Ausenco : Masters of Minerals and Metals

Global consulting, engineering, and project delivery leader Ausenco transforms complex challenges into sustainable solutions. We showcase the company’s work on minerals and metals projects across the continent with Rob Medley, President of Minerals and Metals – North America.

MASTERS OF MINERALS AND METALS

Ausenco has been part of the mining industry for over 35 years and, with the growing demand for minerals and metals, the possibilities ahead have never been broader or more diverse.

In North America – where Ausenco has major offices in Canada (Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary), the US (Tucson, Denver), and Mexico (Hermosillo) – the sector is gaining momentum.

Once viewed with a slightly negative perception, mining is having a breakthrough moment and has become part of daily conversation.

“People are now understanding the crucial role mining plays in driving the new economy and decarbonization of the world. From data centers to electrification, batteries, and national security – it all depends on mining,” emphasizes Rob Medley, President of Minerals and Metals – North America at Ausenco.

“We’re also seeing governments across Canada and the US create significant programs to advance critical mining projects.”

Focused on building lasting value and ensuring clients’ operations are sustainable, Ausenco tackles the most complex technical challenges in mining.

The company delivers integrated, end-to-end solutions across the entire project lifecycle, from discovery to development, production, and remediation.

“We provide engineering and project delivery solutions in all major engineering disciplines, supporting projects through every phase,” Medley acclaims.

For example, in 2024, Ausenco delivered close to 30 percent of all National Instrument (NI) 43-101 studies on advanced projects.

This reflects the breadth of experience in the company’s growing team in North America, which includes over 800 experts in project studies, execution, and consulting.

“Our clients range from global majors and mid-tiers, with one-to-several operating assets and development projects, to those bringing their first asset to development or acquisition,” notes Medley.

COPPER TRACK RECORD

Ausenco has a remarkable track record in copper; the company partnered with Capstone Copper (Capstone) to deliver the Mantoverde project in 2024 – an open-pit copper mine in Chile.

This project was recognized industry-wide for its capital-efficient and sustainable design, reached full nameplate capacity within a short ramp-up period, and was delivered on-time and on-budget while meeting the highest safety standards.

“Our focus is on optimizing performance, maximizing return on investment, and bringing lasting value to each operation,” Medley outlines.

Another element contributing to the company’s success is a deep commitment to building long-term relationships with clients.

Following its work on the Mantoverde project, Capstone partnered with Ausenco on the feasibility study for the nearby Santo Domingo copper-iron-gold project, which aims to create a world-class copper district.

Elsewhere, Generation Mining (Generation) recently awarded Ausenco the engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) contract for their Marathon copper-palladium project in Ontario, Canada.

“We’ve worked with Generation for several years and have built a great deal of trust with them through early-phase studies,” highlights Medley.

“After optimizing an existing feasibility study to save capital expenditure and provide a more efficient, fit-for-purpose execution plan, we look forward to partnering with Generation to deliver this exceptional project.”

CRITICAL MINERALS AND METALS

Alongside its track record in copper, Ausenco’s strongest capabilities are in base, precious, and critical minerals, with decades of experience in gold and silver.

In North America, the company has partnered with Coeur Mining to design and build Las Chispas, a top silver-gold producer.

Impressively, it is also currently working with Skeena Gold + Silver (Skeena) to design and build Eskay Creek, one of the largest gold and silver projects in Canadian mining history.

“Eskay Creek is a fantastic story. We have a decade-long history with this project and have built a strong partnership with Skeena over the years,” Medley tells us.

“They brought us on board early to help develop a strong business case and kept the project moving forward. Thanks to the team’s hard work over multiple phases, and our technical expertise in similar cold-climate conditions, we’re happy to support the execution of Eskay Creek.”

Ausenco is also engaged with top-tier clients in critical metals such as nickel, zinc, tungsten, lithium, and uranium, where the company is working with Paladin on their Patterson Lake South project in Saskatchewan, Canada.

This uranium project is in the front-end engineering design (FEED) phase, and Ausenco is supporting the team to deliver an executable project concept as part of the pathway to a final investment decision and project readiness.

“It’s rewarding to play a role in providing the materials that power the clean energy transition while also delivering lasting value for our clients, local communities, and all of Canada,” prides Medley.

Tin is also having a comeback, primarily used in small-scale electronics like chips, mobile phones, cars, data centers, and more.

As demand for electronics continues to surge, tin is becoming increasingly important, and Ausenco is right at the heart of this shift, working closely with Cornish Metals on their South Crofty project – a tin mine poised to become a global producer.

UNLOCKING VALUE

Medley anticipates another year of growth for Ausenco as the company continues to deliver creative engineering solutions and partner with clients to advance critical mining projects to production.

In the studies space specifically, the company is committed to maximizing returns, shortening payback periods, and delivering designs that are sustainable for the environment and surrounding communities.

“What matters to our clients and the industry matters to us. Right now, clients are focused on the time value of money, given the current commodity market,” concludes Medley.

“That means it is paramount to maximize and unlock value quickly with execution plans that optimize schedules and are set up to execute in the shortest period – this is what we do best.”

Q&A WITH ROB MEDLEY, PRESIDENT OF MINERALS AND METALS – NORTH AMERICA, AUSENCO

You’re responsible for leading Ausenco’s Minerals and Metals business across Canada, the US, and Mexico. Could you provide us with some insight into this role?

Rob Medley, President of Minerals and Metals – North America (RM): “The best part of the role is the people I get to work with every day. I feel very privileged to lead such a phenomenal group of highly skilled engineers and technical teams, all experts in their field, toward a common goal: delivering exceptional value to our clients.

“I’ve seen the team deliver some incredible outcomes, from early-phase study all the way through to execution. My role is to support them so they can do what we do best – build innovative, cost-effective plants, delivered on-time and on-budget.

“This role is a career highlight for me. I get to work with exceptional people, partner with clients on groundbreaking projects and be inspired by the next generation of leaders.”

What are the most exciting aspects of your job?

RM: “The people – I truly enjoy working with our people and clients. We’re all passionate about what we do, and that shows in the way we approach projects, challenge one another, and show up at work.

“It’s particularly rewarding to support the professional growth of individuals and see them build a career here at Ausenco, all while having fun.”