Maria de Lourdes Bahia VP M&M LATAM ATKINSRÉALIS
Can you give us an update on the latest developments in Brazil over the past year?
2024 has been an excellent and busy year so far and we remain very solid and strong in the Brazilian market, where we have around 1,100 hybrid professionals. We have built a diversified client base across Brazil's key commodities, including iron ore, copper, and nickel, among others. We recently completed an NI 43-101 report for Lithium Ionic which was very well executed. Our backlog is strong, and we continue to serve our clients from project conception to commissioning. What are the key commodities and projects you are currently focused on?
We have seen substantial demand for our services from iron ore producers. Although the global nickel market is not as robust, we support our major client, Brazilian Nickel, with their plant in Piauí state. We are also engaged in copper projects and have recently completed a lithium project. Can you discuss your work with sustainable mining projects?
We emphasize sustainable projects, such as our partnership with New Wave on aluminum and nickel residue technologies. We also collaborated with Vale on the world's first briquette plant in Vitória, launched at the end of last year. What are AtkinsRéalis' future goals in Brazil and Latin America?
We aim to continue growing by maintaining strong relationships with existing clients and acquiring new ones. Our goal is to deliver high-quality technical services and be recognized as a top-tier company. We invest heavily in our professionals' training and development, offering seminars and promoting internal growth. Monthly knowledge-sharing sessions foster continuous learning within our team. Expanding our presence in Latin America, beyond Brazil and Peru, into countries like Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, and Colombia, is also a key objective for the coming years.
Leonardo Pena VP AUSENCO BRASIL
Can you update us on the recent developments from Ausenco in Brazil?
We are also supporting junior companies in their early stages, not just from an engineering perspective but supporting their businesses and supporting the reports necessary to secure funding to develop their projects. Engaging early with clients is one of our main strengths. We are working on feasibility studies for lithium, rare earths, cooper, gold, nickel, cobalt, titanium, graphite and iron ore projects in Brazil. Can you discuss some challenges faced by the sector?
The permitting process in Brazil is stringent and requires high environmental standards. Our rigorous approach ensures that projects meet these requirements, which is crucial for operating and constructing plants in Brazil. Despite these challenges, Brazil's permitting, and environmental standards are considered strong and supportive of sustainable mining practices. How have environmental and social stewardship practices evolved in Brazil's mining sector?
Brazil's environmental and social stewardship practices have significantly improved, with a heightened focus on sustainability, stricter legislation and higher standards for environmental practices. Mining companies are now committed to providing sustainable solutions and adhering to advanced technological and regulatory standards. This shift reflects a broader commitment to improving practices and minimizing environmental impacts.
Brazil is well-positioned, with 77% of its energy coming from green sources, which enhances its attractiveness as a mining destination. Advanced water and energy management technologies are prominent in Brazil's mining sector. We are implementing solutions to reduce water usage and energy consumption, which are critical given Brazil's diverse geographical conditions. What are Ausenco's objectives for the next 12 months?
We are focused on growing our business while continuing to provide innovative solutions for complex projects. Our objective is to always find a better way to address our clients’ needs, while delivering effective solutions and adapting to evolving market demands.