Ryan Ewing
When mine general manager Ryan Ewing joined Foran Mining, he wasn’t simply taking on a new role but stepping into an oncein-a-lifetime opportunity. Foran’s flagship McIlvenna Bay project represents one of the world’s most promising development-stage critical mineral deposits, and the chance to help build a greenfield mining company from the ground up was a challenge unlike any other.
“For me, it was an opportunity to help shape something truly transformational,” Ewing says. “How often in your career do you get to build a mine and a company from the ground up, using the best ideas and technologies available today?”
A Leader Drawn to Opportunity and Innovation
Ewing brings to Foran a deep background in operational excellence, with extensive experience implementing systems, processes and technology that drive performance and efficiencies. At McIlvenna Bay, this expertise is being applied from day one, enabling Foran to design its operations around best-in-class standards rather than adapting to legacy constraints.
“This project allows us to rethink what mining can look like,” he explains. “We are not limited by the past. The mining industry is typically at least five to ten years behind other industries, but at Foran we are defining the model for a modern, responsible, technology-enabled mining operation.”
Building a Low-Carbon, Ethically Driven Operation
Foran Mining’s vision extends far beyond metal production. The company is positioning itself as a global leader in sustainable mining, something Ewing considers both a responsibility and a strategic advantage.
From day one, Foran has committed to:
• Designing a carbon-neutral mine through fleet electrification, renewable energy solutions and low-emission infrastructure
• Embedding sustainability and responsible development into every engineering and operational decision
• Demonstrating that critical minerals can be produced ethically and transparently, with long-term environmental stewardship at the forefront
“Our goal isn’t just to meet industry standards, it’s to raise them,” Ewing notes. “If we do this right, McIlvenna Bay will show that you can produce the critical minerals the world needs, while minimizing impact and operating ethically at every step.”
A Canadian Nation-Building Project Recognized at the Highest Levels
Foran’s development is not only a corporate undertaking, as it is increasingly viewed as a nation-building project for Canada. As the global race for critical minerals accelerates, Canada has identified responsible, domestic production as essential to its economic security, energy transition and strategic autonomy.
Foran’s commitment to ethical extraction, low-carbon operations, and long-term community benefit aligns directly with these national priorities. This alignment was formally acknowledged when the company was recognized by the Government of Canada’s Major Projects Office, a designation reserved for projects of significant national interest and strategic value. The recognition places Foran among a select group of developments seen as critical to Canada’s future industrial capacity, clean-technology leadership and role in global supply chains. For Ewing and the Foran team, this reinforces the importance of building not only a successful mine, but an operation that contributes meaningfully to Canada’s economic and environmental goals.
A Vision for the Future of Critical Minerals
The global demand for copper, zinc and other battery-materials is accelerating as industries transition toward electrification and cleaner technologies. Foran’s development strategy rooted in innovation, sustainability and operational excellence positions the company to meet that demand while honoring its commitments to people, communities, and the planet.
“As the energy transition moves forward, responsibly sourced critical minerals will define the future,” Ewing says. “We want Foran to be recognized not only for what we produce, but for how we produce it.”
Ryan’s focus on systems-based thinking, integrated digital solutions and progressive mine design ensures McIlvenna Bay will not only be economically strong but also socially and environmentally responsible. The foundation is set, the strategy is clear, and the commitment is unwavering. As Foran advances toward first production in 2026, McIlvenna Bay stands ready to demonstrate what the next generation of responsible Canadian mining can achieve.
