Aziz Sene Senior Vice President, Mining EXP
Can you introduce EXP and discuss how you support the mining industry in Québec?
We are a full-service, multidisciplinary firm delivering projects and solutions—engineering, design, and project management. Our services cover the full cycle of mining and mineral projects and our support for Québec's mining sector covers exploration to reclamation. We offer comprehensive services encompassing greenfield and brownfield exploration, leveraging our expertise in core drilling, geological analysis, and site assessment. Which commodities do you anticipate will drive growth for EXP?
Gold and lithium are typical, but cobalt is also making a comeback due to the rise of green energy and EV batteries. The potential is huge. EXP plays a big role in processing and recycling cobalt, lithium and nickel. Regarding lithium, we have the technical expertise and a pit-to-port team ready to assist clients from mining to shipping and are pursuing work on upcoming lithium projects in Québec. How is EXP helping decarbonize mines, and how is Québec a leader in the global drive toward net-zero?
Québec is better placed than anywhere in the world to meet decarbonization goals. At EXP, we are playing a big role in the current EV battery rush, and in that sense are key partners in helping mines with their decarbonization initiatives.
Québec’s ongoing electrification efforts, including the shift to electric vehicles, demonstrate the province's proactive approach to environmentally friendly mining practices. What are the key priorities for EXP to continue growing in the mining segment?
Our key priorities are hiring and attracting top talent. We provide great opportunities in a growing sector. EXP works closely with mining communities and local communities. We invest in people to better support the mining sector.
Catherine Lajoie Filion President GO-MINE
Could you provide an overview of Go-Mine and elaborate on the services you offer the mining industry in Québec?
Initially, all our contracts centered on tailings management, but our services now encompass sustainable practices such as water management, biodiversity conservation, community relations, and ensuring health and safety standards. In light of the GISTM, can you discuss Go-Mine’s tailings management offering?
Tailings management represents a substantial risk due to the sheer scale of its infrastructure and the potential consequences. The Tailings Management Protocol from TSM initiatives serves as a cornerstone in our approach, with a particular emphasis on emergency preparedness. This includes developing comprehensive emergency plans, conducting simulations, and providing training sessions. Can you provide insights into the current state of tailings management in Québec, given the province’s extensive mining history?
There is a growing recognition of the risks associated with tailings management in Québec, along with an understanding of the necessity to implement effective management systems. However, Québec faces unique challenges due to its legacy of older infrastructure, which often lacks adequate documentation.
Despite these challenges, Québec is actively addressing them by conducting comprehensive campaigns involving drilling and instrumentation to better characterize and understand the geological conditions and infrastructure. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on training initiatives to ensure that personnel are well-equipped to manage these complexities effectively. How significant is ESG for mining companies in Québec?
ESG has evolved from being a mere checkbox exercise to a fundamental aspect of operations. Initially, ESG metrics were primarily about compliance. But companies now prioritize tangible, on-the-ground impacts over superficial appearances. This shift is exemplified by the importance placed on TSM standards, which assess mining practices at operational levels.