Q: What strategies has JDS Energy & Mining Inc. implemented to transform early-stage projects into fully operational businesses?

A: At JDS, our most effective strategy has been to fully immerse ourselves into our projects, on behalf of our customers, and responsibly work to engage with the local communities as trusted partners across Mexico. We are mine owners and operators that understand capital markets and stakeholder value by co-investing our own capital to set us apart from the competition. Our goal is to leverage our project development and operational experience to offer independent, project-specific support to the investment community. We opened our Hermosillo office in 2006 with the most qualified people in Mexico and continue to provide training opportunities to empower them with the tools and procedures that have established our global reputation as partners in achieving maximum resource development value.

Q: What main challenges do mining companies face when starting and developing a project and how does JDS help them become operational?

A: At JDS, we believe there are three types of capital required to successfully deliver projects for our customers – financial, intellectual and trust. To this end, we are focused on strengthening our ability to deliver trust capital by staying true to our word. The biggest challenge faced when starting a project is to establish clear expectations and lines of communication with the client to ensure we get the job done safely, responsibly, on time and on budget.

Q: What sets JDS apart from other companies that also help mining companies to have efficient operations?

A: JDS has a singular focus – partnering with its customers to achieve maximum resource development value – and lives by its principles to achieve this goal. Our proven ability to pivot and adapt to ever-changing environments and situations is our competitive advantage. In our experience, no matter how well you plan, you must be ready for changes and challenges. When that happens, you want to make sure you have a team of people who have been there and done that.

Q: What is JDS’ social approach to mining projects and how does JDS ensure stable and strong relationships with host communities?

A: At JDS, we believe that being a good partner, starts with being a good neighbor. Our team respects and prioritizes local and indigenous communities’ traditional connection to land, culture and values and are focused on strengthening our social license to operate by staying true to our word. We steadfastly choose to walk the talk and believe that ongoing engagement, transparent dialogue and joint venture opportunities are the keys to unlocking shared prosperity for the local and indigenous communities beyond the projects we deliver. In collaboration with local communities, indigenous partners and other key stakeholders, our team prioritizes the implementation of programs focused on improving the quality of life where we live and work in the areas of health, education and sport.

Q: What environmental considerations does JDS contemplate for the development of a project and what have been the results of this approach?

A: At JDS, we acknowledge that we all have a role in minimizing adverse environmental impacts through every stage of our operational activities while contributing more broadly to the resilience of the natural environment. Our core values include no harm to environment, assets, people or reputation. We see ourselves as long-term stewards of natural resources, including land and water, and the ecosystems they support. Wherever we work, we continually partner with indigenous and local communities across our group of companies. Our team seeks to proactively improve our natural resource management practices and identify hazards to minimize our impact on the environment when possible. In addition, how we close our mines is just as important as how we build and operate them. When done well, mine closure can leave a lasting, positive and sustainable legacy. Our team is committed to integrating closure into our planning, decision-making and activities through the entire life cycle of our operated assets to responsibly deliver optimized outcomes for our customers in consultation with local communities and other stakeholders.

Q: What is the most requested underground mining service by companies in Mexico?

A: It varies from project to project but, currently, we are focused on supporting our client with safe and responsible mine planning, mine development, geo-mechanical studies, ventilation study and raises, expanding resources and maximizing the life-of-mine value.

Q: What experience did you gain from your work at El Limón-Guajes, Rosario and Campo Morado and how have you applied that to other projects?

A: Guerrero is a very unique area to work in but from our experience in the region, we have established strong relationships with our customers and local communities. We believe this is foundational to every project across any jurisdiction to provide socio-economic benefits to the local communities beyond just the mining project. It is important to establish clear communication to understand their needs, their situation and take action to make a real difference in the lives of the people today and in the future; our reputation and our word remains the strongest currency of all.

A: How is JDS supporting Mexican mining companies with their permitting processes and how is it addressing permitting uncertainty?

A: We have established a reputable and dedicated team to support our Mexico operations, focused on ensuring we remain competitive for our customers with updates to permitting regulations. We are committed to not just meeting these standards but exceeding them by adding maximum value not only to the project but the community and strengthening our social license to operate through our ESG program.