Dr. Terry Obal is the Specialty Testing Practice Leader for SGS North America. He has almost 40 years of experience in analytical chemistry, laboratory management and environmental chemical consulting. Terry holds B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry, and is a Chartered Chemist (C.Chem.) through the Association of the Chemical Profession of Ontario (ACPO). 

Presentation Title:

PFAS in Mining: Sampling and Analysis – Challenges and Solutions

Although mining has not yet become a key focus area for concerns related to PFAS impacts, mines are beginning to be identified as sources of PFAS due to their use in industrial processes (e.g., as surfactants to enhance metal recovery, within the ore flotation process, etc.), as well as use of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) for firefighting activities. Consequently, environmental releases of PFAS from mining facilities could occur and require consideration and management. 

What you’ll learn: 

Learn about current approaches to measuring PFAS contamination and their utility for mining and environmental practitioners.

Understand proper sampling techniques for this unique class of compounds to ensure data reliability.

Recognize the practical advantages and limitations of different analytical methods and the data generated 

Lilli Doughty, MBA, Economic Development Specialist, Wahnapitae First Nation

Lilli Doughty is the Economic Development Specialist for Wahnapitae First Nation, where she leads strategic initiatives to drive economic growth, build sustainable partnerships, and advance community well-being. With nearly a decade of experience working with First Nations in the areas of business development, project planning, and governance, Lilli brings both expertise and cultural understanding to her work.

She is deeply committed to Indigenous economic development and continues to be a trusted leader in building strong, values-based partnerships that support Nation rebuilding and sustainable success.

Presentation Title:

Early Involvement, Lasting Impact!

What you’ll learn: 

Early involvement ensures First Nations have a strong voice in shaping projects, protecting the land, and securing fair economic opportunities.

It builds trust, creates lasting partnerships, and supports true self-determination for our communities.

Dr. Omar I. Félix Villar,  Environmental Consultant, SRK Consulting

Dr. Felix is a bilingual engineer with seven years of professional multidisciplinary experience in environmental, permitting and mine closure related topics, he has worked on a wide range of domestic and international projects. He is a registered Professional Engineer and keenly familiar with site specific characterization programs, design and construction of stable, economical and legally compliant mining installations, with a focus on cost-effective closure solutions.

Presentation Title:

 PFAS—emerging constituents of concern for mine closure studies.

Abstract:

A screening-level site investigation of per- and/or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was conducted at six legacy mining sites in North America, ranging from 10 to 92 years of inactivity. Soil and water samples were collected based on historical infrastructure locations, current monitoring networks, hydrogeological conditions, and flow gradients. Groundwater, leach drain-down solutions, and pit lake water samples were collected, along with soil samples from various locations near mining facilities. These samples were tested for 36 PFAS compounds.

Byron O’Connor, VP Mining at Pinchin Ltd.

Mr. O’Connor has provided permitting expertise for gold, base metals, lithium, and industrial minerals projects. He has been a member of teams conducting EA’s and EISs and has served as a peer reviewer for components of EAs. He has been a contributing author and QP for Pre-Feasibility and Feasibility Studies for lithium, gold, and iron ore projects.

He has degrees in Geology and Geological Engineering and he is a licensed engineer in Ontario, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories. 

Mr. O’Connor has been Project Manager and/or Senior Engineer for site assessments, audits and remediation projects at operating and abandoned mine sites, tailings facilities, smelter complexes and refineries throughout Canada and abroad. 

Dixie Ortiz, BSc (Hons), Technical Manager, Environmental Due Diligence & Remediation at Pinchin Ltd.

Ms. Ortiz is a Technical Manager in Pinchin’s Environmental Due Diligence & Remediation group, with a special focus on providing services to the mining industry. 

Ms. Ortiz has completed projects from all stages of mining development, from baseline data collection and assessments to legacy materials remediation and post-closure monitoring. She has provided technical and managerial support for both small- and large-scale mining projects, including baseline assessments, permit applications and support, due diligence and compliance monitoring, remedial action plan development for legacy materials, closure plan development and support and post-closure monitoring. 

Presentation Title:

The New Minerals Recovery Process in Ontario – Permitting Requirements and Case Study.

Abstract:

An overview of Mining Act amendments and Ontario Regulation 463/24 Recovery of Minerals, including some of the potential outcomes of the new permitting process which could include revenue generation to support environmental remediation and rehabilitation at closed/inactive sites.

Case study: A project we’re currently working on, of which we have just submitted one of the first permit applications under this new Regulation.

Quinn Pinder, Area Manager for Northern Ontario with Milestone Environmental Contracting Inc.

Quinn Pinder has more than a decade of experience delivering complex environmental remediation and water treatment projects for a broad range of clients, including federal agencies, provincial governments, the mining sector, and private industry.

His portfolio includes contaminated soil and groundwater remediation at industrial and commercial sites, construction of advanced water treatment systems for mining operations, and management of federally funded contaminated sediment and low-level radioactive waste remediation projects. 

Presentation Title:

Water Treatment That Works: A Northern Mine Case Study

What you’ll learn:

Milestone will showcase the design-build delivery of the Wesdome Eagle River RO Water Treatment Plant, a modular six-container system built to treat copper- and iron-impacted tailings water.

The presentation will highlight process design, commissioning, and performance strategies that ensure compliance with stringent effluent discharge limits

Robert Irwin, Technical Manager, Inorganic Chemistry at SGS NAM

Rob’s mission is the management of technical aspects of the inorganic laboratory, specializing in metals and radio-isotope analysis.  Rob’s duties include development of new technologies, increasing laboratory efficiencies, training/staff development, and working directly with clients on a project-to-project basis to help provide solutions to analytical challenges.   

Rob has over 35 years of experience in analytical chemistry and laboratory management, spending his first 12 years in mineral assay/process control before moving into his current role in environmental analyses.

Rob graduated with a B.Sc. in Chemistry and Biology from Trent University, is a Charted Chemist (C.Chem.) and currently sits on the MECP technical advisory group for O Reg 153.   

Presentation Title:

Metals Analysis: History, Challenges and Applications in the Environment.

Abstract:

Richard Cook, Specialist Scientist at Knight Piesold

Richard Cook is a Specialist Environmental Scientist at Knight Piésold. He is a professional geoscientist with over 25 years of experience in the environmental assessment, water management, and closure planning aspects focused mainly on the mining industry. He leads teams conducting environmental and social impact assessments within Canada and internationally. He has also been centrally involved in regulatory, community and Indigenous consultation programs, Indigenous knowledge studies, and socio-economic impact assessments.

Zahir Jina, EP, PMP, C.E.T., AScT

Zahir Jina is a strategic leader with extensive experience in environmental management, regulatory compliance, and risk management.  Currently supporting Wyloo as Director, Environment, Zahir began his career as a field technician, working in remote locations and designing and implementing various environmental programs.  Zahir has served as a consultant, technical expert and proponent through all mine life cycles.  Zahir excels at establishing governance frameworks, driving pragmatic solutions for complex environmental, health, and safety challenges, approaching each as an opportunity to learn and stay curious.  A passionate collaborator, Zahir is adept at fostering supportive environments with a variety of individuals and teams. He holds multiple designations, including Environmental Professional (EP), and Project Management Professional (PMP)

Presentation Title:

The Hidden Cost of Speed: Why Early Engagement and Robust Studies Pay Off.

Abstract:

Resource constraints in mining frequently force a narrow focus on achieving immediate shareholder value, often at the expense of comprehensive environmental understanding and proper project foundation. This creates a fundamental tension: the push for short-term gains frequently undermines a project’s long-term viability and social license to operate.

Richard and Zahir will detail how specific early exploration activities and studies prove responsible development is not a cost, but a long-term value driver.  We will present and discuss the critical shift in the industry as proponents become more proactive, committing funds to meaningful community engagement well before the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) phase. Crucial, upfront investments are examples that are recognized as the surest path to enhancing overall project quality, mitigating risk, and ensuring sustained success.