Publications

08 Jan 2026
Mining and Metals

Electric vehicles and power distribution: considerations for underground mine operators

Shifting to electric vehicles in underground mining offers significant benefits, but it also introduces new challenges. Power feeds often lack the capacity to handle the large power demand during charging; infrastructure upgrades require large capital investments; and even the overall service to site may not be sufficient. Without careful planning, mines risk load imbalances, brownouts, nuisance tripping of power distribution systems and possible reductions in production without significant capital investment. There’s no single fix to address all these obstacles. Instead, success depends on adaptive integration designs that evolve alongside the technology: solutions that demand ingenuity, innovative thinking and close collaboration across teams and vendors.
Jason James Gander

Senior Technologist
05 Aug 2021
Power and Renewables

Industry 4.0: the design you expect, thanks to virtual reality
- Alexis Lallemand Desmarais
  
  Programmer Analyst, Process Control and Operational Technology
22 Jun 2021
Mining and Metals

Optimize alarm system performance
- Marc Tardif, Technologist
  
  Senior Advisor, Operations - Salt Lake City office
21 Jun 2021
Power and Renewables

Cloud computing for industrial performance
27 May 2021
Power and Renewables

Earth observation boosted by artificial intelligence
26 May 2021
Power and Renewables

Power system voltage levels: making the right choices

When designing a power system, it’s important to choose the right voltage level, since it has a direct impact on system performance and its energy efficiency.
Stéphan Landry, P.Eng.

Principal Engineer, Electrical - Power Generation and Apparatus
24 May 2021
Mining and Metals

Underground shaft excavation using the inverse (drop) raise method
- Félix Roy-Demers P.Eng.
  
  Engineer
28 Apr 2021
Power and Renewables

The future of electrifying mines in B.C.
- Amanda Fitch, P.Eng.
  
  Regional Director, Mining and Metals Market, Western Canada
21 Apr 2021
Mining and Metals

Metallurgical lab designed to meet your needs
20 Apr 2021
Power and Renewables

Data science serving business
13 Apr 2021
Mining and Metals

Fire and gas detection: avoid the traps!

For processes using combustible or toxic materials, it is important to include a fire and gas detection system that will act effectively in the event of a leak or ignition. There are several technologies and design methods available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. To make an informed choice from among the many technologies and design methods, it is important to understand the fundamental principles and to identify the risks to mitigate. This article will outline the key elements for a successful design and point out some traps to avoid.
Sébastien Grégoire, P.Eng.

Senior Engineer, Automation
06 Apr 2021
Power and Renewables

Fluid-filled transformer refurbishment: points to monitor
30 Mar 2021
Mining and Metals

Rehabilitating an iron pellet indurating furnace
- Eric Moisan, P.Eng., M.A.Sc.
  
  Department Manager, Industrial and Hydro
23 Mar 2021
Mining and Metals

How to reduce plant noise levels
- Nicholas Allen, P.Eng.
  
  Engineer - Energy and Air Quality
22 Mar 2021
Mining and Metals

Risks associated with mining dam failure
16 Mar 2021
Mining and Metals

Managing your investment plan wisely

Year after year, mining companies try to set up investment plans which, in many cases, only yield mixed results. Whether they are intended to optimize operating costs, increase production capacity, comply with environmental or legal regulations or maintain community relationships, the projects that makeup the investment plan are frequently started without being properly defined. And, inevitably, the results end up being disappointing.
Claude Catudal

Senior Consulting Expert, Project Management and Control
03 Mar 2021
Power and Renewables

Industrial control system (ICS) cybersecurity risk methodology webinar
- José Alvarado, P.Eng., GICSP
  
  Director, ICS Cybersecurity
02 Mar 2021
Mining and Metals

Mining dam safety review
22 Feb 2021
Power and Renewables

A piecemeal 4.0 approach? Really?
- Jean-François Beaulieu
  
  Director, Digital Consultant
09 Feb 2021
Mining and Metals

Flow issues in silos and bins
08 Feb 2021
Power and Renewables

A procedural overview of urban or sensitive-area blasting practices

In the mining and construction sectors, the drilling and blasting process is typically considered the most efficient and cost-effective way to fragment rock. Despite this, the same mechanisms that render this process highly efficient can also result in unwanted impacts on surface and underground infrastructures, the environment and local communities.
Riccardo Del Bosco, P.Eng.

Senior Engineer, Mining and Geology
01 Feb 2021
Power and Renewables

Excitation system upgrades: make the right choice!
- Léo Roy, P.Eng.
  
  Senior Engineer, Electrical
25 Jan 2021
Power and Renewables

Design and commissioning of a massive IEC61850 multivendor substation automation project: a twisted path
22 Jan 2021
Other industries

Migrating a distributed control system (DCS)
14 Jan 2021
Power and Renewables

Environmental considerations for dam decommissioning – Part 1: Sediment management
07 Jan 2021
Power and Renewables

Local access of ICS devices: a cybersecurity perspective

While cybersecurity risks and concerns are not new to industrial operations and critical infrastructure, there has been a huge increase in cyber attacks and breaches over the last few years. This increase is being driven by several complex factors, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Industry 4.0, legacy devices, open source hacking tools and a general lack of cybersecurity maturity for industrial control system (ICS) environments, just to name a few. This blog article reviews a few options to consider as cybersecurity tools for local access management of ICS devices (e.g., protection relays, RTUs, PLCs, HMIs, etc.). Access management of ICS devices can be challenging due to a variety of factors, such as the sheer volume of end devices, travel time to remote locations, management of third-party contractors and maintenance personnel, and the lack of dedicated resources to manage appropriate access.
Shayne Casavant, P.Eng.

Senior Engineer, ICS Cybersecurity
09 Dec 2020
Power and Renewables

Segmenting a network for increased reliability and security
09 Dec 2020
Power and Renewables

Cybersecurity tool integration challenges with IEDS in digital power systems
- Shayne Casavant, P.Eng.
  
  Senior Engineer, ICS Cybersecurity
03 Dec 2020
Power and Renewables

The importance of hydrogeology when building infrastructures
02 Dec 2020
Other industries

Manufacturing execution system: one step closer to Industry 4.0
- Branko Radulovic, P.Eng.
  
  Senior Engineer, Operational Technology and Infrastructure
24 Nov 2020
Power and Renewables

Perform without burning out

BBA’s Occupational Health and Safety team is pleased to provide this blog article on managing your level of energy at work and the importance of taking breaks, even during peak periods. Although working long hours in a row can help you catch up on a considerable amount of work, it can also have negative effects on your health, safety and personal life, in addition to affecting your productivity. That’s why it’s important to stick to your limits, because exceeding them can result in overall fatigue, which decreases concentration and makes you more vulnerable to occupational accidents.