Atlas Salt Inc. TSXV:SALT has taken a major step forward in developing its Great Atlantic Salt Project in western Newfoundland, signing a comprehensive memorandum of understanding with global engineering group Hatch to act as lead engineering partner and integrated project delivery (IPD) collaborator.
The non-binding agreement, announced on Tuesday, establishes Hatch as the cornerstone engineering partner for the proposed underground mine, which is expected to become one of North America’s largest modern salt operations once in production.
Under the arrangement, Hatch will oversee all engineering disciplines within an IPD framework, an increasingly popular project model designed to align stakeholders on safety, cost, and execution certainty from the earliest design stages.
- Ionic Rare Earths strikes US supply chain deal
- New Frontier Minerals secures approval for Harts Range exploration
- How Metalla Royalty makes money from Gold without mining
Toronto-based Hatch, which has more than 70 years of experience delivering large-scale soft-rock mining projects, brings deep expertise in underground mine design and infrastructure development. The firm has an established presence in Newfoundland and Labrador, with an office in St John’s providing local engineering and project management capability.
“Pivotal milestone” for Atlas Salt
Nolan Peterson, chief executive of Atlas Salt, described the partnership as “a pivotal milestone” in advancing the Great Atlantic project toward construction readiness. “Hatch’s proven track record in large-scale soft-rock mining, combined with their strong local presence and commitment to safety and sustainability, provides Atlas Salt with the confidence that the project will be engineered to the highest global standards,” he said.
The Great Atlantic Salt Project is envisioned as a low-cost, high-purity operation designed to supply eastern North America’s growing demand for road de-icing salt. The deposit, located near the coastal town of St George’s, offers proximity to existing port infrastructure, enabling efficient export routes to markets across Atlantic Canada and the US Northeast.
Hatch’s mandate extends across engineering integration, digital design, and risk management, leveraging advanced modelling and information systems to streamline procurement, construction sequencing, and operational readiness.
The company’s “No Harm” approach to project delivery, emphasising safety in design and environmental stewardship, is expected to underpin Atlas Salt’s strategy of developing the mine with a minimal environmental footprint.
Integrated project delivery model
Mike Watters, Hatch’s global lead for mine infrastructure, said the partnership reflects the company’s long-term commitment to Newfoundland and Labrador. “By applying our integrated project delivery model, digital engineering tools, and commitment to community engagement, Hatch will help ensure the Great Atlantic Salt Project is delivered safely, efficiently, and sustainably,” he said.
Integrated project delivery, a collaborative model that aligns contractors, engineers, and owners under shared performance goals, is gaining traction in the resources sector as companies seek to manage cost inflation and technical complexity. By adopting this structure, Atlas Salt aims to reduce execution risk and accelerate the path to production.
The MOU follows several months of technical studies and corporate milestones for Atlas Salt. The company continues to advance engineering and permitting for the Great Atlantic mine as it evaluates financing and construction options.
The Armchair Trader View
The project could provide a significant economic boost to western Newfoundland, supporting local employment and diversifying the province’s resource sector beyond offshore energy and iron ore.
With Hatch’s involvement, Atlas Salt is positioning the Great Atlantic development as a benchmark for modern underground mining in Atlantic Canada, one that integrates safety, sustainability, and technology from the outset.
Comments (0)