Could you give us a summary of your recent performance in the Chilean mining sector?

Two years ago, we had under 200 workers, and today we have surpassed the 300-employee landmark. We have grown a lot in a little time. Stantec focuses on providing solutions for a sustainable industry through creativity and technology. We are focused on large mining operations, with our most demanded service being tailings deposits: wall building, water management, and everything related to tailings management. But we also work in permit management and the environment, conducting environmental impact assessments, either for greenfield or brownfield projects, and we do so in a holistic way, covering the whole mine’s life cycle. Likewise, with permits, we manage permit granting for all needs the mine may have.

Can you elaborate on the tailings, waste disposal, mine closure, and water management services you provide, and which is the most in demand?

We design mine tailings storage facilities with a strong emphasis on long-term safety and sustainability. Also, three years ago, we started providing mine closure services in Chile, and we have secured several interesting projects in this area. This will remain a hot topic given the old age of many Chilean mines. Our comprehensive expertise in environmental, regulatory, economic, and social aspects of closure significantly shapes our approach. We integrate closure considerations at every stage of mine development, design and operation. By adopting a holistic, multidisciplinary and integrated approach to site characterization and design, we develop solutions that effectively address the diverse challenges of mine closure.

How is Stantec’s experience with partnerships?

Developing partnerships with clients is mutually beneficial, but it has to be based on trust, which takes time to develop. Nowadays, we can sit with our clients and share our experience and the solutions we have devised in other projects, whereas in the past, the relationship was more vertical.

How are Chilean mining companies advancing towards Net Zero targets and electrification?

Chilean companies are at the forefront in this field. For a long time, they have strived to look at alternative transport solutions or electrification.

Which measures are you implementing to attract young talent?

Keeping employees happy is challenging. In mining, most problems can be solved through technology, but when it comes to keeping your workforce happy, the concept of emotional salary showcases all its relevance. At Stantec, we are all approachable and supportive, and this makes the difference. We also boast remote working policies, which allow for flexibility and career building in parallel. The challenge is stronger when attracting younger talent, as they want to advance their careers fast, which in consulting may not be feasible, as experience is valued. Becoming a consultant is a post you earn through time. But these measures proved to be an asset in the long run, as our employees remain with us for a long time.

What can the government do to balance environmental responsibilities with mining and advancing new projects?

When I started, there were no such laws, and only foreign companies voluntarily adopted ESG standards. Nowadays, legislation is robust and comprehensive, with new rules being released every two months concerning specificities. This translates into additional efforts both for companies running projects and for us, the consultants. From fungi studies to luminosity, many things need to be considered. Deadlines are also problematic, hurting many projects, as several years must pass for all permits to be granted. However, all this depends on whether the project’s planning is solid and well documented, in which case the processing will be swifter. We always recommend presenting projects as robustly as possible. Our international experience contributes to this, as we have to face very strict legislations in multiple jurisdictions.

What are Stantec’s strategic plans for the future?

In what concerns Chile, we will focus on the aforementioned pillars, which are aligned with Stantec’s global strategic plan. This plan will last until 2026, but our vision is long-term. Strategic plans tend to follow the directions of the former ones, as our past and future roadmaps are coherent among them. Mining will remain a key area for us, as we have the know-how and the experience, but we will incorporate all areas of expertise we deem appropriate.