Can you provide an update on WSP Brasil since 2023? 

WSP Brasil has continued its growth trajectory, maintaining a sustainable double-digit annual growth over the past five years. This year, we are expecting around 20% growth. We continue to uphold technical excellence, providing multi-disciplinary and integrated solutions to our clients across various sectors, including the mining sector that represents about 50% of our revenue. 

We employ over 500 employees in Brazil across three main offices, Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro, with additional staff at various client sites throughout Brazil. WSP Brasil is becoming increasingly significant for the mining sector and we are expanding our operations here, especially in critical minerals alongside iron ore.

The synergy between the energy, mining, and industrial sectors enhances our service offerings. For us, sustainable growth means focusing on high-value services and avoiding commodity markets where local companies can be more cost-effective. For our Brazil operations, nearly 75% of our revenue is linked to global SDG targets, reflecting our long-term commitment to sustainability. We also adopt an innovative, future-ready approach, addressing long-term challenges our clients might face in the future, supporting our clients to achieve their highest ESG standards.

How does Brazil compare to other South American markets regarding sustainability and environmental protection?

Brazil's abundant natural resources, such as sun, wind, biodiversity and water, make it a prime area for foreign investment in sustainable projects. In Brazil, 60% of our team focuses on environmental, social, and water projects. ESG aspects are integrated into all our services, not as separate disciplines but as fundamental aspects of our business. We have a dedicated ESG group working across sectors to address client needs and promote sustainable practices.

What areas of the mining business is WSP Brasil focusing on?

Our multidisciplinary team provides solutions to our mining clients from pit to port in all project phases, including initial assessment, feasibility studies, permitting process, conceptual design up to the mine closure, remediation and future use. Clients are looking for a one-stop shop when it comes to consultations. Solutions across different disciplines must be interconnected and we provide integrated services in several areas, such as engineering services, tailing management, mine water, mine closure, risk assessment, social, environmental, permitting and remediation.

We see increased demand for critical minerals like lithium, nickel, and copper, driven by the global energy transition trend.

Our comprehensive services and multidisciplinary team capable of providing integrated solutions, with local knowledge and global expertise help clients navigate Brazil's complex regulatory environment. Communication with our global teams is crucial. Our global mining platform includes over 6,000 WSP professionals, enhancing our interconnectedness. This connection allows us to share knowledge, ensuring that our local operations benefit from global insights and meet the requirements of our global clients.

How is WSP Brasil addressing the talent shortage in the mining sector?

Talent scarcity is pressing amid market growth and regulatory shifts. Our global mobility initiative is pivotal, fostering local expertise through international knowledge transfer rather than displacing it. Our diversity and inclusion efforts are vital, broadening our talent pool to encompass women and diverse regional backgrounds—currently, 55% of our workforce is female, with a growing emphasis on racial diversity. Technology plays a crucial role in alleviating labor shortages. We leverage global programs to attract and retain talent, maintaining a voluntary turnover rate below 12%, unusually low in Brazil. Technology is also key to this matter. Our global innovation team and sector-specific innovation groups focus on tailoring solutions to meet sector-specific needs, particularly in mining, where technology is integral to addressing labor gaps and boosting efficiency.

What are WSP Brasil's key goals for the coming year?

Over the next three years, our goal is to establish ourselves as the undisputed people leader, focusing on attracting, nurturing, and retaining the top talents in the industry. We aim to boost our revenue linked to SDGs and expand our multidisciplinary approach while upholding technical excellence and fostering innovation. Our plan includes scaling our local team in Brazil to 1,000 members and enhancing diversity and inclusion. Sustainable growth, technical prowess, and innovation remain pivotal to our strategy, and our multidisciplinary local and global teams are key to ensuring we deliver superior services and maintain leadership in the market.