Transparency, Governance to Enhance ESG Performance: WSP

Q: How do WSP's recent acquisitions align with the company's strategic goals?

A: WSP has made several successful acquisitions, particularly in the mining sector. WSP recently acquired Golder, Wood's Environment & Infrastructure (E&I) business, and Calibre. These acquisitions are shifting our strategy from focusing solely on mining consulting to large capital projects, leveraging Calibre’s expertise. Strategically, the outcomes have been strong, both financially and in terms of market presence. We are establishing a mature client program globally, especially in the mining sector, where our presence is already strong.

Q: Which of WSP’s services are in most demand in the Mexican market? 

A: In Mexico, our core business focuses on tailings facilities, heap leaching, mine closure, geotechnics, and geology. While these are our main areas of expertise, we also offer a broad range of services, such as mine water management and stability. However, the portfolio in Mexico is somewhat narrower due to the market size and overall country’s conditions.

Q: How does WSP support mining projects throughout their lifecycle?

A: Our value proposition is based on our ability to support mining businesses from their earliest stages, starting with exploration. We work alongside clients on environmental, social, and permitting issues, addressing all ESG aspects. From there, we assist with mine design, infrastructure, and facilities, continuing through operations and ultimately to mine closure planning.

We offer a comprehensive range of services for mining companies, from early-stage conceptual studies to pre-feasibility, feasibility, detailed engineering, and EPCM services, supported by our expertise in Australia and Canada. This enables us to provide a complete vision of the mining business, as we understand the needs of miners from start to finish. We have been involved in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies, as well as social, regulatory, and governance aspects in the ESG space. We have also designed various facilities, with a growing focus on mine closure, a sensitive area where miners aim for optimization and cost reductions.

One of our most comprehensive projects involved a large open pit mine where we have been involved since the exploration stages. Over time, we designed tailings facilities and contributed to subsequent expansions including mine closure studies.

Q: What areas should mine operations prioritize to improve their community relations and their ESG performance? How does WSP help companies address these areas?

A: We understand the challenges of obtaining social licenses to operate, particularly in the Americas, where water usage is a sensitive issue. To support our clients, we offer them a Water Stewardship solution that follows a more comprehensive approach to water management. This approach not only addresses the mine’s needs but also addresses the relationship with local communities and commitments to authorities and government agencies. Water Stewardship offers a holistic approach to managing and reporting water use, ensuring transparency in consumption and monitoring.

In practice, the first step is to establish a strong governance process around water management, ensuring that technical information is up-to-date, clear, and transparent. This information must be accessible, with well-defined controls, measurement methods, and ways to report KPIs or commitments to agencies. We help mine operations set up these processes effectively. We also maintain a close relationship with our clients to help them manage social aspects. Typically, we manage public hearings as required by local legislations, which may involve large audiences. We prepare workshops and meetings with the client to ensure transparency with the communities. Our goal is to explain in simple terms the mine's role, and the potential effects of its operations on the surrounding area, watershed, and any other aspects.

Q: Which factors are most commonly overlooked by mining companies and how does WSP help them overcome them?

A: Governance is often overlooked. Many companies have clear environmental and social mandates but often lack a holistic approach that connects these aspects; this is where governance plays a key role. For example, managing tailings, water management, and water release all require a strong and formal governance process.

Q: Which projects in Mexico does WSP consider promising, and how will the company support this market?

A: There are some excellent projects in Mexico that if executed will send the right message to mining investors. 

Mexico is a large market, and while we remain optimistic, we are also cautious due to the political situation. We are eager to see how things develop in the coming months, as many changes could lead to positive surprises.

We are a team of 4,000 professionals and experts across Latin America, with approximately 1,400 dedicated to supporting our mining clients. In Mexico, our offices in Chihuahua and Hermosillo are at the heart of our mining operations. More than 50 professionals are based in Mexico, backed by the expertise of around 1,350 colleagues throughout the region. We understand the market deeply, and our commitment to the mining industry is here to stay.

WSP is a consulting firm that provides engineering, mining, and environment services for various industries. WSP participates in the entire mine life cycle, offering professional services in geotechnical and stability, mine waste, ESG, mining resources and geology, water, mining processes, mining infrastructure, mining 4.0, and mine closure. In Mexico, WSP has offices in Mexico City, Sonora, Yucatan, and Chihuahua.