Global Standards, With A Local Presence

Q: What specialized services does WSP offer in the mining sector?

A: We are a Canadian professional services consulting firm with almost 70,000 employees worldwide and about 4,200 in Latin America. WSP has great mining capabilities and is strengthening its services with over 600 professionals focused on sustainability in the mining industry. We are leaders in mining waste, tailing management and mine closure. We excel in all phases of mining, from conceptual studies to detailed design and construction permits.

Tailings management is gaining relevance in the mining industry, as global standards have been strengthening. WSP has several engineers who represent our cutting-edge standards across the Americas. ESG is also gaining relevance. Our global Future Ready® program seeks to ensure that projects are prepared to face the challenges that will come in the next 10 to 20 years.

Q: What challenges do you see in the mining sector globally and in Mexico?

A: Sustainability challenges include helping companies adapt to global trends in a world that is constantly changing. For example, international organizations are promoting net-zero goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which create operational challenges for companies as they must change the mindset they have had for many years. We help our clients to work towards these goals and meet the challenges set by companies, communities, or shareholders.

In Mexico, the mining industry faces a challenge as it is perceived as a polluting and dangerous industry. Although mining regulations have improved over the years, this message has not reached the public. The fact that it is an energy-intensive industry adds to the stigma that mining is a bad industry. However, the mining industry is constantly improving, and we want to contribute to that image transition, especially as the world realizes that it needs more minerals for the energy transition and the fight against climate change.

Q: What is WSP doing to improve its offering in Mexico and Latin America?

A: We have a three-year Strategic Action Plan that focuses on opportunities in Mexico and Peru to improve the company. We are now focusing on expanding our service capabilities, simplifying internal processes, looking for synergies to be more efficient and working collaboratively to serve our clients. Our work in Mexico and Peru benefits our clients and employees, who have access to professional development. Our employees can expand their expertise and participate in challenging projects throughout Latin America. We have an organic growth target for the region of 15% by the end of 2024. 

Q: What sets WSP apart in the mining industry and from its competitors? 

A: Our main advantage lies in our well-diversified and global platform, which allows us to bring best practices from all over the world. At the same time, we have a local presence that allows us to be close to our customers and understand the day-to-day difficulties they face when implementing solutions. While other companies can develop a strategy and a roadmap, we go beyond implementing solutions on a day-to-day basis and meeting the requirements of each client. We are able to achieve any goal because we have a broad platform of professionals from different specialties that help us to offer more comprehensive solutions.

Q: What has been your relationship with Mexican clients and what are your objectives for the country?

A: We have long-standing relationships with clients in Mexico. We have a deep knowledge of the market and have offices in Mexico City, Hermosillo and Chihuahua. Our goal is to expand our outstanding expertise to more locations, especially for tailings management. We seek to be regional leaders in the mining sector, not only in engineering services but also in biotechnical, hydrological, geological, environmental, and social services.

WSP is a world leading consulting firm that provides engineering, mining, and environment services for various industries. WSP generates value throughout the mine life cycle, offering professional services in geotechnical and stability, mining waste, environment and ESG, mining resources and geology, water, mining processes, mining infrastructure, mining 4.0, and mine closure.

In Mexico, WSP has four offices, located in Mexico City, Hermosillo, Merida (Yucatan) and Chihuahua, and a multidisciplinary team of 140 professionals supported by the Denver and Tucson, USA offices, which work collaboratively and in close coordination. In this way, they combine local knowledge with international innovation and technologies.