How has business been for Veolia Water Technologies in recent months?

We are seeing unprecedented levels of activity, particularly in mining. We focus on developing wastewater treatment strategies, with a significant emphasis on serving our gold mining clients in Québec. We have been working closely with some of the largest gold miners in the province, contributing to their diligent efforts in environmental stewardship. Overall, Veolia Water Technologies has had a record year, and we anticipate this momentum continuing well into 2024 and beyond. For instance, how does Veolia add value to gold mining operations?

At Veolia, we engage with clients early, often during property selection for advanced exploration. We understand their needs and goals, analyze their models and data, and develop proof of concepts. We craft tailored treatment strategies aligned with their regulatory environment. We assist with permitting and use our in-house lab to provide clarity on treatment efficiencies. Can you elaborate on how Veolia utilizes mobile capabilities to implement proof-of-concept solutions in complex situations?

When faced with complex scenarios where lab simulations may not fully address the challenges, we turn to on-site demonstrations and piloting. This allows us to validate our solutions in real-world conditions. Veolia boasts a significant mobile water fleet stationed in Canada, with additional depots across North America, equipped with various water and wastewater technologies. Leveraging this extensive infrastructure network, we can transition from conceptual designs to on-site implementation, ensuring that our solutions align with our client’s regulatory requirements.

By partnering with Veolia, clients leverage our reputation as the world's largest environmental services provider to enhance credibility and trustworthiness to the broader community. We understand the nuances of the regulatory environment and collaborate closely with stakeholders such as First Nations to ensure our treatment strategies meet standards while minimizing environmental impact. Initiatives like our GreenUp program and Ecological Transformation align closely with the ESG principles of our clients, showcasing our dedication to sustainability, and our role as a strategic partner to mining firms. What is currently the standout technology in water treatment for mining operations?

Our mature technologies remain pivotal in our clients' treatment schemes. For instance, our AnoxKaldnes® MBBR technology is essential for removing ammonia toxicity and other nitrifiers such as cyanide species. We are also progressing in areas like selenium removal and membrane applications, particularly in mine water treatment for sulfate removal. Our broad range of technologies enables us to select the most suitable technology/process train for a client’s specific needs. A notable example is our integration of ultrafiltration membranes into our metals precipitation circuit, providing clients with a comprehensive “belts and suspenders” solution. Can you touch on Veolia's competitive advantage in lithium processing and recycling?

Veolia stands out in lithium processing due to our comprehensive approach, starting from extraction to battery materials production and recycling. We leverage advanced technologies across various stages of mineral production, addressing the complexity of lithium-containing streams. Our work in Québec, particularly with sodium sulfate and other minerals, showcases our expertise in this field. Our continuing innovations, such as with biopolar electrodialysis, strengthens our position to meet evolving market demands in the critical minerals space. How advanced are Québec miners in terms of waste management and wastewater treatment?

Québec miners have made significant strides in waste management and wastewater treatment. With the implementation of regulations like Directive 019 and focusing on OER, the industry is gearing up to meet stricter regulatory frameworks in the future.

Our goal is to provide solutions that not only comply with existing regulations but also anticipate and adapt to future changes, ensuring minimal additional investment while maximizing the effectiveness of environmental protection measures. On the exploration front, even in early exploration stages, companies prioritize ESG, recognizing its long-term benefits for project development and community engagement. What are the key priorities for Veolia in the coming months?

Our key priority at Veolia is to continue advancing our global environmental approach through initiatives such as our GreenUp initiative and Ecological Transformation. These efforts underscore our commitment to repairing past environmental impacts and transitioning towards a more sustainable future. We are focusing on resource recovery and exploring opportunities to transform waste streams into valuable resources. Additionally, we remain dedicated to enhancing our services to empower our clients to make informed, proactive decisions as it relates to environmental compliance.