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Metals And Mining Review: Specials Magazine
Innovation often begins where a shortfall meets necessity—a realization that something better must be possible. For Garry Thorne, P.Geo., president of Norcangeo, that moment came in Manitoba’s Thompson Nickel Belt (TNB), a region dominated by peat bogs, lakes and thick lacustrine sediments and glacial till. In these conditions, where bedrock remains buried and outcroppings are found only along riverbanks or lakeshores, mineral exploration was more guesswork than geology. Conventional prospecting methods that rely on exposures proved inadequate. Years of sampling these fleeting windows into the subsurface revealed the need for a new tool: a lightweight, rugged drill that could be hauled by an ATV in summer and a long-track snowmobile in winter. It would have to bore through 15 meters of clay and till, produce high torque at low speeds and then shift to higher speeds with lower torque for efficient rock coring. No existing solution offered this combination, so Thorne built one, drawing on nearly three decades of geoscience experience, including his time at Atomic Energy of Canada. That breakthrough became the foundation of Norcangeo’s approach to exploration. The Geologic All-Terrain (GAT) Drill enables access to areas once considered too remote or costly, expanding exploration potential across the TNB and similar terrains. For smaller resource companies, that kind of access can reshape opportunity. “Thanks to the GAT Drill, we’ve accessed and evaluated ground previously out of reach. As a result, we’ve identified and secured mineral properties with high potential for nickel, copper, cobalt and platinum group elements in the TNB,” says Thorne. One Drill, Two Pathways Norcangeo’s GAT Drill opens new ground in more ways than one. Its compact, lightweight design eliminates the need for heavy machinery and enables crews to reach remote regions using small helicopters. Once on-site, an ATV or a long-track snowmobile can transport it. This reduces fuel use, lowers logistical costs and minimizes environmental impact, critical in areas where exploration is tightly regulated. ...Read more
Top Canadas Mining Services 2025
Mining operations generate vast amounts of solid and liquid waste. Traditionally, companies have relied on centuries-old practices like lime treatment to address acidic wastewater, producing substantial sludge and hazardous solid waste. While lime is inexpensive and readily available, it not only creates serious concerns that can potentially harm local communities and the surroundings in general but also limits the possibility of recovering valuable metals from mine wastewater. Mitigating these liabilities associated with conventional methods requires an innovative approach to preserving, protecting, and promoting healthy ecosystems. PMAP, an eco-innovative company, cracks the code for these deeply sedimented problems, offering a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective alternative for treating mine wastewater. Built upon the founder’s extensive industry experience and knowledge, PMAP’s patented solution reduces sludge generation and creates value for the mines instead of relying on batch verification practices. Its core technology is based on a new chemical formulation and an intelligent dispensing system for precise reagent distribution. “We have formulated a novel green reagent that effectively neutralizes harmful contaminations,” says Mohsen Barkh, founder and senior process engineer. “Our patented formula ensures optimal pH balance while preventing the overuse of neutralization reagents.” ...Read more
CXO INSIGHTS
A Force Multiplier
Ryan Ortberg, Vice President and General Manager, Lhoist
Unearthing a Culture of Respect: Forging a Lean and Agile Future in Metals and Mining with Scrum
Felipe Engineer-Manriquez, Director, Project Delivery Services, the Boldt Company
Mining Engineering
Garrick Goodheart, Environmental and Engineering Manager, Westmoreland Mining
Understanding Mining Project Management
Ken Reindl, General Manager Corporate Accounts Mining, Dyno Nobel
Viewing Change Management through the People-Centric Lens
Isabel Montes, People Vice President, Newmont Corporation
Navigating Economic and Sustainability Goals in Mining
Sophie Bertrand, Senior Director of Sustainability, New Gold Inc [NYSE: NGD]
Physical Security in the Age of Technology & AI
Casper Eloff, Head of Corporate Security, The Mosaic Company
IN FOCUS
The Technological Synergy Powering Canada's Mineral Sector
The symbiotic relationship between oil and gas technologies and mineral exploration is not only transforming how Canada discovers its mineral wealth but also laying the groundwork for a more efficient, sustainable.
EDITORIAL
Driving Efficiency Through Next Generation Mining
The metals and mining industry is in the midst of a major growth cycle, powered by rising global demand, resource diversification and a relentless push toward smarter, more sustainable operations. As Canadian companies scale to meet new economic and environmental pressures, a slew of emerging technologies fuel this momentum, reshaping everything from how deposits are discovered to how materials are extracted and delivered.
Autonomous equipment is enabling round-the-clock operations while improving safety in challenging environments. Artificial intelligence transforms exploration by quickly analyzing geological data to identify promising mineral deposits. Remote operations centers are cutting costs and reducing on-site staff by allowing mines to be monitored and controlled from afar. Together, these innovations are pushing the industry into a new era of efficiency and resilience.
This edition of Metals and Mining Review Canada brings recent developments in technologies, strategies, and leadership that drive the Canadian sector forward. It also highlights how industry players position themselves for long-term success in a rapidly evolving landscape.
It features thought leadership articles from industry experts, including Sharon Perichak, global segment marketing manager - mining, agriculture & industrial greases at HF Sinclair, who shares insights on the critical role of lubricant technical advisors in improving equipment efficiency and supporting long-term sustainability in mining operations. Felipe Engineer-Manriquez, director, project delivery services at the Boldt Company, explores how lean construction, agile methodologies, and the scrum framework are helping mining and construction teams overcome delays, reduce cost overruns and deliver projects with greater collaboration, predictability and speed.
The edition also features Norcangeo, a mineral exploration company specializing in uncovering high-potential deposits of nickel, copper, cobalt and platinum group elements. What sets it apart is its ability to access and explore remote, overburden-covered terrain using the proprietary GAT Drill—a lightweight, high-torque, all-terrain rig designed specifically for challenging northern environments.
We hope this edition provides valuable insights, inspiration and practical strategies to help you navigate the future of mining with confidence, innovation and impact.
