Our Sectors and Regions
Providing an extensive range of services worldwide
Our Sectors
Global Impact with Transformation
As your partners in generating global prosperity, we drive positive change across a wide spectrum of industry sectors.
Our expertise in both greenfield and brownfield projects empowers us to create transformative opportunities that benefit communities worldwide.
Mining Minerals and Metals
- Mining
- Concentrators
- Smelters
- Refineries
- Acid Plants
- Materials Handling
Sector Outlook 2024
The global Mining, Minerals, and Metals (MMM) industry in 2024 finds itself at a crossroads, navigating a complex web of challenges and opportunities. While some aspects of the industry showcase robust potential, others face headwinds that demand adaptation and innovation.
Global Landscape:
- Geopolitical tensions: The ongoing war in Ukraine and other geopolitical uncertainties continue to impact supply chains and commodity prices. This volatility creates challenges for both miners and consumers.
- Shifting demand: The transition towards a low-carbon future drives increased demand for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and graphite, crucial for battery production and renewable energy technologies. Conversely, demand for traditional industrial metals faces headwinds due to a potential global economic slowdown.
- ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) pressures: Miners face growing scrutiny from investors, communities, and governments regarding their environmental and social impact. Sustainable practices and a strong social licence to operate are becoming increasingly important.
Australian Market:
- Australia’s unique position: As a major producer of minerals like iron ore, lithium, and nickel, Australia is well-positioned to benefit from the growing demand for critical minerals. The government is actively supporting the development of a secure and sustainable critical minerals supply chain.
- Challenges remain: Despite opportunities, Australia faces challenges like community concerns, regulatory hurdles, and a skilled labour shortage that needs to be addressed for the industry to thrive.
- Innovation and investment: Australian mining companies are increasingly adopting automation and digital technologies to improve efficiency and safety. Additionally, significant investments are expected in the exploration and development of critical mineral projects.
Overall Outlook:
While the immediate future of the MMM industry presents some uncertainties, the long-term outlook remains positive. The demand for critical minerals is expected to continue growing, creating opportunities for miners who can adapt their strategies to this changing landscape.
Embracing sustainable practices, addressing social concerns, and fostering technological innovation will be crucial for companies to navigate this complex environment and secure their long-term success.
Potential Considerations this year:
- The impact of potential global economic slowdown on metal prices.
- Mergers and acquisitions activity in the sector driven by consolidation and mineral diversification.
- The evolving role of technology in driving efficiency and sustainability in mining operations.
Water and Wastewater
Sector Outlook 2024
The year 2024 finds the water and wastewater industry facing a confluence of pressing issues. While some aspects of the sector see technological advancements and growing awareness, others grapple with persistent challenges demanding innovative solutions.
Global Landscape:
- Water scarcity and climate change: Droughts and extreme weather events are putting immense pressure on water resources globally, necessitating improved water management practices and adaptation strategies.
- Aging infrastructure: Many nations struggle with aging and inadequate water and wastewater infrastructure, leading to inefficiencies, leaks, and potential health risks. Investments in infrastructure upgrade are crucial.
- Emerging contaminants: The presence of emerging contaminants like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water supplies requires new treatment technologies and stricter regulations.
Australian Market:
- Drought concerns: Australia continues to experience prolonged drought conditions, highlighting the need for water conservation initiatives and exploring alternative water sources like desalination and wastewater reuse.
- Investment needed: Significant investment is required to upgrade aging water infrastructure, improve drought resilience, and implement innovative treatment technologies in Australia.
- Focus on innovation: Australian water utilities are increasingly exploring digital solutions like smart meters and advanced analytics to improve water management efficiency and optimise resource utilisation.
Overall Outlook:
Sustainability and innovation are becoming the cornerstones of the water and wastewater industry. Embracing water reuse, exploring alternative water sources, and adopting advanced treatment technologies are crucial for mitigating water scarcity and environmental impact. Additionally, focusing on infrastructure upgrades and utilising digital tools for efficient resource management are critical aspects for the industry’s long-term sustainability.
Potential Considerations this year:
- The rising cost of water treatment due to inflation and increasing environmental regulations.
- Growing public awareness and demand for improved water quality and sanitation services.
- The potential of public-private partnerships to address infrastructure challenges and expedite technological advancements.
Power Generation
Sector Outlook 2024
The power generation industry in 2024 finds itself at a critical juncture, navigating a complex landscape of evolving demands, technological advancements, and environmental considerations. While some aspects of the sector showcase a robust potential for clean energy, others face headwinds that demand significant transformation.
Global Landscape:
- Decarbonisation drive: The global push towards a low-carbon future continues to be the most significant driver, propelling the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. This shift aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
- Geopolitical uncertainties: The ongoing war in Ukraine and other geopolitical tensions disrupt energy supply chains and impact fuel prices, causing market volatility and creating challenges for both energy producers and consumers.
- Grid modernisation: Integrating a growing share of variable renewable energy sources necessitates significant investments in grid modernisation to ensure the reliability, efficiency, and stability of power supplies.
Australian Market:
- Renewable energy boom: Australia is witnessing a boom in renewable energy projects driven by government support, falling costs, and increasing public awareness of its environmental benefits. This is creating new opportunities for investment and job creation.
- Balancing act: Maintaining a reliable and affordable electricity supply while transitioning towards a cleaner energy mix remains a key challenge for Australia. Balancing the integration of renewables with traditional sources like coal and gas is crucial.
- Emerging technologies: The role of energy storage technologies like batteries and pumped hydro is becoming increasingly important for storing excess renewable energy and ensuring grid stability.
Overall Outlook:
While the immediate future of the power generation industry presents its share of challenges, the long-term outlook is driven by the need for clean and sustainable energy sources. Investing in renewable energy infrastructure, grid modernisation, and energy storage solutions will be crucial for a successful transition towards a low-carbon future. Additionally, navigating geopolitical uncertainties and ensuring affordability will be critical aspects of the industry’s sustainable growth.
Potential Considerations this year:
- The potential impact of technological advancements like small modular reactors (SMRs) and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technologies on the future of power generation.
- The evolving role of distributed generation and microgrids in supplementing traditional power grids.
- The increasing focus on energy efficiency and demand-side management to reduce the overall demand for electricity.
Energy - Renewables
Sector Outlook 2024
The energy renewables industry in 2024 stands at the forefront of the global shift towards a sustainable future. While the sector boasts significant progress and promising potential, it also faces challenges demanding continued innovation and strategic expansion.
Global Landscape:
- Investment surge: Fueled by climate concerns and government incentives, global investments in renewable energy are expected to reach record highs in 2024. Solar and wind power are projected to lead the growth, with other technologies like geothermal and tidal also gaining momentum.
- Cost competitiveness: As technology advances and economies of scale take hold, renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly cost-competitive with traditional fossil fuels. This is driving widespread adoption and market penetration.
- Integration challenges: Integrating a significant share of variable renewable energy sources into the grid requires robust infrastructure upgrades and innovative solutions like energy storage and smart grid technologies to ensure grid stability and reliability.
Australian Market:
- Leading the charge: Australia is emerging as a global leader in renewable energy development, with ambitious national targets and significant project development underway. This creates immense opportunities for job creation and economic growth.
- Focus on diversification: While solar and wind power remain dominant, Australia is actively exploring renewable energy diversification through investments in geothermal, bioenergy, and emerging technologies like ocean energy.
- Transmission hurdles: Expanding and upgrading the national electricity grid remains a crucial challenge for facilitating the integration of large-scale renewable energy projects across vast distances in Australia.
Overall Outlook:
The future of the energy renewables industry remains bright, driven by rising global demand for clean energy, increased cost-competitiveness, and technological advancements. However, addressing integration challenges, ensuring grid stability, and fostering continuous innovation will be critical for the industry to reach its full potential and deliver a sustainable energy future.
Potential Considerations this year:
- The potential impact of policy and regulatory frameworks on the long-term growth and sustainability of the renewable energy sector.
- The increasing collaboration between governments, private companies, and research institutions to accelerate technological advancements and promote innovation.
- The growing public interest in and support for renewable energy solutions, creating a positive social and environmental impact.
Energy - Non Renewables
Sector Outlook 2024
The oil and gas production industry in 2024 finds itself navigating a complex and uncertain landscape. While some aspects of the sector experience a surge in demand due to geopolitical tensions, others face headwinds from climate concerns, technological advancements, and a potential economic slowdown.
Global Landscape:
- Geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions: The ongoing war in Ukraine and other geopolitical tensions disrupt global energy supplies, leading to increased demand for oil and gas in the short term. However, this also raises concerns about energy security and potential price volatility.
- Climate change and energy transition: The global push towards decarbonisation puts long-term pressure on the oil and gas industry. Growing adoption of renewable energy sources and stricter environmental regulations pose challenges for the sector’s long-term sustainability.
- Technological advancements: Innovations in areas like unconventional oil and gas extraction and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technologies offer potential opportunities for the industry to improve efficiency and reduce its environmental footprint.
Australian Market:
- Mixed outlook: While Australia benefits from increased global LNG demand in the short term, the long-term outlook for the domestic oil and gas production industry remains uncertain due to the transition towards renewables.
- Focus on resource security: Ensuring Australia’s domestic energy security through exploration and development of new oil and gas resources remains a key priority, but faces increasing scrutiny regarding its environmental impact.
- Transition considerations: The industry in Australia is exploring pathways and strategies to manage the transition towards a low-carbon future, including potential investments in carbon capture technologies and diversification into renewable energy sources.
Overall Outlook:
The immediate future of the oil and gas production industry is likely to be shaped by geopolitical uncertainties and short-term supply disruptions. However, the long-term outlook remains challenging due to the accelerated transition towards renewable energy and growing climate concerns. Adapting to this changing landscape by embracing innovation, exploring technological advancements, and considering responsible transition strategies will be crucial for the industry’s long-term viability
Potential Considerations this year:
- The potential impact of global economic slowdown on the demand for oil and gas.
- The evolving role of natural gas as a “bridge fuel” in the transition towards a low-carbon future.
- The growing public pressure on the industry to address its environmental and social impact.
Chemicals and Fertilisers
Sector Outlook 2024
The chemical and fertiliser market in 2024 finds itself amidst various complexities, with both promising opportunities and persistent challenges shaping its trajectory.
Global Landscape:
- Supply chain disruptions: The lingering effects of the pandemic and ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt supply chains for raw materials and finished products, impacting costs and market stability.
- Evolving regulations: Increasing environmental concerns and regulations are driving a shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly chemicals and fertilisers. The demand for bio-based and organic alternatives is expected to rise.
- Precision agriculture: The adoption of precision agriculture technologies like controlled-release fertilisers and drone-based application is gaining traction, aiming to optimise resource use and minimise environmental impact.
Australian Market:
- Innovation focus: Australian chemical companies are actively investing in research and development to create innovative solutions that align with sustainability goals and cater to the evolving needs of various industries.
- Challenges persist: High energy costs, skilled labour shortages, and competition from overseas markets remain significant challenges for the Australian chemical industry.
- Export potential: Australia possesses a strong export market for chemicals and fertilisers, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Capitalising on this potential requires a focus on cost-competitiveness and product differentiation.
Overall Outlook:
While uncertainties remain, the long-term outlook for the global chemical and fertiliser market appears cautiously optimistic. The demand for sustainable solutions and innovative products is expected to continue growing, presenting opportunities for companies that can adapt and embrace these trends.
Potential Considerations this year:
- The potential impact of rising inflation on the cost of production and consumer spending.
- The increasing demand for specialty chemicals catering to specific industrial applications.
- The ongoing consolidation trend within the industry as companies seek to optimise operations and gain market share.
Our Regions
As a global leader in operational technology, control systems, and engineering services, we have established relationships across Asia Pacific, Africa, Central and North America and growing relationships across South America, and Eastern Europe and can work on jobs remotely or locally, no matter the size.
Mipac's global footprint: navigating the complex world of mining
In the ever-evolving mining sector, operational technology, control systems, and engineering services are pivotal in ensuring efficiency, safety, and sustainability. With established relationships across Asia Pacific, Africa, Central and North America, and burgeoning connections in South America and Eastern Europe, Mipac is a beacon of innovation and reliability in the mining sector.
Asia Pacific:
Pioneering mining technology
Asia Pacific is a powerhouse in the mining industry, with countries like Australia, PNG, and Indonesia leading the charge. Mipac’s journey in this region is unpinned by deep trust and collaboration. Given its robust mining sector, Australia has been a focal point for Mipac’s services.
Mipac has been instrumental in implementing cutting-edge control systems and operational technology in Australia for almost three decades. These solutions have improved efficiency and enhanced safety standards, crucial in an industry known for its inherent risks. Our ability to work remotely and locally has made us a go-to partner for mining companies in the region, regardless of the project’s scale.
Our AsiaPac customer base includes a foundation relationship with Glencore’s Mt Isa Mines, other Glencore projects, BHP’s new West Musgrave site, MMG’s Dugald River, and CMOC’s North Parkes Mine.
Africa: Navigating challenges with expertise
Africa is a continent rich in mineral resources but presents unique challenges. Political instability, infrastructure limitations, and environmental concerns are just some of the factors that mining companies must grapple with. Mipac has risen to the occasion, offering tailored solutions that address these challenges head-on.
Mipac’s services in Africa encompass technological advancements and comprehensive engineering support. By partnering with local stakeholders and governments, Mipac has managed to navigate the complex regulatory landscape and ensure that mining operations are conducted sustainably and responsibly.
First Quantum’s Kansanshi Smelter and Copper Concentrator and the Kamoto Copper Company are big names in Central Africa’s mining industry and here, Mipac has developed control systems and upgrades to drive plant performance and profitability
North America: Shaping the future of mining
North America, home to the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is experiencing a resurgence in mining activities. The demand for resources, coupled with advancements in mining technology, has created opportunities for Mipac to significantly impact this region.
Mipac has been pivotal in optimising mineral processing plants and refining control systems in North America. The company’s expertise in adapting to diverse geological conditions has been instrumental in maximising production output while minimising environmental impact.
Our strong relationship with several Teck Coal Operations, including Greenhills has delivered plant optimisation and digitalisation projects, and our recent acquisition by GR Engineering has opened up new partnerships with our sister company, Hanlon Engineering.
Central and South America: Forging new frontiers
Mining in Central America has a storied history, with some countries like Guatemala and Honduras dating their mining activities back to pre-Columbian times. The region is rich in gold, silver, copper, and other valuable minerals, making it an attractive prospect for mining companies.
Panama, often considered a bridge between North and South America due to its geographical location and the famous Panama Canal, is also making strides in mining. The country’s mineral potential extends beyond its well-known canal, with significant deposits of copper, gold, and other metals waiting to be explored.
Mipac has been the Main Automation Contractor for First Quantum’s latest mega project, Cobre Panama, since the site’s early planning phase, delivering not only a comprehensive Emerson Ovation control system with 50,000 I/O but also producing operator and maintenance interfaces and extensive business analytics and data visualisation.
South America holds enormous potential for the mining industry, with countries like Chile, Peru, and Brazil hosting vast mineral reserves. Mipac is expanding its presence in this dynamic region, working closely with local partners to tailor solutions that align with South America’s unique mining landscape.
Chile, for instance, is a global leader in copper production. Mipac’s contributions to the Chilean mining sector have been centred on automation and process control systems, allowing for efficient extraction and processing of copper while reducing operational risks.
Eastern Europe: Nurturing growth
The Eastern European region, which includes countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, is characterised by its diverse mineral resources and ambitious mining projects and is rich in coal, certain types of ores such as copper and bauxites, and precious metals. Mipac recognises the immense potential in this area and has been nurturing relationships to offer its expertise in control systems and operational technology.
Remote and local solutions: Mipac's versatility
One of Mipac’s standout features is its ability to adapt to the specific needs of each mining market, regardless of geography. Whether providing remote support for a mine in a remote part of Australia or working closely with a mining operation in South America, Mipac’s versatility is a testament to its commitment to excellence.
In a world where the mining industry is constantly evolving, Mipac has emerged as a global leader in operational technology, control systems, and engineering services. Our presence and impact can be felt on every continent, from Australia’s bustling mines to Africa’s untapped resources and the promising frontiers of South America and the CIS.
Mipac’s unwavering dedication to innovation, sustainability, and safety has transformed mining operations and helped shape the industry’s future. As the demand for resources continues to grow, Mipac stands ready to navigate the complexities of each market, offering tailored solutions that drive progress while respecting the environment and the communities where they operate. With a track record of success on a global scale, Mipac is poised to remain at the forefront of mining technology and engineering for years to come.
Contact us today - wherever you are in the world!
Are you embarking on a greenfield mining project or want to modernise an existing brownfield site somewhere across our diverse planet? Whether you’re deep in the heart of the Australian outback, scaling the heights of the Andes in South America, or exploring the mineral-rich landscapes of Africa, we want to be your trusted partner on this journey.
At Mipac, we have a proud legacy of providing proven operational technology, control systems, and engineering services to mining operations across the globe. Our expertise knows no bounds, and we’re committed to delivering tailored solutions to meet your unique needs.
Contact us today. No matter the size or complexity of your mining project, we’re here to listen, strategise, and collaborate. With our ability to work remotely or locally, distance is no obstacle.
