Mining and Metals

Complex and high-stakes mining projects have shaped us. Working with operators and trusted partners, we’ve built the field-driven expertise that makes sites perform across projects and partnerships.

Our life cycle expertise

Mining industry players we support

Critical mineral developers

Iron ore producers and steelmaking

Industrial mineral and fertilizer producers

Minerals-to-materials developers

Base metal producers

Precious metal producers

Smelting and refining
- The Real Industry Driver
  
  Shaping decisions for new mining complexities
  
  Isabelle Leblanc, Vice-President, Mining and Metals at BBA, has built her career supporting mining and metals leaders through every stage of a project life cycle.
  
  In this short video, she shares what years in the field have taught her: mining’s realities keep changing, and today, rising complexity, longer timelines and growing community expectations shape every project.
  
  “There are always ingredients, but never a universal recipe—each project needs its own.”
Our shared successes

Key projects in Mining and Metals

Behind every mining project success, there’s more than just engineering—it’s the collaboration with clients that makes solutions work in the field.
- ArcelorMittal
  Local and carbon-neutral biofuel
  
  To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its iron oxide pellet production processes, ArcelorMittal replaced some of the fuel oil it uses at its Port-Cartier facilities with pyrolytic oil, a biofuel made from logging waste. This project adds value to wood waste while benefiting both the environment and the local economy.
  
  BBA’s contribution to the project
  
  Performed the feasibility study to ensure the viability of converting the plant’s fuel oil systems into pyrolytic oil
  
  Ensured that pyrolytic oil installations met safety standards, regulatory requirements and industry best practices
  
  Performed an analysis of the physical and chemical properties of pyrolytic oil
  
  Strategic impact
  
  By cutting annual heavy fuel oil and coal use by 23%, ArcelorMittal is leading the way to a successful energy transition.
- IAMGOLD
  IAMGOLD decarbonization strategy
  
  Location
  
  International, Eastern Canada, Central Canada
  
  IAMGOLD is in the process of implementing a company-wide decarbonization plan with clear, achievable strategies tailored to its Essakane site in Burkina Faso, its Westwood site in Québec and its Côté Gold site in Ontario. The company has also deployed an energy management system to measure and monitor energy consumption at each location.
  
  BBA’s contribution to the project
  
  In the process of developing a decarbonization roadmap for both Essakane and Wetswood, taking into account its local energy sources and operational characteristics.
  Carried out a detailed energy assessment to pinpoint the main sources of emissions and identify short- and medium-term opportunities for reduction.
  Establishing the scope of an energy management information system to continuously measure, monitor and optimize energy consumption.
  
  Strategic impact
  
  The project stands out for its tailored, integrated approach, combining planning, engineering and digital technology to help turn a complex decarbonization plan into action.
- Troilus Gold Corp.
  Strategic restart of the Troilus Mine
  
  Location
  
  Eastern Canada
  
  Poised to become one of Canada’s largest gold-copper producers, the Troilus project builds on solid mineral resources, existing infrastructure and a vision focused on responsible mining. Backed by a feasibility study aligned with NI 43-101 regulations and published in 2024, the project is targeting an average annual production of 244,600 ounces of gold, 17.3 million pounds of copper and 446,700 ounces of silver over its 22-year mine life. A construction decision is expected in 2026.
  
  BBA’s contribution to the project
  
  Key milestone reached: main flowsheet confirmed (updated: June 2025)
  Basic and detailed engineering, advancing progress toward construction
  Integrated technical deliverables, driven by a structured and rigorous approach
  Mobilization to realize a robust, scalable and energy-efficient vision
  In-depth site knowledge and a proven track record from major redevelopment projects such as Canadian Malartic and Detour Lake.
  
  Strategic impact
  
  “Strong collaboration between BBA and our team allowed us to finalize the flowsheet on schedule—a major milestone that reflects the precision and discipline guiding our development.”
  
  — Justin Reid, CEO, Troilus Gold Corp.
- Quebec Iron Ore
  Bloom Lake – mining expansion
  
  The addition of a new processing plant enabled the Bloom Lake mine to double its production capacity to 15 MTPA. This expansion reduces 1.9 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually and is based on a 66.2% Fe iron ore concentrate, among the purest in the world. Quebec Iron Ore has established itself as a key player in low-carbon green steel.
  
  BBA's contribution to the project
  
  Leading expertise in iron concentrators with an agile and creative approach
  Feasibility study, detailed engineering and commissioning delivered on time and on budget
  Rapid concentrator start-up through close team collaboration
  Refurbishment of a 2012 building adapted to the new process
  Optimization of existing infrastructure for greater efficiency and environmental performance
  
  Strategic impact
  
  About the BBA team
  
  “The agility you demonstrate in finding solutions within an integrated team dynamic [...] is one of the reasons why we greatly enjoy working together...”
  
  – Alexandre Belleau, Chief Operating Officer, Quebec Iron Ore
- Eldorado Gold Québec
  Sigma gold mining plant
  
  Location
  
  Eastern Canada
  
  After years of inactivity, the Sigma plant in Val-d'Or was recommissioned and modernized to process ore from the Triangle deposit. As a strategic asset of the Lamaque Mining Complex, it restarted quickly thanks to careful coordination and multidisciplinary expertise applied to overcome aging facilities and tight deadlines.
  
  BBA's contribution to the project
  
  Project leadership: feasibility study, restart plan and careful management of costs and schedules
  Rapid restart: procurement and modernization of mechanical equipment to accelerate operational resumption
  Integrated expertise and enhanced reliability: electrical, control, instrumentation and piping engineering, including control system modernization and rewiring
  Optimized commissioning: pre-operational verifications with SIIP (Système intégré d'ingénierie de projet) and team support.
  
  Strategic impact
  
  BBA helped secure the modernization of complex mining facilities within tight deadlines by leveraging multidisciplinary expertise and digital tools such as SIIP.
- Osisko Development Corp.
  Cariboo Gold project
  
  Location
  
  Western Canada
  
  Located in a historic gold district of British Columbia, the Cariboo Gold project is a 100%-owned permitted underground project spanning over 185 hectares. With an expected annual output of 190,000 ounces of gold, it stands among Canada’s next major gold developments.
  
  BBA’s contribution to the project
  
  Long-standing partnership with Osisko, leveraging aligned feasibility expectations and deep project insight
  Lead consultant for the NI 43‑101 feasibility, delivering a precise, investor-ready study aligned across all disciplines
  Tailored process definition, with metallurgical testing and a validated flowsheet optimized for recovery
  Cost-conscious engineering, including process plant design and detailed CAPEX/OPEX estimates
  Robust financial modelling, supporting sound investment planning and funding readiness
  
  Strategic impact
  
  By applying a precise and integrated framework, BBA helped reinforce investor confidence and support the project’s path to approval and execution.
- Rio Tinto Kennecott
  Process and reliability optimization
  
  Location
  
  Utah, United States
  
  As one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world, the Bingham Canyon Mine has been operating for over a century in Utah. To improve operational performance and reliability and support modernization efforts, Rio Tinto Kennecott launched a series of strategic upgrades.
  
  BBA’s contribution to the project
  
  Trusted expertise and a 40-year relationship with Rio Tinto enabled us to establish a local presence and better support their Kennecott operations
  Innovative solutions in electrical, process control and automation
  Ongoing collaboration by continuing to support Kennecott through specialized mandates, a testament to the trust we’ve built
  
  Strategic impact
  
  BBA’s advanced process control and automation solutions help improve safety, boost energy efficiency and increase long-term asset reliability.
- Agnico Eagle
  Meliadine mine site
  
  Location
  
  Northern Canada
  
  In the Canadian Arctic, the Meliadine mine overcame the challenge of generating its own power in a remote and extreme environment. A 28 MW cogeneration plant, supported by an 8 MW temporary power station, supplies electricity to the site, while a 24 MW thermal recovery system delivers continuous heating for the facilities and the underground mine.
  
  BBA's contribution to the project
  
  28 MW – cogeneration plant: detailed engineering, construction management and commissioning, supported by an 8 MW temporary plant
  24 MW thermal – heat recovery: energy optimization with an estimated 80% efficiency
  Enhanced reliability and safety through functional testing and a site-wide arc-flash and protection study
  Environmental support through technical assistance for water management
  
  Strategic impact
  
  With BBA's support, Agnico Eagle operates a robust and reliable energy system, ensuring the continuity of its mining operations in one of Canada's most demanding environments.
- Gold fields
  Salares Norte
  
  Location
  
  Atacama, Chile
  
  Located at more than 4,000 metres above sea level in the Andes, the Salares Norte project reflects the complexity of developing and operating a mine under extreme climate conditions. Designed to strengthen the supply of strategic metals, it also contributes to the regional economy by leveraging innovative engineering adapted to local realities.
  
  BBA’s contribution to the project
  
  Long-term partnership integrating disciplines and engineering phases in pyrometallurgy, mechanical, piping, structural and electrical processes
  Winterization solutions, ensuring facility reliability under extreme climate conditions
  Production optimization, from concept to commissioning, to maximize availability and reduce operational risks
  Agile mobilization of BBA’s global experts, working as one integrated team to achieve efficient execution
  
  Strategic impact
  
  By combining specialized know-how with international presence, BBA has helped secure operational continuity at Salares Norte and improve asset performance in a demanding high-altitude environment.
Our partners

Trusted by industry leaders

Mining and metals clients count on our field presence and our focus on their realities. And when projects bring the same BBA experts back, that continuity builds even more trust and results.
Our People

Meet some of the experts behind your solutions

From field to strategy, our mining and metals experts work with clients to solve site and project challenges with real-world insight.
Isabelle Leblanc, P.Eng.

Vice-President, Mining and Metals Market

Isabelle Leblanc, P.Eng.

Vice-President, Mining and Metals Market

With over 20 years of experience in mining projects, Isabelle Leblanc helps decision-makers move forward with confidence by identifying value-driven scenarios that can be implemented in the field.

Key expertise and certifications

NI 43-101, JORC and due diligence, technical audits
Open-pit mining strategies and optimization
Strategic mine studies and planning
Project cost estimation and economic analysis

Major achievements: Led more than 25 studies (from preliminary and pre-feasibility to bankable feasibility) for gold, copper, lithium and iron in diverse geological and organizational settings.

Approach and added value: Isabelle excels in transforming technical requirements into clear decision-making options, lowering risks and improving overall project performance.

Todd McCracken, P.Geo

Department Manager, Mining and Geology

Todd McCracken, P.Geo

Department Manager, Mining and Geology

Todd McCracken has been leveraging 30+ years of expertise to secure resource estimation and economic studies, reducing risks and maximizing the value of mining projects.

Key expertise and certifications

Advanced economic studies (PEA, PFS, FS) and project optimization
Qualified Person under NI 43-101 and S-K 1300
Project management and QA/QC programs
Associations: PGO, QOG, PEGNL

Major achievements: Over 55 multi-commodity projects in more than 10 countries across the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa, integrating advanced modelling and regulatory compliance.

Approach and added value: Todd employs a methodical and cooperative strategy, combining regulatory compliance with comprehensive strategic analysis to safeguard investments, mitigate risks and maximize the value of mining ventures.

Colin Hardie, M.Eng., MBA

Senior Consultant in Mining Project Development and Study Management

Colin Hardie, M.Eng., MBA

Senior Consultant in Mining Project Development and Study Management

As a mineral processing engineer, Colin Hardie brings over 25 years of experience in process development, mining operations and study management. He helps mining companies turn their ambitions into viable, sustainable projects through an integrated, rigorous and fit-for-purpose approach.

Key expertise

Study management (PEA, PFS, FS) and mining project development
Cost estimation, financial modelling and economic analysis
Multidisciplinary integration and technical optimization
Qualified Person – NI 43-101, S-K 1300, JORC and member of APEO, NAPEG, OIQ, CIM, PDAC
Operational experience, R&D and continuous improvement (Six Sigma)

Major achievements: Led over 25 mining studies in Canada and abroad, contributing to complex projects in demanding settings. Also served as a Qualified Person on more than 20 projects in base metals, gold and battery materials.

Approach and added value: Colin turns complexity into clear decisions and creates value through collaboration and rigorous execution.

Amanda Fitch, P.Eng.

Director, Mining and Metals

Amanda Fitch, P.Eng.

Director, Mining and Metals

Director, mining and metals market, Amanda brings over 15 years of experience in mining engineering across underground operations, open-pit mining, and consulting. She has strong expertise in technical studies from scoping to feasibility, multi-site project management, and economic evaluations across multiple commodities.

Key expertise and certifications

NI 43-101 technical reports and qualified person
Economic studies: scoping, PEA, PFS, feasibility
Underground and open-pit mine design
Mine planning and 3D modelling
Licensed professional engineer (OIQ, EGBC, Nevada PE)

Major achievements : Amanda has led mandates on 25+ mining projects in Canada, including gold and base metals, with work in remote regions, the U.S., and Eastern Europe.

Approach and added value : She delivers structured, reliable analyses aligned with the technical and economic realities of mining projects.

Nicolas Szwedska, P.Eng.

Principal Engineer, Mining and Geology

Nicolas Szwedska, P.Eng.

Principal Engineer, Mining and Geology

As a mining engineering expert, Nicolas Szwedska brings over 15 years of expertise to designing and optimizing minesthat meet international standards by integrating geological modelling, technical governance and best operational practices.

Key expertise and certifications

Public reports (NI 43-101, JORC, S-K 1300) and OIQ member
Mine planning and investment audits
Technical governance and multidisciplinary coordination
Application of advanced solutions for mine design and planning

Major achievements: Designed and optimized open-pit mines and selected equipment for complex projects on four continents, covering commodities such as gold, copper and lithium.

Approach and added value: Nicolas turns regulatory requirements into clear, strategic solutions that lower risks and boost overall project performance.

Catherine Pelletier, P.Eng.

Senior Engineer, Process Mining and Metals

Catherine Pelletier, P.Eng.

Senior Engineer, Process Mining and Metals

As a senior mineral processing expert, Catherine Pelletier brings over 15 years of operations and consulting experience to design processes and optimize processing plant performance.

Key expertise and certifications

Process development, iron extraction and flotation
Data analysis and industrial testing
Project and team management
NI 43-101 reporting and OIQ compliance

Major achievements: Helped develop a flotation process for high-purity iron production, converted autogenous mills to semi-autogenous mills and implemented geometallurgy programs.

Approach and added value: Catherine applies an iterative method focused on optimal data use and multidisciplinary collaboration, turning vague concepts into reliable technical solutions.

Yanick Plourde, biol., M. Sc. Env.

Senior Environmental Professional

Yanick Plourde, biol., M. Sc. Env.

Senior Environmental Professional

Julia Gartley, P.Eng., MBA

Office director

Julia Gartley, P.Eng., MBA

Office director

Julia Gartley has been a member of the BBA team since 2019, is a mineral process engineer and leads the Vancouver Mineral Processing team. Her onsite experience gives her a unique perspective on the operability and maintainability of process facilities. Julia Gartley specializes in niobium, gold and copper metallurgy and has managed complex metallurgical test programs, led trade-off studies and been in charge of project teams.

Jaco Steyn, P. Eng., MBA

Department Manager, Extractive Metallurgy

Jaco Steyn, P. Eng., MBA

Department Manager, Extractive Metallurgy

For over 20 years, Jaco Steyn has been leveraging his expertise in the mining and metals industry to design robust processes, optimize critical systems and deliver high-performing, multi-commodity projects.

Key expertise and certifications

High-pressure hydrometallurgy and bioheap-leaching
Advanced process optimization and control
Process modelling and simulation
Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), member of PEO, PEGNL and CIM

Major achievements: Multi-commodity projects (gold, copper, nickel, cobalt, lithium) executed in complex environments, from concept through implementation.

Approach and added value: Jaco combines innovation with technical rigour to reduce risks, optimize performance and ensure project reliability.

Benoît Ouellet, P.Eng.

Senior Mining Engineer

Benoît Ouellet, P.Eng.

Senior Mining Engineer

As a senior expert in mining projects, Benoît Ouellet draws on 15+ years of experience designing and optimizing robust solutions for mining project development, ensuring both performance and reliability.

Key expertise and certifications

Drilling, blasting and operations optimization
Strategic mine planning and mineral reserve estimation
Project management and cost control
Member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ)

Major achievements: Carried out complex projects internationally, including studies and multi-commodity operations, with deliverables adapted to technical and cultural constraints.

Approach and added value: Benoît focuses on technical rigour and clear solutions. His pragmatic, results-driven approach promotes sound decision-making, aligned with operational realities, and fosters strong team engagement.

Rod Williams, P.Eng.

Principal Mining Engineer

Rod Williams, P.Eng.

Principal Mining Engineer

For over 45 years, Rod Williams has been performing open-pit mine planning and optimization, integrating international compliance to maximize performance and reduce risks.

Key expertise and certifications

Resource and reserve reporting, strategic planning and mine closure
Operational coordination and management of technical services
Advanced proficiency in Vulcan and Whittle
Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), member of PEGNL and OIQ

Major achievements: Multi-commodity projects (gold, copper, diamond, iron) in complex environments, with over 30 years of field experience in engineering and technical coordination.

Approach and added value: Rod supports strategic decision-making and regulatory compliance to secure investments and enhance operational performance.

Riccardo Del Bosco, P.Eng.

Senior Engineer, Mining and Geology

Riccardo Del Bosco, P.Eng.

Senior Engineer, Mining and Geology

With over 15 years of expertise in drilling and blasting, Riccardo Del Bosco helps turn mining challenges into reliable solutions, ensuring safety, efficiency and optimized investment.

Key expertise and certifications

Design and assessment of drilling and blasting parameters, including environmental impacts
Blast modelling and optimization (I-Blast, AEGIS, Deswik, etc.)
Technical and operational audits and mining project management
Evaluation and design of explosive storage sites and fragmentation studies (“Mine-to-Mill” initiatives)
Member of OIQ, PEO, SEEQ, ISEE

Major achievements: Completed over 50 drilling and blasting projects for open-pit and underground mines, hydroelectric infrastructure, and construction and civil engineering projects requiring controlled fragmentation.

Approach and added value: Riccardo combines technical expertise with operational insight to secure investments and integrate innovative solutions for fragmentation and environmental impact reduction.

Jean L'Heureux, P.Eng., M.Eng.

Project and Studies Manager, Mining and Metals Market

Jean L'Heureux, P.Eng., M.Eng.

Project and Studies Manager, Mining and Metals Market

Jean L'Heureux brings 30+ years of experience in production, commercialization and R&D to ensure performance and sustainability of strategic projects in materials engineering and metallurgy.

Key expertise and certifications

Natural graphite processing and applications, technical and economic studies
Mining project development and optimization across multiple continents
Qualified Person under NI 43-101 and OIQ member
Energy transition and Li-ion battery integration

Major achievements: Supervised complex projects and led high-stakes natural graphite projects, integrating technological innovation, regulatory compliance and social acceptability.

Approach and added value: Jean simplifies technical complexity into clear, strategic solutions that attract investments and boost sustainable, profitable project performance.

Derek Blais, P.Eng.

Study manager, director of iron ore

Derek Blais, P.Eng.

Study manager, director of iron ore

As a senior mining solutions expert, Derek Blais brings over 15 years of experience to designing iron ore projects that balance financial rigour, multidisciplinary coordination and economic viability.

Key expertise and certifications

Technical reports complying with public disclosure standards such as NI 43-101
PEA and FS studies, financial modelling
Iron ore market and processes
Member of the OIQ, EGBC and PEGNL

Major achievements: Led strategic iron ore and gold projects, completing more than 20 economic analyses and PEA/FS studies with strong involvement in optimization and multidisciplinary coordination.

Approach and added value: Derek aligns technical and economic constraints with client financial objectives to deliver tailored solutions that support reliable and profitable projects.

Ricardo Esteban, P.Eng., M.Sc.

Principal Engineer, Process Mining & Metals

Ricardo Esteban, P.Eng., M.Sc.

Principal Engineer, Process Mining & Metals

As an ore processing expert, Ricardo Esteban transforms 25+ years of experience into reliable solutions that improve multi-commodity project performance and reduce operational risks.

Key expertise and certifications

Comminution, flotation, leaching, electrowinning
Process optimization and control
Metallurgical testing and commissioning
Member of the OIQ, NAPEG, CIM, CCCRRM

Major achievements: Ricardo has contributed to over 45 gold, iron, copper and nickel projects in Canada and abroad, including feasibility studies, advanced simulations and optimizing process flow diagrams in complex settings.

Approach and added value: Ricardo applies technical rigour and strong coordination to meet production, safety and quality requirements while optimizing processes.

Jean-François Bourque, Biol., M.Sc.

Department Manager, Eastern Canada Environment Office

Jean-François Bourque, Biol., M.Sc.

Department Manager, Eastern Canada Environment Office

Jean-François Bourque brings over 20 years of experience in environmental integration of mining projects, supporting compliance and sustainable operations in the mining and metals industry.

Key expertise and certifications

Impact assessments for complex mining projects
Environmental risk management
Multidisciplinary team coordination
Regulatory compliance strategies

Major achievements: Supervised environmental assessments for complex mining projects, integrating regulatory compliance, optimizing resource use and reducing impacts on sensitive environments.

Approach and added value: Jean-François proposes pragmatic and robust strategies that reduce environmental impacts, support sustainable performance and promote mining project success.

Geraldine Cosset, P.Eng.

Department Manager, Toronto Office

Geraldine Cosset, P.Eng.

Department Manager, Toronto Office

Tailings and dam engineer with over 15 years of experience, Géraldine specializes in the design, construction, operation, and closure of tailings storage facilities and mining dams. Her background combines geotechnical engineering, hydrogeology, environmental disciplines, and TSF-focused engineering from concept through detailed design into closure.

Key expertise and certifications

Engineer of record and qualified person
TSF, embankment, and raise design and optimization
Risk assessments (FMEA, QRA) and dam safety reviews
Conventional talings and filtered tailigns deposition and management

Major achievements : Géraldine has delivered TSF and mining dam mandates across Canada - including Nunavut, Australia, Burkina Faso, Panama, and Jamaica.

Approach and added value : She supports the integrity and evolution of containment structures to enable safe, reliable, and sustainable mining operations.

Jean-François Beaulieu

Director, Digital Consultant

Jean-François Beaulieu

Director, Digital Consultant

Maria de Campos, Ph.D.

Subject Matter Expert, Mining and Metals Market

Maria de Campos, Ph.D.

Subject Matter Expert, Mining and Metals Market

Pyrometallurgical process expert with over 30 years of experience, Maria brings deep expertise in high-temperature processes, both in existing production and engineering design, including process studies, technical design, process optimization, and due diligence. She has supported projects from concept to execution and full ramp-up across a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous commodities.

Key expertise and certifications:

Concept, pre-feasibility, feasibility studies, and EPCM
Smelter production optimization, troubleshooting, and debottlenecking
Mass and energy balances, process design
Technology selection and due diligence assessments

Major achievements: Maria has contributed to 25+ international and 15+ mining projects involving copper, nickel, lead, zinc, and ferroalloys across the Americas, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. She has taken several smelter projects from concept to execution and full ramp-up.

Approach and added value: She combines strong pyrometallurgical fundamentals and design expertise with production experience to deliver rigorous technical analyses, optimize high-temperature metallurgical processes, and enhance project robustness in the mining and metals sector.

Our life cycle expertise

Shaping decisions for new mining complexities

Our shared successes

Local and carbon-neutral biofuel

IAMGOLD decarbonization strategy

Strategic restart of the Troilus Mine

Bloom Lake – mining expansion

Sigma gold mining plant

Cariboo Gold project

Process and reliability optimization

Meliadine mine site

Salares Norte

Our partners

Our People

Isabelle Leblanc, P.Eng.

Todd McCracken, P.Geo

Colin Hardie, M.Eng., MBA

Amanda Fitch, P.Eng.

Nicolas Szwedska, P.Eng.

Catherine Pelletier, P.Eng.

Yanick Plourde, biol., M. Sc. Env.

Julia Gartley, P.Eng., MBA

Jaco Steyn, P. Eng., MBA

Benoît Ouellet, P.Eng.

Rod Williams, P.Eng.

Riccardo Del Bosco, P.Eng.

Jean L'Heureux, P.Eng., M.Eng.

Derek Blais, P.Eng.

Ricardo Esteban, P.Eng., M.Sc.

Jean-François Bourque, Biol., M.Sc.

Geraldine Cosset, P.Eng.

Jean-François Beaulieu

Maria de Campos, Ph.D.

Jaco Steyn, P. Eng., MBA