How has AtkinsRéalis’ Minerals and Metals business grown over the last year?

A surge in demand for our services has led to revenue growth in Québec of over 30%, driven by new contracts and project expansions, and a 40% growth in team size. 

On the technological front, we continued to integrate digital transformation into our portfolio, using advanced data analytics, automation tools, and new software to enhance operational efficiency while mitigating risk.

What are the company’s key offers to the mining sector in Québec and Atlantic Canada?

By leveraging our global expertise and local capabilities, our team is actively collaborating with existing mines to optimize their operations and ensure sustainable practices. We are also developing new feasibility studies for upcoming projects, offering our clients comprehensive analyses, and strategic recommendations as accelerated permitting schedule options or PMO solutions.

Beyond these initiatives, we are handling engineering and procurement mandates for several clients. This entails designing innovative solutions, managing procurement processes, and ensuring efficient fulfillment of all project requirements. 

How are commodity prices shaping project development?

In the gold sector, higher prices are driving companies to accelerate project development to capitalize on favorable market conditions. In the critical minerals sector, despite lower commodity prices, there is significant momentum toward localizing supply chains due to their strategic importance in technology and renewable energy. While immediate development has slowed, clients are positioning themselves for future opportunities. 

What effect will new infrastructure incentives from Canada’s government have on the mining industry?

The First and Last Mile Fund will be a key differentiator for Canada’s mining sector, driving projects in regions with infrastructure challenges. It is a vital initiative by the Federal government to improve project economics, while also enhancing environmental and social sustainability, and accelerating timelines. To maximize its potential, it will be crucial to break down silos between mining companies, communities, and government in any accelerated delivery framework. 

As for the removal of the federal review for major projects, it is another important step toward speeding up project delivery. Streamlining does not mean the processes will be less thorough. On the contrary, AtkinsRéalis believes that streamlining permitting processes must be done while upholding rigorous environmental standards and social integrity. 

How does AtkinsRéalis build mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous communities?

AtkinsRéalis is firmly committed to fostering mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous communities that are guided by the principles of respect, collaboration and sustainability. In 2024, the company received Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations, an important and significant milestone. Throughout our operations, our firm strives to honor Indigenous rights and culture, and we actively recruit Indigenous people. 

What challenges can projects face in implementing sustainable practices?

Several obstacles can hinder the implementation of sustainability practices, including cost, risk, innovation, data, design, and understanding of these technologies, resource availability, and stakeholder engagement. Overcoming these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that balances financial constraints with the long-term benefits of sustainability.

AtkinsRéalis has adopted a holistic approach that prioritizes the quality of data, and the systems needed to analyze and visualize it. Additionally, we have worked to strengthen stakeholder engagement, a crucial component of mining projects, to ensure effective collaboration. 

A common challenge in some projects is effectively demonstrating progress on key sustainability initiatives, such as water conservation, carbon emission reduction, and community engagement outcomes. To address this issue, AtkinsRéalis developed a suite of innovative analytical tools that accurately track and measure these vital metrics. 

As for cost, it remains the main barrier to integrating sustainability initiatives. We work closely with our clients to understand their specific needs and develop tailored strategies that maximize efficiency and minimize risks. This can include helping our client understand the cost of inaction and/or course-correcting a decision that leads to lost time, disrupted operations, increased expenses, and wasted resources. 

What is AtkinsRéalis’ Minerals and Metals strategy for the remainder of 2025?

We pride ourselves on delivering global expertise with local capabilities, collaborating with other engineering firms, suppliers, and stakeholders to ensure we provide holistic solutions. Additionally, our pit-to-port offering allows us to comprehensively tailor solutions to client needs, mitigate risk, and optimize efficiency. With over 40,000 employees worldwide with expertise across various disciplines, we are confident in our ability to provide customized solutions to the mining industry.