Q: What are your main plans for Stantec in Hermosillo, Sonora?

AT: Our growth plans were driven by the need to serve the mining market, especially in the northwest of Mexico. We are working with new local clients as well as existing clients we supported from Canada, the United States, and Peru. We expect a more positive outlook in the mining industry in 2025, so we plan to move forward with evaluating our expansion plans to strengthen our presence with local talent in Hermosillo.

CC: We are seeing an increase in activity in mining projects. We have almost twice as many projects underway now compared to early 2024, which suggests a recovery in the sector.

This growth will allow us to consolidate our presence in the Mexican mining industry. We now rely on our teams in the United States, Canada, and Peru, but the start of the year has been positive, and we expect to close more opportunities.

Q: As Stantec expands in Mexico, what is the anticipated distribution of operations? 

AT: Stantec has been working in Mexico’s mining sector for the past 20 years. However, we also execute projects in other areas, such as buildings, water, and environmental services. The distribution of our operations will depend on the ongoing projects, but our growth in the country is being driven by four of our five key sectors. Mining, which is part of our Energy and Resources group, is the main engine. We are also seeing growth in electricity generation through various technologies, environmental services, and buildings.

Our water business has great long-term potential, especially in Sonora and other northern states, due to the need to supply water to communities and mines. We have had some early conversations with Sonora’s government to explore how to move forward with these types of projects.

Q: How is the proposed ban on open-pit mining expected to affect your services?

CC: This proposal has not directly affected us. Stantec offers services for open-pit and underground mining, so we can adapt to both modalities. In 2024, we focused on underground mining due to this regulatory uncertainty. Many open-pit mines in Mexico have the potential to transition into underground operations. If regulations allow open-pit mining to continue, we will continue supporting our clients in both modalities.

AT: Fortunately, all indications suggest that the reform to ban open-pit mining will not move forward. In Sonora, banning open-pit mining would discourage investment, as many deposits in the region are dependent on this type of exploitation. 

Most of our projects in Mexico are underground, which gives us confidence that we will continue operating in the country. Additionally, we offer other key services for the mining industry, such as waste management, environmental studies, water supply, and infrastructure design, which are necessary regardless of the type of mine.

Q: What environmental areas does Stantec prioritize in Mexico?

CC: We mainly focus on mine closure and water management, which are areas being prioritized by Mexican reforms. This represents an opportunity to support our clients, especially by leveraging the experience of our specialists from other countries and consolidating a local team in Mexico. There is still uncertainty about what the final regulations will look like and when they will be implemented. Once there is clarity, consulting firms like Stantec will be able to offer solutions that are better adapted to the new requirements.

AT: We operate in over 450 locations across six continents and are familiar with very strict environmental regulations. This allows us to bring that knowledge and experience to Mexico, especially now that the regulations are being updated.

Q: What innovative solutions will Stantec introduce in Mexican mines, and how will these solutions support environmental initiatives?

CC: Innovation is not just about developing new methodologies, but also about applying what already works in other countries, such is the case in Mexico. An example is Nexus Flow, a platform specialized in mine closure that allows for greater control.

AT: Nexus Flow is a centralized and flexible system that can adapt to any type of mining operation, from a single unit to multiple sites. Its main advantage is that it operates in real time, allowing companies to make informed decisions immediately. We also offer other innovative tools like GlobeWATCH, designed for real-time monitoring of mining infrastructure, including tailings ponds. In addition, we have Beacon, a ground filling optimization system that facilitates the installation of solar panels and improves the efficiency of civil infrastructure planning.

Q: What has been Stantec's biggest challenge in the Mexican market?

CC: Our biggest challenge has been talent. We want to have the best professionals in the world, but in the mining industry, we are seeing a significant generational gap. There is a gap of about 20 years between the generation that is about to retire and the new generation of talent. This puts us in a position where we will soon be the veterans of the industry, which forces us to develop effective talent training and retention strategies.

Stantec follows an approach based on three key elements: Education, Exposure, and Experience. First, we ensure that our team receives high-level technical training. Second, we provide opportunities to work on diverse and multidisciplinary projects. Finally, we aim for our professionals to gain practical knowledge to grow within the company.

AT: In all consulting firms, the key challenge is attracting and retaining the best professionals. Stantec aims to have the best talent in each sector, and we know we can achieve this in Mexico. We are planning on expanding in the country to strengthen our presence and attract local talent. However, a significant challenge is talent migration, as many skilled professionals emigrate to other countries.

Stantec offers favorable conditions for professionals, helping them grow. At Stantec, a professional from Mexico can be involved on international projects in remote countries such as Indonesia, Türkiye, or anywhere else in the world. This mobility is essential for attracting talent and showing that high-level opportunities can be had without the need to emigrate.

Q: What are the main barriers to innovation in Mexico, and what strategies is Stantec using to overcome them?

CC: Everyone talks about innovation, but few actually apply it. Innovation means challenging the status quo, questioning how things have been done for decades, even centuries. In traditional underground mining, for example, the sector always followed the vein, digging tunnels in a specific direction because “that has always worked.” That creates resistance to change.

Our executive team includes a Chief Growth and Innovation Officer who reports directly to Stantec’s global CEO, which shows the company’s commitment to innovation. Stantec also has a team dedicated solely to innovation, known as the Innovation Office, which develops innovative platforms and methodologies. We also have an internal platform called the Idea Machine, where any employee can propose innovative ideas. If an idea is viable, Stantec evaluates and invests in it. Tools like Nexus Flow were born from a proposal in the Idea Machine.

AT: Not everyone sees the immediate advantages of innovating, and that is where consulting firms come in, helping clients understand how innovation can reduce costs, accelerate processes, and align with international standards. The mining industry in Mexico is already adopting global practices, but there is still room to grow. It is key to change the perception that innovation only brings extra costs, as it can bring long-term benefits.

Q: What can we expect from Stantec this year in Mexico, and how would you define a successful 2025?

CC: A successful year would mean that we keep growing our presence in Mexico in mining and other sectors. We want to increase the number of projects we participate in and strengthen our local presence. As a global company, we see great growth potential in Latin America and the European Union, and Mexico is a key part of that strategy.
AT: In Mexico, the biggest goal is to be recognized as a leading firm in the mining sector, just as we are in the United States, Canada, Peru, Argentina, and Chile. We still have work to do in the Mexican market, but the goal is for the major mining companies in the country to consider Stantec as a strategic partner in their tenders and consulting, recognizing us as one of the top firms in the sector.

Stantec is a global design and consulting firm specializing in engineering, architecture, environmental services, and project management. With over 20 years of experience in the mining sector, Stantec delivers innovative solutions across various industries, focusing on sustainability, resource management, and infrastructure development.