Mario Rouillier President GROUPE ROUILLIER
What is MBI doing to incorporate automation and autonomous drilling solutions?
MBI Global, a subsidiary of Groupe Rouillier, has already developed and deployed semi-automated deep-hole drilling rigs in Chile. While these machines are not fully autonomous, they incorporate a high degree of automation that significantly enhances performance. Moreover, for the past two years, our R&D team has been developing AI-enhanced functionalities for our underground drills. The goal is to transform drilling operations by leveraging real-time data to optimize drilling paths, reduce human error, and enhance operational safety. Automation makes the work less physically demanding and more appealing to younger generations and underrepresented groups. We see autonomous drilling as an enabler for greater inclusivity in the workforce. What impact have commodity price dynamics had on demand for Groupe Rouillier's products and services in eastern Canada?
When prices rise, exploration and mining projects multiply, which stimulates activity for our drilling services and our specialized equipment offering. For example, during the second quarter of 2024, we observed a nearly 18% increase in requests for proposals in the drilling sector related to lithium-based projects.
As critical minerals become strategic for global supply chains, particularly in the areas of energy transition and battery manufacturing, we anticipate continued growth in this segment. Where do you see growth potential in Québec and the Atlantic provinces in the coming years?
Québec and the Atlantic provinces offer fertile ground for growth. First, Abitibi-Témiscamingue and the Côte-Nord region remain dynamic hubs for gold exploration and critical minerals. The potential is strong, especially with public and private investments supporting infrastructure and innovation.
Finally, the increased interest in the energy transition – particularly in the electrification of transportation and energy storage – is placing strategic minerals at the heart of industrial policies. This allows us to consider expansion in these markets, by collaborating with local players and adapting our offering to regional needs.
Pietro Di Zanno Managing Director - North America HY2GEN
Could you remind us of the origins of the Courant green ammonia project?
When HY2GEN identified the Baie-Comeau area, the company aimed to produce ammonia for export to Europe. As our engagement with the Québec government deepened, we explored the potential for a value-added initiative: producing green ammonia for green ammonium nitrate for use in the Québec mining sector. HY2GEN has also expanded the Courant project to include in-house production of green ammonium nitrate, enabling full integration across the ammonia value chain. This decarbonized ammonium nitrate will be supplied to our partner, multinational explosives manufacturer EPC Groupe, which will manage conversion to explosives, and logisitics and distribution to its clients in Québec, Ontario and abroad. What were the factors contributing to the project’s approval?
We had to meet several key criteria. Our project needed to create value from the electricity generated by Québec’s hydroelectric system. In January 2025, we were proud to receive confirmation from Hydro Québec of an allocation of 307MW of clean hydroelectricity, enabling the production of green hydrogen essential to the green ammonia process. This will contribute directly to decarbonizing the province’s mining sector – another core requirement. Does HY2GEN have more projects planned for Québec?
That will depend on electricity supply. For now, we are pleased with the 307MW allocated by Hydro Québec and remain focused exclusively on Courant until at least 2030. Do you have a final message for our readers?
Within our portfolio of large and small projects, Courant is the most advanced. It is a unique initiative, and we are mindful of the responsibility that comes with our significant electricity allocation. Courant will deliver jobs, support intellectual property development, drive decarbonization, and ensure a stable ammonium nitrate supply at a competitive price. For HY2GEN, bringing this project to completion will demonstrate our capability to develop complex projects through this important niche.