Aaron Lambert wants to see a return of close, interpersonal relationships in the field of mine contracting.
Over the last few decades, as larger companies have taken over more market share, he said, there’s a familiarity between mine contractors and their clients that seems to be missing.
It’s a gap Lambert believes can be filled by smaller, boutique firms like Stacked Group Inc., the mine contracting firm he and partner Steve Doucette launched in early October.
“With a lot of the mining contractors that had started 20, 30 years ago, companies that we’ve been a part of, the original group that developed these companies have now retired, so there’s a big disconnect,” he said.
“We’re the next generation to step up and start building those close partnerships with the mining companies and creating value with the clients.”
Together, Lambert and Doucette have more than 25 years of local and international experience in the industry.
Collaborating in the past led the duo to realize they wanted to branch out on their own, Lambert said, and so they formed Stacked Group.
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The firm offers a full range of services to the mining and construction industries, including project and contract management, contract mining, underground development, specialty mining, underground construction, and surface construction.
Operating out of a 3,000-square-foot space in Sudbury’s north end, the partners are backed by an executive team of four, and a handful of employees. Lambert said they are optimistic about hiring more once business increases.
Stacked’s immediate focus is Sudbury and Ontario, but eventually the pair plans to expand to the rest of Canada.
Early clients include materials-handling company Rail-Veyor and DMC Mining, both of whom Lambert has worked for in the past.
Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Lambert believes it’s an ideal time to get into the industry.
“There are lots of projects coming online, and there’s a lot of exploration, especially with a lot of junior mining gold companies out there,” he said.
“So there are definitely opportunities, and we see a lot of openings coming up in the next year.”
Lambert acknowledges that starting from scratch might be a challenge.
As the new kid on the block, Stacked will have to establish its name and reputation to gain the trust of potential clients.
But he’s confident the group is up to the task – and their credentials are built right into the company’s name.
“We want to be different than everybody else,” Lambert said. “We’re building a team of experienced professionals that know what it takes to make the mining and construction projects a success. We’re a strongly, well-built team with a focused vision.”
