Q: What does Mécanicad offer to the Mexican mining market, and what makes your approach different?
AH: Mecanicad is a Canadian company based in northern Quebec specializing in underground mine ventilation since 2007. Our flagship product, the high performance plastic duct, reduces auxiliary ventilation costs and improves efficiency. Over 95% of mines in the province of Quebec use it, and there is significant adoption of Mecanicad’s products across Canada. We are now expanding into Latin America, particularly Mexico, transferring Canadian best practices in safety, sustainability, and operational performance.

Q: What are the main needs you see in the Mexican market, and how do your solutions address them?
AH: Globally, two trends define mining today: growing ESG requirements and deeper underground operations, which demand more advanced ventilation.
JG: In Canada, plastic ducts are standard because of their efficiency and lower energy use. In Mexico, we are introducing this technology along with technical support. Our ducts are designed for long-distance ventilation, ramps, and harsh underground environments. Mines in Zacatecas are already using them successfully. Beyond product supply, we work with engineers to design efficient systems that reduce energy use, equipment needs, and operational costs.

Q: How does Mexico’s legal framework compare to Canada’s, and how does Mecanicad go beyond compliance?
JG: Mexico’s NOM-023 sets general ventilation requirements but lacks specificity and enforcement. In Canada, standards are stricter and backed by advanced monitoring systems. Our ducts improve airflow and minimize losses due to leakage, enhancing both safety and productivity. In Mexico, tenders rarely specify performance standards for ventilation products. We exceed those minimums by implementing proven Canadian standards and technology.

Q: How do you adapt your solutions to each mine?
JC: Every project starts with an on-site assessment to identify ventilation challenges. Our regional experts, based in Mexico, Peru, Chile, and Canada, work directly with mine engineers. We perform technical studies using tools like DuctCalculator software to determine the ideal duct size, material, and fan configuration. Implementation includes installationsupport, personnel training, and post-sale performance verification. This collaboration ensures that each system meets the mine’s specific operational and environmental needs.

AH: Our plastic ducts have 10 times less pressure loss than conventional fabric ducts, allowing mines to triple ventilation distances or cut operating costs by up to 70%. They last over 10 years, significantly reducing the Total Cost of Ownership of underground auxiliary ventilation systems.  .

Q: What has Mecanicad’s experience been in the Mexican market?
JG: The response has been very positive. Several companies made their first purchase and have already reordered after seeing immediate results. The main challenge is budget allocation, as ventilation is often viewed as a consumable rather than a long-term investment. Part of our role is to help engineers shift that perspective. Once they recognize the operational and cost benefits, adoption follows quickly. Today, we have a 100% repurchase rate in Mexico, which reflects strong client satisfaction and trust in our technology.

Q: How is Mecanicad innovating to stay competitive, and what trends are shaping mining ventilation?
AH: Our innovation and engineering department in Canada focuses on continuous product development. We collaborate with major clients and engineering firms to test and refine new designs. For example, we have created a negative-pressure system for air extraction and a vertical ventilation solution that allows faster and safer installation. Every new product undergoes lab testing and field validation before market rollout. Our manufacturing facilities in Canada and Chile use robotics, waste reduction systems, and plastic recycling to improve efficiency and sustainability.

JG: We follow Lean Manufacturing principles, ensuring continuous improvement based on client feedback. This collaboration has driven key innovations like the vertical duct system and simplified installation methods. Our goal is not only to supply ducts but to deliver a complete, high-performance ventilation solution.

Q: Would you like to share a final message with the mining industry?
JG: This year marks a new stage for Mecanicad in Mexico. We now operate directly in the country, allowing us to visit nearly every underground mine and collaborate on new projects. We are also focused on education. Next week, I will speak at a university about ventilation’s role in sustainability and environmental compliance. Our objective is to strengthen the Mexican mining industry through safer, more efficient underground ventilation systems.

Mecanicad is a Canadian company specializing in the design and manufacturing of high-efficiency plastic ventilation ducts. It serves the mining and tunneling industries globally, including operations in Mexico.