Marz Kord President BESTECH
Can you introduce BESTECH and provide some recent highlights?
BESTECH is a leading engineering project management consultancy based in Sudbury, specializing in the mining industry. While our primary focus remains mining, BESTECH has expanded its services to sectors such as power generation and alternative energy. Which of BESTECH’s services have been most in demand with clients in Ontario?
BESTECH has seen a shift in demand from clients looking for more comprehensive mining project support. This includes everything from initial concept design and budgeting to detailed engineering and post-production monitoring. Clients increasingly prefer to work with a single consultant from start to finish, which fosters accountability and ensures projects stay on track. As part of our strategic expansions, BESTECH continues to collaborate with our sister company, FROSKR, to provide our clients with more comprehensive environmental services. Have there been challenges since you joined BESTECH in November 2024?
Like the wider mining industry, BESTECH has faced challenges, particularly in terms of investment in junior mining companies. Many development-stage companies are delaying progress on projects as they await funding, which impacts engineering timelines. However, we have not seen the same decline in work from our larger clients, and we remain optimistic about the industry’s future. I believe that in 2025 and beyond, as investments begin to flow again, there will be a resurgence in project development. What is next for BESTECH in the coming years?
In 2025, we will begin our growth phase, increasing our workforce to better meet the needs of our clients. This will involve adding talent to deepen our expertise in both mining and other engineering divisions. Over the next five years, we aim to double our workforce, building on our 30 years of experience and our reputation for excellence.
Kathy Kalenchuk President and Principal Consultant ROCKENG
Have you observed any trends in demand from your clients?
There is a clear trend toward a higher standard of engineering practice in the mining sector. Operations are increasingly motivated to adopt best practices rather than simply meeting industry standard practice; this shift aligns well with our focus at RockEng. Regulatory changes may be a driver of these improved standards. Close to home we have examples like Ontario adopting regulations in 2023 for seismic risk management plans. Internationally we have seen examples like Peru where recent regulatory updates now require seismic risk management plans as well as very prescriptive requirements for global scale geomechanic analyses of mine designs with specified data needs and analysis methods. Further to regulatory requirements, a growing industry awareness of the economic benefits of enhanced geotechnical engineering practices is motivating companies to elevate their standards in this field. How has RockEng maintained its high retention rates?
RockEng has an exceptional retention rate. Our company’s authentic workplace culture fostering equity and inclusion, and corporate commitment to the professional growth of our individuals are key to our retention success. For RockEng, recruiting is more challenging than retention. The mining industry continues to struggle with labor shortages and the recruiting market is very competitive. At RockEng we believe that promoting the mining sector amongst young professionals at colleges and universities is critical. RockEng offers scholarships to motivate students to pursue mining careers. These scholarships are a crucial component of lowering barriers and fostering diversity in our field. What role does ground control play in lowering mining costs?
Robust technical analyses allow for the optimization of ground stability hazard mitigating controls including equipment utilization, minimized stand-down periods, targeted utilization of enhanced ground support systems and more, all while ensuring personnel safety.