Could you update our readers on the new Québec segment of SNC-Lavalin?

SNC-Lavalin’s mining business is growing globally; we have many ongoing projects thanks to high metal prices and an increasing demand for critical minerals for the battery market. To capture these markets, SNC-Lavalin decided to establish a business segment in Québec as the province is a great location for investment because of a favorable regulatory environment and a government that supports the acceleration of new projects.

We also wanted to be closer to our customers with a French-speaking team that understands the specific needs of the market. Our integrated pit-to-port approach is present at every level in the mining industry, including greenfield, brownfield, new investments, due diligence and assessment studies.

What is SNC-Lavalin’s growth strategy for its Mining and Metallurgy segment?

Our growth strategy involves being close to our customers to best meet their needs and bring value to their projects. When we understand their current and future needs, we can prepare accordingly. The most in-demand services include plant designs, site-wide water management, tailings management, and proper mine closure.

In the Québec mining segment, we have approximately 250 professionals executing projects. With increased industry investment in strategic minerals and base and precious metals, we believe we will have to double our workforce. This might be a challenge as the availability of human capital is an industrywide problem.

How does SNC-Lavalin address the industry-wide lack of human resources?

We have a strong recruitment program to attract talent and specific expertise, along with new efforts to address the issue such as campus recruiting to encourage young engineers and technicians to join the industry.

We also must ensure that people are engaged, have the opportunity to grow in their careers at SNC-Lavalin, and are happy in their working environment. We are also implementing technologies to improve efficiencies, ensuring our specialists’ time and talents are used in the most productive way possible. SNC-Lavalin is committed to continuously growing its team and has seen a 20% growth in personnel for the Québec market since the beginning of 2022.

Can you elaborate on SNC-Lavalin’s tailings management services?

A great example of our tailings management services is Niobec, where we have been providing support for the mine during the last 40 years. We are integrated with the team and work closely with the client as we do all the engineering for their tailings storage facility and water management onsite. Having a complete understanding of the operation, including their main pain points, is important to bring best practices to tailings and water management.

SNC-Lavalin’s goal is to be an integrated partner for its customers from exploration to mine closure. We have offices across Canada to be able to support our customers locally and establish lasting beneficial relationships. We have long-term service agreements in place with major companies such as Glencore and Rio Tinto and pride ourselves in helping clients manage risk throughout their project lifespan.

How does SNC-Lavalin assist clients in calculating and assessing their carbon performance?

Since the early 1990s, SNC-Lavalin was one of the first in Québec to calculate carbon performance, and we have employed it on major industrial, mining and infrastructure projects.

We help the mining industry improve its environmental impact through our digital technologies. One of our latest offerings is Decarbonomics, a data-driven end-to-end services platform solution where we identify all carbon emissions from the built environment onsite and design a roadmap for cost-effective carbon reduction, then we deliver and help implement the solutions towards a Net Zero target.

We have an Engineering Net Zero blueprint, and our purpose is to engineer a better future for our planet. We are well known for calculating and assessing carbon performance and can assist our clients in reaching their carbon reduction targets.

Looking ahead, what do you find most exciting about mining in Québec?

The enthusiasm around the energy battery market is extremely exciting. With the mining industry on board to do business better, the SNC-Lavalin team is proud to help build better mines for a better future.