2025
Comparably’s Best Company Outlook
Market
Mining
For any mining commodity and at every phase of the mining life cycle, agencies trust SWCA's work and rely on our technical expertise nationwide.
We Want to Hear From You
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Andrew Harley
Mining Director
Overview
Mining is among the most heavily regulated and publicly scrutinized industries in the U.S. 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 time frames, and public perception of the mining industry. Our hard-won experience and track record give us a strategic perspective—permitting agencies and mining companies alike rely on our professionalism and proven process.
Our consultants bring deep knowledge across all major mining commodities and every phase of the mining life cycle. Agencies trust us to work alongside them to prepare Mine Plans of Operation, conduct National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) assessments, and obtain mining permits. Our services help clients secure regulatory approval from project development through site closure, including reclamation planning and ecosystem restoration.
SWCA has permitted mines across the U.S. and maintains strong agency relationships that support streamlined permitting. We are experienced in open-pit, underground, and in-situ methods for leasable and locatable minerals.
Permit Preparation, Support, and Oversight
SWCA’s mining experts provide comprehensive permit preparation, support, and oversight services to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements for mining operations. Our team meticulously reviews project plans, identifies potential permitting challenges, and defines the scope of work and timeline for obtaining necessary permits. We evaluate the proposed project design, assess environmental impacts, and ensure adherence to applicable federal, state, and local regulations. These services are crucial for minimizing risks and facilitating seamless project progression, offering strategic guidance tailored to each project’s unique needs.
Relevant Services
- Agency, Tribal, and Public Coordination
- Closure and Reclamation Planning
- Development of Resource Management or Monitoring Plans
- Data Adequacy Development and Technical Reports
- Environmental Assessments, Impact Statements, and Impact Reports
- Permitting Support and Oversight
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and State Environmental Permitting
Upfront Studies and Exploration
Our teams conduct detailed upfront studies and exploration activities to assess the viability of potential mining sites. Our experts perform geological surveys, resource estimation, and environmental impact assessments to provide critical insights during project development. These studies are essential for identifying potential “fatal flaws” and refining strategic planning. By evaluating site-specific conditions and regulatory requirements, SWCA helps clients make informed decisions that optimize resource extraction and project feasibility.
Relevant Services
- Environmental Compliance and Environmental Protection Measures
- Geographic Information System (GIS)
- Plan of Operations and Permitting
- Resource Studies
- Permitting Strategy
Feasibility and Planning
SWCA’s feasibility and planning services deliver comprehensive evaluations of the economic, technical, and environmental viability of mining projects. Our teams conduct in-depth analyses to identify potential challenges and opportunities, providing strategic planning that optimizes resource extraction, cost management, and project timelines. By aligning project goals with sustainable practices, SWCA ensures that mining operations are both profitable and environmentally responsible.
Relevant Services
- Constraint Evaluation and Permitting Planning
- Due Diligence
- NI 43-101 Technical Report Sections
- Stakeholder Engagement and Public Outreach
Operational Support
We offer robust operational support services to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of mining operations. Our experts provide ongoing project management, technical support, and compliance monitoring to address challenges throughout the mining lifecycle. By continuously evaluating operational processes and regulatory adherence, SWCA ensures that projects meet performance standards and achieve desired outcomes.
Relevant Services
- Adaptive Management Planning
- Environmental Management Systems
- Permit Renewals and Amendments
- Regulatory and Permit Compliance
- Resource Monitoring Studies and Evaluations
Closure
SWCA’s closure services ensure responsible and sustainable transitions at the end of mining operations. Our team plans and executes site closure activities, focusing on environmental restoration and compliance with closure regulations. We conduct site rehabilitation, monitor post-closure impacts, and engage with stakeholders to ensure long-term environmental stewardship and community relations.
Relevant Services
- Bond Release Support
- Monitoring
- Post Mine Land Closure Strategy
- Reclamation Planning and Design
- Risk Assessment
Sustainability and Management Consulting
We integrate sustainable practices into mining operations through comprehensive sustainability management and management consulting services. Our experts address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations, providing strategic advice to enhance operational efficiency and risk management. By aligning mining practices with sustainability goals, SWCA helps clients achieve long-term success and positive environmental impacts.
Relevant Services
- Climate and Biodiversity Risk Assessment
- Permitting and Compliance Advisory
- Responsible Supply Chain and Circularity
- Stakeholder Engagement and Indigenous Services
- Strategic ESG Integration
- Sustainability Reporting and Disclosure
Meet the Experts
Mining Director • Denver
Andrew Harley
Andrew has more than 35 years of experience delivering environmental solutions to resource and industrial clientele. With a background in geochemistry, soil science, plant nutrition, and agronomy, Andrew integrates innovative solutions to reduce costs and improve efficiencies throughout the mine life cycle. Recent mining work includes geochemical evaluation and waste rock characterizations; supporting permit and license applications for proposed mining, ore processing and smelting operations; and supporting mining companies with water quality issues, including overburden characterization and land application of treated water. Andrew combines extensive field experience and academic research to evaluate new soil amendments and fertilizers aimed at improving reclamation of severely disturbed soils resulting from resource extraction.
Planning Director
Donna Morey
Donna has worked for more than 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.
Ecosystem Restoration 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.
Sustainability and Management Consulting Vice President
John Platko
John has more than 35 years of business, sustainability, environmental, health and safety leadership experience. His client engagements involve the development and implementation of strategies, plans, and programs that emphasize simultaneous creation of business, environmental, and social value for private sector clients, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and multilateral organizations operating domestically and internationally.
John has led projects in more than 40 countries in North America, Latin America, Europe, and APAC. He has been a thought leader and problem solver on topics such as business sustainability/resilience, water security/water stewardship, climate change, circularity/waste management, environmental and social impact measurement/monitoring and operational environmental, health, and safety (EHS) risk and performance management in developed and emerging economies. Additionally, John co-developed the Return on Sustainability Investment (ROSI) model with the New York University (NYU) Stern Center for Sustainable Business, which through business case and monetization tools enable better, more sustainable investment/resource allocation decisions.
Prior to consulting, John served on the corporate environmental staff for Scott Paper Company and Bristol-Myers Squibb and was a facility-level environmental engineer and safety director for a multi-site manufacturing operation. His current clients include Global 1000 organizations in the food and beverage, consumer products, energy, and business-to-business sectors.
Principal Hydrogeologist
Sophie Swanson
Sophie is a water resource engineer and hydrologist with expertise in mine water engineering, including geochemistry, groundwater modeling, surface water management, reclamation planning, and third-party auditing.
Strategic Growth Director
David Kelly
David has 29 years of experience specializing in water supply planning, sustainable yield evaluations, water use, and hydrogeologic investigations. He manages projects including mine water balance modeling, water quality evaluations, and new water supplies.
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Association Involvement
American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA)
American Society of Reclamation Sciences (ASRS)
National Stone Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA)
Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME)
Women in Mining USA
Georgia Construction Aggregates Association (GCAA)
Idaho Mining Association
Montana Mining Association
Nevada Mining Association
New Mexico Mining Association
South Carolina Aggregates Association (SCAA)
Texas Aggregates and Concrete Association (TACA)
Utah Mining Association
