MINING CONSULTANTS
HiveMap is , SRK says , a groundbreaking software solution for improving the mapping and interpretation of remotely collected rock exposure data
Consulting on complexities
One of the most in-demand sectors in mining , consultancy continues to grow and evolve in line with mining company expectations , Dan Gleeson reports
Mining company considerations are becoming as varied as their operational sites , with numerous stakeholder engagements , incoming or expected legislative changes and more impacting the way they do business .
‘ Change ’ often translates to ‘ opportunities ’ for mining consultancy practices , with firms inside and outside of the typical mining sphere looking to provide input and advice to companies in need .
IM speaks to some of them to find out how they are continuing to differentiate themselves from an expanding pack .
‘ Find , Build , Operate and Return ’
Stantec ’ s extensive experience in leading large infrastructure projects with extreme weather conditions in remote areas has recently been tapped by West Kitikmeot Resources Ltd ( WKR ).
WKR engaged the company to continue advancing the engineering and environmental consulting services for the Grays Bay Road and Port Project in Nunavut , Canada , infrastructure expected to boost the region ’ s mining prospects .
WKR , which says it is building an Inuit owned and led resources company , signed memorandums of understanding with the Government of Nunavut and the Canadian Infrastructure Bank to provide additional financial support for the project .
Stantec ’ s Inuit-owned partnership , Nunami Stantec Limited , has been key to supporting this project , which it has been engaged on since 2016 . Nunami Stantec is a partnership between the Kitikmeot Corporation , Sakku Investments
Corporation and Stantec to provide environmental science and engineering consulting services to organisations throughout the three regions of Nunavut .
Stantec says it has extensive experience in leading large infrastructure projects with extreme weather conditions in remote areas , including the Mackenzie Valley Highway , Slave Geological Province Corridor , Kivalliq Inter-Community Roadway , Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway and the Iqaluit Airport .
When complete , the Grays Bay Road and Port Project will aim to create a nationally significant northern trade corridor , aiding Inuit and Canadian sovereignty and offering new opportunities by unlocking Canada ’ s critical minerals wealth and supporting the northern economy .
The project will connect a deepwater port in the centre of the Northwest Passage via an allseason road to Contwoyto Lake – the northern terminus of the Tibbit-to-Contwoyto Winter Road . When complete , the project will provide road access from southern Canada to the Coronation Gulf . This access will dramatically lower the cost of doing business in the region by connecting northern Canada products to markets around the world and unlocking formerly inaccessible critical mineral deposits .
The Kitikmeot region , located in the western part of Nunavut , is a vast and remote area that is home to several Inuit communities . The Kitikmeot ’ s economy is primarily driven by natural resource extraction , including mining and exploration activities , which play a crucial role in the local economy . Additionally , the region holds significant historical and cultural importance for the Inuit people , with traditional practices and knowledge deeply embedded in the community ’ s way of life .
Arlen Foster , Principal and Infrastructure Practice Lead for Northern Canada at Stantec , told IM : “ Grays Bay Road and Port is an example of our ability to work with clients like WKR to create road access from southern Canada and bring economic benefits to the north , including the opportunity to access Canada ’ s critical minerals .
“ Our partnership with Nunami Stantec Limited has helped us integrate Inuit values into our project . Indigenous leaders from the north are part of the decision-making process as we work
When complete , the Grays Bay Road and Port Project will aim to create a nationally significant northern trade corridor , aiding Inuit and Canadian sovereignty and offering new opportunities by unlocking Canada ’ s critical minerals wealth and supporting the northern economy
36 International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2024