PASTE & TAILINGS 2021 pursuing our initiative for other parts of the world .
Leveraging combined expertise
In May 2021 , Black & Veatch and Paterson & Cooke announced a collaboration offering mining industry stakeholders guidance on a unified approach to technology solutions in tailings , water and energy management . Paul Moore spoke to the partners about the new approach
Q What led to the latest collaboration - had both companies worked together on mine tailings and similar projects in the past ? A P & C and BV were both engaged with a major global mining company working in parallel , P & C on tailings solutions and BV on water treatment solutions . The client recognised the advantages of bringing us together to work as an integrated team . BV recognise that the mining industry needs innovation and collaboration to develop better solutions in an increasingly complex operating environment ; especially in the area of tailings , water and energy management which are interconnected . P & C and BV have a strong cultural fit and bring together deep subject matter experts in each of these areas to provide our mining clients with integrated solutions from concept study through to full execution .
Q If so can you give any brief examples ? A The new global industry standard on tailings will require re-imagining tailings management . P & C and BV are currently working together with a major multinational miner examining nonconventional tailing solutions . Managing tailings in a different way has direct impacts on the site water balance and the site ’ s energy requirements . Bringing tailings , water and energy subject matter expertise together in a collaborative way allows for more optimised solutions . Additionally , miners across the globe are aggressively working towards improved water and energy sustainability and require qualified partners who can support them in achieving their business objectives .
Q What skills and breadth of experience does each company bring to the collaboration ? A Both companies have a global footprint that allows us to support our client ’ s operations and projects around the world . P & C brings three decades of design & operational knowledge of tailings and slurry pipeline systems and has comprehensive in-house laboratory services . B & V is a 100-year old employee-owned company and brings Tier 1 full service EPCM capabilities in the areas of water and energy management . Importantly , both companies recognise that working in an innovative and collaborative way , fully leveraging our subject matter experts will provide the best value and quality for our clients . Bringing the right resources together , supported by quality work processes , allows for developing the best option selection during FEL1 / 2A and ultimately provides the most efficient study and project execution .
Q Is the North American focus just for now and is there potential for joint projects outside of North America going forward ? A We have currently been making presentations to global mining companies and though our current focus is North America we are already receiving positive input from our clients regarding
Q Will you approach clients jointly to tender for tailings related projects in NA or will be it decided on a case by case basis ? A Our mining clients challenge areas require tailored solutions based on site specifics and company policy and program objectives . P & C and BV have a joint business development strategy and approach and the collaboration is uniquely applied where there is a clear value enhancement for our clients .
Q To what extent has this move been driven by the new Global Tailings Standard and why ? A All miners have company objectives in the areas of Tailings , Water and Energy management . These three domains are interrelated and the best solutions will be obtained by effectively integrating our domain experts . The new Global Tailings Standard provides a good example of this ; requirement 3.2 considers the use of the knowledge base and undertaking effective multi-criteria alternatives analysis with the goals to minimise risk to people and the environment , and to minimise the volume of tailings and water placed in tailings facilities . We believe that bringing the industries top tailings and water experts together provides the best use of the ' knowledge base ' and will generate the best alternatives to meet the goals of the new standard ; but at the same time considering the carbon footprint of the operation .
Q As partners how are you seeing the approach to tailings , energy and water changing in the industry - are principles and stated commitments being met especially with regard to existing mines and not just greenfield projects ? A We see these three areas very much front & centre with miners and they are integral to a mining company ’ s ESG and social performance ; they are also recognised by miners as representing top risks ( https :// www . ey . com / en _ us / mining-metals / top-10-business-risks-andopportunities-for-mining-and-metals-in-2021 ). Miners are taking their commitments very seriously and working hard across all their assets to meet their objectives . Having said that , the challenges are significant and most of the easier solutions have already been implemented . Miners need to reduce their carbon footprint , reduce water consumption and improve sustainable water use , develop tailings solutions that impound less tails and water and do all of this in an environment of declining grades . P & C and BV believe that innovation , collaboration and a true value based partnering approach with our clients are essential to unlock the best solutions in this increasingly challenging and complex environment .
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P16 International Mining SUPPLEMENT | JULY 2021