Can you summarize the key developments at Technica Mining over the past two years?

Technica Mining (Technica) has had the privilege of forming Aki-eh Dibinwewziwin Limited Partnership (ADLP), a collaboration between Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Wahnapitae First Nation, and Technica. ADLP was established as a means to provide First Nation communities an opportunity for meaningful participation within the local mining industry. The aim is economic sovereignty for these communities who, for years, have seen mining companies extract wealth from their traditional and territorial lands with no economic benefit. 

From an operational perspective, we have procured our first large-diameter raise bore rig, which is expected to arrive from Finland in Q1 of 2025. With Ontario’s recent legislative changes limiting diesel particulate emissions, clients are increasingly opting for raised boring and drilling over traditional Alimak mining methods. 

What advice do you have for companies in Ontario seeking partnerships with First Nations?

It is about creating a safe space for open, honest conversations, genuinely listening to their experiences and concerns, and building an authentic relationship. There cannot be a fixed timeline; sometimes connections happen quickly, but other times they need time to develop. Entering these relationships must be done with zero expectations and a willingness to unlearn past misconceptions. Those who truly want to make a difference and do the right thing need to embrace this approach.

What recent client trends and challenges has Technica Mining faced?

Recently, our clients have been increasingly focused on maximizing economic value by shifting from price-based procurement to evaluating the total cost of a project, encompassing all phases from design and engineering to commissioning and execution. This approach allows us to provide a lower overall cost with the opportunity to identify efficiencies and reduce redundancies throughout the life of the project. 

As for challenges, one of the most pressing issues we face at Technica – and one affecting the entire mining industry – is the shortage of skilled labor. As a contractor, this presents a unique obstacle as we strive to ensure our employees arrive job-ready at client sites. To address this, we have implemented several strategic measures to mitigate the impact, creating a path forward that enables us to attract, train and retain talent while maintaining our high standards of expertise. 

How does Technica Mining help achieve effective project outcomes?

I see strong potential for enhancing the way long-term planning is approached, particularly in cases where companies rely on external engineering firms for project management. At Technica Mining, we recognize the many variables that impact timelines and costs, such as the diverse skill sets and experience levels within the team. This level of detailed knowledge is essential for accurate planning, yet it can be challenging to communicate such granular insights to companies looking for projections several years ahead. I believe the key to success is ensuring a truly collaborative approach involving contractors early in the project planning stages. Working together from the beginning improves accuracy in project expectations and minimizes unexpected issues down the road.
 
What were the outcomes of Technica Mining's summer student program?

We have seen remarkable results from our summer student program, which was inspired by a dear friend and our past COO, who believed in the importance of integrating students into our company. Many of our current leaders began their journey with us as students, and this year alone, we welcomed over a dozen interns over the summer months. Given the skilled labor shortage, we know the importance of attracting young talent more effectively. While we can see clear benefits of immersing students in the industry, we need to do more to reach them before they enter post-secondary. As an industry, we must find ways to create memorable and exciting experiences for children to foster early interest, as these initial impressions are crucial for attracting the skilled talent that we will need in the future. 

What is Technica Mining’s focus for the next few years?

In the coming years, Technica Mining will remain focused on continuously enhancing our core service offerings. With the addition of our new Raise Boring division and the growth of our Surface Mining division, we will continue to expand our value-added services. 

Additionally, we will continue to work closely with our Indigenous partners, actively supporting them as they carve their path toward economic sovereignty.