BQE Water Secures First Canadian SART Plant Contract with Hudbay

Event summary

  • BQE Water has secured a contract with Hudbay Minerals to progress the engineering design of a SART plant at Hudbay’s Snow Lake, Manitoba mill to the Issued-for-Construction (IFC) phase.
  • The decision follows six months of bench-scale testing, METSIM modelling, and preliminary engineering by BQE Water, as well as a due diligence visit by Hudbay’s technical team.
  • The SART plant will be the first of its kind in Canada, despite the technology being deployed in a dozen other locations globally.
  • BQE Water and Hudbay are now discussing site construction, commissioning, and ongoing technical support.

The big picture

This contract represents a significant milestone for BQE Water, marking the first Canadian deployment of its SART technology after widespread adoption internationally. The move underscores the growing pressure on mining companies to adopt more sustainable water management practices, driven by stricter environmental regulations and increasing stakeholder scrutiny. Hudbay’s decision to invest in SART highlights a willingness to adopt innovative solutions to address water treatment challenges, a trend likely to accelerate across the mining sector.

What we're watching

Geographic Expansion
The successful implementation of SART in Canada could open doors for BQE Water to secure further contracts within the Canadian mining sector, which is increasingly focused on sustainable practices.
Execution Risk
The IFC phase represents a critical juncture; delays or cost overruns during construction could negatively impact BQE Water’s reputation and future contract prospects.
Competitive Landscape
While SART is a proprietary technology, the success of this project may spur other water treatment companies to develop competing solutions, potentially impacting BQE Water’s market share.

Related topics

Mining