Our client is a newly formed company created to develop one of the world’s largest undeveloped nickel, copper, cobalt and precious metals mines in North America. It is the largest new mining project being undertaken in the US in the last 100 years. The company was formed by a joint venture between a Canadian mining company and one of the world’s largest copper producers. $130 million to be spent over the next three years to advance the project to a bankable feasibility study (BFS) and permitting. It is expected that the total capital required to develop this project through detailed engineering, construction and commissioning will be about $4.1 billion. In order to succeed, our client is building an outstanding organization to lead this effort. As a result, the company has identified the need to recruit a number of senior executives and specialists, one of which is a Vice President of Environment and Sustainability.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Vice President of Environment and Sustainability will have a mandate to develop, execute and manage the implementation of a strategic environmental plan and the permitting strategy. This strategy will establish the base that supports the company’s development plan and contributes to the overall strategic goals that ensure high environmental performance in a timely way. Reporting to this person is the environmental manager and as well as several outside consulting firms. This individual must develop a best in class environmental program that will meet the needs of this towering economic opportunity.
Situated in the Boundary Waters Wilderness Area, this geography is in one of the most pristine and environmentally sensitive areas in the United States. It is also ideally suited to mining with the appropriate infrastructure already in place; power, railways, roads, an international port and an eager labor force. Additionally there are six taconite mines, which provide over 70% of the United States iron ore demand. Clearly, developing this enormous resource into a world-class mine while managing the interests of the various stake holders in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable way will take the skill and knowledge of a top industry professional. Candidates must bring relevant experience and work in an ethical and collaborative way. We seek a strategic environmental leader with significant technical training and expertise in the permitting process that are involved in developing a project the magnitude of this project.
Job Scope:
- Lead negotiations that conclude Environmental Agreements (EA’s) and regional requirements and regional environmental initiatives to advance successful permitting.
- Oversee development submissions schedule for regulatory reports and requirements and provide timely review of reports.
- Lead effective relationships with State and Federal agencies, monitoring agencies, interveners and other decision makers and together with the Vice President Community and Government Affairs, act as spokes person for the company at regulatory and other hearings.
- Ensure that the CEO, Chair, and senior project executives are aware of upcoming or potential environmental and community issues and provide strategies for solutions.
- Ensure that the Company’s commitment to long-term sustainability is achieved.
- Correspond with communities and other stakeholders.
- Engage specialists, consultants and others as required and oversee the quality of their work and deliverables.
- Facilitate the identification and assessment of E&C risks and drive risk-reduction efforts in the design stages of the project.
- Develop and maintain close relationships with environmental agencies and regulators at all levels, local, state, and federal.
Experience / Education Required:
- Seasoned professionals with unquestioned technical expertise in environmental permitting 10+ years.
- Knowledge of the natural resources and mining industry is highly preferred.
- Demonstrated skills in managing the development of a strategic environmental plan.
- Solid federal permitting experience in the Upper Midwest.
- Detailed understanding and experience with complex regulatory processes and government negotiations.
- Must be a consummate professional who understands budgets, timelines and deliverables.
- Should bring a deep understanding of the mining lifecycle and environmental standards.
- Credibly discuss their willingness to bury his or herself in this project to ensure success.
- Must be hands-on and technical in all aspects of complex environmental permitting issues.
