Could you provide an update on SNC-Lavalin’s position after 25 years in the country?

Over 25 years, SNC-Lavalin in Peru has completed a wide range of services from early phase engineering studies to the construction of important projects, such as the EPCM projects for Pierina and Lagunas Norte in the mining sector and the Fenix thermal power plant in the power sector. Our operation continues to provide quality engineering and construction services and intends to grow its presence in Peru in the mining, oil and gas and power sectors. Our objective is not to pursue only big EPCM projects, but to develop long-term relationships with our key clients and support their needs in diverse range of projects and services from pit to port and from exploration to closure. 

2018 is an excellent year for our company, not only for our 25^th anniversary, but because the mining market is showing signs of reactivation and SNC-Lavalin is receiving a significantly higher number of requests for proposals than previous years.

Could you provide examples of mining projects SNC-Lavalin is involved with in Peru?

Studies remain our main area of business in the last years. We offer operational excellence and simulation experts involved throughout the project to stress-test the engineering, model and define the operational impact, including processes changes, digital technologies and automation.

Another value added is that SNC-Lavalin is used to successfully transition from engineering to construction and operations on many of our projects, making us experienced in understanding the requirements to minimize rework during construction. SNC-Lavalin has also developed an execution focus for brownfield projects as we understand the complex nature of operating plant projects.

In addition to studies, we continue to support our clients supervising construction, such as the tailings dam regrowth for Antamina. This is an interesting example on how we can support our clients on a longer term.

With new mining projects announced, is SNC-Lavalin targeting big EPCM projects?

SNC-Lavalin is targeting EPCM and also EPC projects. Our local office is hiring additional local qualified resources for future prospects, but in addition, we also continue to be supported by our offices in Brazil, Chile, Canada and Australia. For copper we can bring resources from Chile, gold from Australia or Canada, and material handling usually from Brazil. As a company, SNC-Lavalin is promoting stronger collaboration among offices.

How can the industry avoid the mistakes of the past like large cost overruns and delays?

The downturn in mineral prices in the last few years has taught us lessons as we have had to struggle with less resources to deliver projects. SNC-Lavalin has learnt how to deliver good quality at more competitive costs. SNC-Lavalin has also learnt the importance of innovation to explore alternatives for improving efficiency and our CEO, Neil Bruce, has pointed out recently our ambitious objective is to become the most innovative digital company in our field. Our recent acquisition of Atkins, a firm globally known for their digital engineering innovation capabilities, reinforces this intention as a company.

Could you tell us more about the environmental and social services SNC-Lavalin provides?

SNC-Lavalin Peru provides environmental, social and permitting services in Peru since 2009. Our services include traditional requirements for baseline studies, monitoring, impact assessment and management plans, however, our qualified team is also focused on offering alternative services for our clients to implement specific projects to reduce their impact on the environment and improve their relationships with local communities.

What initiatives have you worked on since the establishment of the Women in Mining Peru chapter?

Women in Mining (WiM) Peru´s chapter main objective is to support the growth of female participation in the mining sector by providing training, mentoring and networking activities. The participation of women in mining is very low in Peru, with an estimate of a 6% participation. This figure is based on reports from a restricted group of mining companies but does not represent official statistics. Moreover, WiM Peru is also interested in understanding the roles and responsibilities that women have within the mining industry with the goal of generating opportunities for women to assume higher levels of responsibility.