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Where regulatory know-how meets industry insight

Mining is among the most heavily regulated and publicly scrutinized industries in the country. From hard rock mining to energy fuels and aggregates, we understand the challenges our mining clients face: domestic and international market cycles, water resource supply and protection, long permitting timeframes, and public perception of the mining industry. Our hard-won experience and track record give us a strategic perspective. This means that both permitting agencies and mining companies can trust our work, our professionalism, and our process.

Our mining consultants have knowledge gained from service to each mining commodity and at every phase of the mining life cycle. Agencies trust us to work side-by-side to process NEPA assessments and mining permits and rely on us for technical expertise nationwide. Our technical expertise in environmental studies and compliance has been a powerful tool in helping clients secure regulatory approval for their mining efforts, as well as reclamation and restoration operations.

SWCA has permitted mines throughout the US and has strong agency relationships that allow for streamlined permitting and knowledge of open-pit, underground, and in-situ for leasable and locatable minerals.

 

Association Involvement

National Organizations

• American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA)

• Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME)

• Women in Mining USA 

• American Society of Reclamation Sciences (ASRS)

• National Stone Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA)

State and Local Organizations

• Idaho, Nevada, Montana, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Utah Mining Associations

• Texas Aggregates and Concrete Association (TACA) 

• South Carolina Aggregates Association (SCAA)

• Georgia Construction Aggregates Association (GCAA)
 

Why Choose SWCA?

Local Teams. Global Firm.

SWCA has offices and staff throughout the country who provide expertise for mining projects. We draw local, regional, and national knowledge to develop the best strategies to facilitate success. We can help you navigate the entire project life cycle – from upfront studies and early exploration to feasibility and planning, NEPA/permitting, operations, compliance support, closures, and reclamation. Environmental work isn’t a sideline, it’s our sole focus.

Sound Science. Policy Expertise.

SWCA applies forward-thinking strategies to every mining project. We understand the feasibility of projects and offer better approaches to clients to ensure success. We utilize sound science and in-depth policy expertise to provide creative yet practical solutions for your project challenges. Our documents and reports are scientifically accurate, defensible, and fully compliant with all applicable regulations.

Strong Agency Relationships

We forge strong client, agency, and stakeholder relationships to ensure projects are defensible and that the process is sufficient and documented. Long-standing, positive agency relationships have given us insights into how agencies work and what information they need to process permit requests efficiently. This streamlines the permitting process and enables you to make well-informed, strategic decisions.

Operational Monitoring and Permit Compliance

With a strong track record of approvals and successfully implemented projects, SWCA’s mining consultants will help achieve swift issuance of any required permits and approvals to move projects forward. We provide the most up-to-date regulatory information early in the process allowing you to make refinements to your projects to work within site constraints, avoid impacts to environmental resources, and comply with regulations.

SWCA Resource Experience

SWCA has extensive mining experience with precious metals including gold and silver; base metals including copper, zinc, and nickel; energy resources including uranium and coal; critical resources including lithium, rare earth minerals, and trona; and industrial resources including aggregate, sand and gravel, mineral sands (titanium, zirconium, phosphate/potash, frac sands, gypsum, and clays. 

Relevant Services

UPFRONT STUDIES & EXPLORATION

FEASIBILITY & PLANNING

PERMITTING

OPERATIONAL SUPPORT

CLOSURE

  • Risk Assessment
  • Reclamation Planning and Design
  • Monitoring
  • Bond Release Support

Project Spotlights

Meet The Experts

National Mining Lead

Andrew Harley

Andrew has more than 30 years of experience in geology, geochemistry, and soil science related to mining and resource projects.

andrew.harley [at] swca.com (Contact Andrew  →)
Principal Project Manager

Elliott Mallard

Elliott is a proven senior manager, with “cradle to grave” knowledge of mining operations. Management experience includes leading change management processes identifying areas for improvement to reduce costs and wastes, while increasing efficiency and profitability.

elliott.mallard [at] swca.com (Contact Elliott  →)
Planning Director

Donna Morey

Donna has worked for over a decade on large mining environmental impact statements involving multiple federal agencies and addressing NEPA, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, realty actions, and state environmental regulations.

dmorey [at] swca.com (Contact Donna  →)
Service Line Director

Tony St. Aubin

Tony has over 20 years of experience working in the construction, design/ build, energy, renewables, water resources, mitigation/conservation banking, and reclamation industries.

Tony.St.Aubin [at] swca.com (Contact Tony  →)
Vice President - Sustainability and Management Consulting

John Platko

John has more than 30 years of business, environmental, and health and safety leadership experience. He has led projects in more than 40 countries on topics such as sustainability, innovation, and commercial digital technology.

John.Platko [at] swca.com (Contact John  →)