Can you present MMR Constructors, Inc. (MMR) and the services you offer the mining industry?

DS: MMR is an electrical instrumentation contractor. We provide construction and maintenance services in the industrial sector, with mining representing about 40-50% of our district’s current portfolio. We are embedded within certain mines as an electrical contractor handling day-to-day maintenance and also small and large capital projects.

MJ: MMR has been in the industry for over 30 years. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, we have over 30 offices throughout the country, and a handful internationally. This puts us in a position to have an extensive national labor force to execute projects in even the most remote locations.

How are customers in the southwestern US using your services?

DS: In the southwestern US, we are currently working with Asarco, have worked with Freeport McMoran, have done past projects with NGM, and are currently bidding on some future work with them. In Utah, we work with Rio Tinto and with Barrick in Idaho.

MJ: With electrical and instrumentation construction at our core, clients also utilize our telecommunications and security division as well as our commissioning and startup capabilities. More recently our Integration center has been able to help our clients with lead times for control panels and other fabrication services. Project services at the mining sites may include replacing the copper cleaner, installation of a new crusher, and retrofitting services throughout the site, to name a few.

Are any specific trends driving demand for MMR’s services?

MJ: Given the demand and the acceleration of growth we are seeing in mining and electrification, owners and developers must plan so much further in advance. We have seen the challenges of the supply chain, equipment, and labor force, so they must now look ahead several years when planning to meet industry goals.

How is MMR addressing the current industry-wide labor shortage?

DS: Any contractor in the business is affected, and we are doing a lot as a company to address this including improved benefits and pay. The older generation is retiring, and we are not seeing as much of the younger generation coming to the industry. We place high importance on making our industry more attractive to the younger generation. In Arizona and Nevada, the remoteness of mines is a big issue in terms of attracting labor.

MJ: One needs to look at what is happening in other industries. We are seeing a boom in data centers, semiconductor manufacturing, and other emerging markets with aggressive construction schedules all competing for a limited pool of the industrial workforce. MMR has worked hard to stay ahead of the curve in recruitment, training, and career advancement opportunities to attract and maintain our labor force.

Can you touch upon the safety culture and training opportunities at MMR?

DS: At MMR, safety is the top priority for our CEO and owner. When something starts at the top and filters down, it is important to everyone and contributes to our safety culture. Everybody has “stop work” authority. If they see something unsafe, they can stop work immediately. We perform day-to-day training, focusing on the recognition of safety hazards. We have a behavioral-based safety program, where every employee identifies potential hazards, so from the second they walk on site, safety is on their mind.

MJ: The most dangerous job in the field can be one you’ve never done or one you’ve done a thousand times. We put that message into action and are constantly working to improve our safety culture not only for MMR personnel but few everyone onsite as well. As a result, many of our trade partners have adopted our protocols into their own model.

What will drive growth for your services in the coming years?

DS: The demand for precious and critical metals mostly. We need more copper and lithium to meet the demand we are forecasting over the next five years. The industry needs to grow, we need to incentivize the mines to help this growth.

MJ: We have tremendous growth opportunities for MMR, particularly in the western region where many of the larger mines are located. The schedule and demand in the mining sector is aggressive and I don’t see it slowing down anytime soon.