Can you give us an update on what has been happening at Nordmin Engineering in 2024?

2024 was an extremely busy year for Nordmin Engineering and the mining industry as a whole. The focus has increasingly shifted toward critical minerals, particularly lithium and copper, and we have been actively supporting numerous projects globally. We have seen a surge in gold-related projects. We have been involved in several leading efforts toward larger-scale projects in this space. Our expertise in underground access for deep mines and processing capabilities continues to be in high demand, and we are fortunate that our service offerings align well with industry needs.

In Ontario, we have been actively engaged in the Red Lake and Kirkland Lake camps. Our efforts there include expanding existing capacity, improving operational efficiency, and introducing new production facilities. We are also assisting companies in the lithium sector, including our long-standing partner Green Technology Metals, and continuing our relationship with Frontier Lithium. Outside of Ontario, we have been working extensively with South32 on the Hermosa project in Arizona for about two years. Partnering with Redpath Mining, we have made significant progress, with the first of two shafts well underway and the second set to begin soon.

What trends in demand have you noticed for Nordmin Engineering offers?

The market has shifted, and the number of providers in our space has declined. This is not unusual, as we see fluctuations in companies’ capacities over time. We work extensively in the shaft and hoisting space for deep mine access, from small mines to very large facilities. In addition, our energy group also plays a significant role, integrating renewable energy potential where possible.

Our processing group, which handles water management and mineral processing, has been extremely busy and we continue to expand our efforts in this regard, offering full design, procurement and construction management services for mineral processing facilities in all commodities.

What challenges has Nordmin Engineering faced in 2024?

Talent shortages have been a major challenge, especially post-COVID. Over the past 20 years, there have been cycles where economic shifts cause experienced professionals to leave the industry. At the same time, fewer young people are entering the industry, which is a serious issue. Industry and educational institutions have not done enough to promote mining as a viable career. There must be a refocus on education and industry outreach to attract talent. This shortage is driving up costs, with labor expenses rising 30-50% over the past decade. As multiple large-scale projects demand the same talent pool, labor constraints are leading to cost overruns.

What are the benefits of collaboration between Nordmin Engineering and Redpath Mining?

The traditional adversarial project approach, where clients view others with suspicion, is no longer successful. Given the industry’s challenges, including cost increases and procurement delays, working as a team is essential. Open communication allows us to address issues in real time and find reasonable solutions that work for everyone. Many overruns occur because the focus is on accounting rather than actual project management. You cannot micromanage a project by only looking at KPIs. You need to take a holistic view, understand the goals and objectives, and focus on specific efforts to ensure success. An integrated approach—where we operate with transparency and teamwork—has proven to be much more effective. It ensures that everyone is satisfied with the process and the outcome.

How has dealing with the Ontario government been for Nordmin Engineering?

Premier Ford and Minister Pirie have been fantastic in supporting the mining industry. They have a very positive outlook on developing mining in Ontario and see it as an essential part of the value chain and industrial integration. What are your plans for Nordmin Engineering in 2025?

It is our 20th anniversary this year, and while we will mark the occasion with an internal celebration, our main priority is expanding our team. We have also recently moved our Salt Lake City office to a bigger location with the intent of further expansion, especially as we are very busy in the American West. Additionally, this office will serve as a launch point for our efforts in Latin America, where we are currently working on a few significant projects.