Universidad del Atlántico-Barranquilla, Colombia.
Mr. Clavijo is an accomplished executive with expertise in process optimization for increasing production yields. Thirty-seven years of professional background in various areas of the cement industry have equipped Mr. Clavijo with impressive knowledge and skills which make him an advantageous contributor to PEC Consulting Group. Prior to joining PENTA as a Senior Consultant, he served as Technical Manager, Plant Manager, Project Engineer, and Plant and Quarry Engineer for Cementos ARGOS in Colombia. As Plant Manager, he was responsible for investment projects to increase production, addressing the individual challenges of each facility and reducing production costs in various areas of the plants. In addition to his depth of knowledge in the cement industry, Mr. Clavijo has vast experience with management for expanding existing facilities and in the investment decision-making for new installations. Mr. Clavijo attained a degree in Chemical Engineering from the Universidad del Atlántico-Barranquilla, Colombia.
Gary Sosenko
Mr. Sosenko is a skilled mining and earth sciences engineer with expertise in both non-metallic and metallic minerals. His extensive background includes the exploration and evaluation of industrial mineral deposits such as limestone, talc, wollastonite, nepheline syenite, feldspar, diatomaceous earth, zeolite, and clay. He has also worked with sub-micron particles in the nanotechnology of silver, nickel, and copper.
His knowledge spans various materials, including calcium carbonate, ceramics, abrasives, polyurethanes, PVC, polyester, and polyolefins. With significant international experience, he has worked in Jamaica, Greece, China, and Canada. His involvement in exploration programs includes ore reserve estimates, market studies, and new product development. Mr. Sosenko holds a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry from Ohio State University in Columbus, OH.
Mr. Sosenko is a skilled mining and earth sciences engineer with expertise in both non-metallic and metallic minerals. His extensive background includes the exploration and evaluation of industrial mineral deposits such as limestone, talc, wollastonite, nepheline syenite, feldspar, diatomaceous earth, zeolite, and clay. He has also worked with sub-micron particles in the nanotechnology of silver, nickel, and copper.
His knowledge spans various materials, including calcium carbonate, ceramics, abrasives, polyurethanes, PVC, polyester, and polyolefins. With significant international experience, he has worked in Jamaica, Greece, China, and Canada. His involvement in exploration programs includes ore reserve estimates, market studies, and new product development. Mr. Sosenko holds a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry from Ohio State University in Columbus, OH.
One Firm – Three Divisions
PEC Consulting Group, PENTA Engineering Corporation, and PENTA Industrial Corporation work as one—delivering comprehensive, integrated solutions for the industrial engineering sector. Through seamless collaboration, we provide strategic insight, engineering excellence, and execution power to bring complex projects to life.
From Concept to Completion
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- Consulting and Feasibility Studies: PEC Consulting Group delivers in-depth assessments to evaluate project viability, equipping clients with the critical insights needed for informed decision-making.
- Engineering Design and Development: PENTA Engineering Corporation transforms PEC Consulting’s insights into action, leveraging advanced technologies to craft precise, high-performance engineering designs.
- Construction and Commissioning: PENTA Industrial Corporation brings projects to life, managing the construction phase, ensuring seamless execution, on-time delivery, within budget, and adherence to the highest industry standards.
This fully integrated approach streamlines project development, providing clients with a unified team that drives success from concept to completion. With combined expertise and resources, we deliver innovative, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for industrial projects.
PEC Consulting Group: Certified Excellence
PEC Consulting Group, an NMSDC-certified Minority Business Enterprise, delivers expert consulting solutions tailored to your specific needs. Our certification signifies our commitment to quality and diversity, ensuring you receive exceptional service and results.
Advance your career at PEC Consulting Group
Become part of a global network of experts in industrial minerals. PEC Consulting Group offers a dynamic and rewarding environment where your skills will be valued and your contributions will make an impact.
Access unparalleled expertise in the mineral industry. Contact PEC Consulting.