IMS 2025 JV Video: Iamgold’s Bruno Lemelin named Operator of the Year

Key Concepts

• Operator of the Year Award: Recognizing the crucial, often unseen, role of operational leaders in the mining industry.
• Operational Excellence: Achieving high performance in mining operations, encompassing efficiency, safety, sustainability, and innovation.
• Holistic Vision: A comprehensive approach to mining that integrates technical expertise with broader strategic goals, including sustainability and community impact.
• Decentralized Leadership: Empowering local leaders within a mining operation to drive decision-making and foster ownership.
• Continuous Improvement (Sigma Program): A methodology focused on identifying and eliminating waste to optimize processes and enhance performance.
• Geopolitical Risk Management: Navigating political instability and uncertainty in mining regions to ensure operational continuity.
• Technological Integration: Utilizing advanced technologies like AI, autonomous systems, and data analytics to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
• Canadian Mining Principles: A commitment to fairness, respect, transparency, and responsible mining practices.
• District Exploration: The strategy of expanding exploration efforts around existing successful mines to discover new deposits.

Leadership and the Operator’s Role

The award for Operator of the Year was established to highlight the often-underappreciated contributions of operational leaders in the mining industry. Clive Johnson, CEO of B2 Gold, emphasized that operators are the “secret engine” of the industry, advocating for greater recognition of their achievements. This year’s recipient, Bruno Lamelon, COO of Iamgold, was lauded for his leadership in successfully navigating complex operational challenges. His career began with a “trial by fire” managing the Esakani mine in Burkina Faso, an 800-person operation producing 400 ounces of gold annually in a politically volatile region. More recently, he led the construction and ramp-up of the $3 billion Coté gold mine in Canada, now poised to become one of the country’s largest producers, achieving commercial production and contributing to Iamgold’s projected 820,000 ounces of annual production.

Bruno described his approach as viewing a mine as an “orchestra where every part must work in harmony,” a mindset rooted in his doctorate in mineral economics. He stressed the importance of a “holistic view” encompassing sustainability, safety, and operational performance as interconnected strategic priorities. He highlighted the success of deploying an autonomous fleet at Coté, despite initial challenges, demonstrating the value of bold vision and perseverance.

Safety, Sustainability, and Responsibility

Iamgold is embedding sustainability, safety, and responsibility into day-to-day operations by treating them as “core values,” not competing priorities. Bruno cited the example of a continuous improvement program (Sigma) implemented at Esakani, involving training for 2,000 employees. Clive Johnson underscored the importance of safety as a key indicator of a well-run mining company, citing B2 Gold’s Mazbandi mine in the Philippines, which achieved seven years without a lost-time accident – a “world record.”

Clive emphasized the importance of fairness, respect, and transparency in building trust and loyalty with employees and local communities. B2 Gold’s decentralized leadership model empowers local leaders, exemplified by the practice of sending Namibian employees to Mali and vice versa, fostering a culture of shared experience and opportunity.

Technology and Innovation

Bruno acknowledged that technology is no longer a differentiator but a “necessity” for remaining competitive. He highlighted the integration of advanced autonomous systems, electric shovels, and sophisticated control rooms at Coté, along with the ongoing development of AI-driven technologies and advanced analytics. He envisions a future where the convergence of AI and real-life data will drive significant improvements in cost management and performance.

Clive noted the importance of being “best-in-class” in all aspects of operations, including technology, to attract investment and maintain a competitive edge. He also pointed to the potential of solar energy, citing Iamgold’s successful implementation of a solar farm in Namibia.

Culture and the Future of the Workforce

Bruno emphasized the importance of creating a culture of excellence that attracts and develops talent. Iamgold invests in continuous learning and development programs for its employees, offers global mobility opportunities, and promotes diversity and inclusion. He believes that connecting employees’ roles to systemic community impact and providing a sense of purpose is crucial for attracting the next generation of miners.

Clive highlighted the value of the “Canadian mining principles” – fairness, respect, and transparency – as a key differentiator in attracting investment and building strong relationships with host countries. He stressed the importance of demonstrating a commitment to responsible mining practices, including environmental stewardship and community engagement. He also noted the importance of empowering local leaders and fostering a sense of ownership within the workforce.

Geopolitical Risk and Operational Challenges

The discussion addressed the challenges of operating in politically unstable regions, using Mali as a case study. Clive Johnson acknowledged the recent negative media coverage regarding security concerns in Mali but emphasized that Iamgold has maintained uninterrupted operations for nearly a decade, thanks to strong relationships with the government and a commitment to responsible mining practices. He stressed the importance of pushing back against misinformation and demonstrating continued operational success.

District Exploration and Future Growth

Bruno discussed Iamgold’s strategy of “district exploration,” focusing on expanding exploration efforts around existing successful mines. He highlighted the potential of the Nelligan project near Chibougamau, Quebec, which holds approximately 9 million ounces of gold and represents a significant growth opportunity for the company. He emphasized the importance of conducting thorough baseline environmental studies and continuing to drill to fully understand the deposit’s potential.

Notable Quotes

• Clive Johnson: “Operators are the secret engine of this industry and there’s not enough of a spotlight on the operators.”
• Bruno Lamelon: “Success is not linear.”
• Clive Johnson: “If you want to look at a mining company and do a little short-term due diligence on if they're a good company, start with start with safety. If they're a safe company, they probably do other things really well.”
• Bruno Lamelon: “Technology is no longer a differentiator anymore. I see it as a necessity a condition to remain competitive in the market.”

Conclusion

The discussion underscored the critical role of operational leadership in the mining industry, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach that integrates technical expertise, sustainability, safety, and community engagement. Bruno Lamelon’s recognition as Operator of the Year exemplifies the value of perseverance, innovation, and a commitment to building strong teams. The conversation also emphasized the importance of navigating geopolitical risks, embracing technological advancements, and fostering a culture of excellence to attract and retain talent in a rapidly evolving industry. The emphasis on Canadian mining principles – fairness, respect, and transparency – was presented as a key differentiator for attracting investment and building sustainable relationships with host countries.