Robert Winton may be Hudbay’s new Manitoba boss, but he’s no stranger to the company’s Flin Flon area operations.
Winton, 42, joined what was then HBMS in 1997, fresh off earning a chemical engineering degree from the University of Saskatchewan.
He started in the engineer-in-training program at the mill, smelter and zinc plant. He became a professional engineer in 2000 and progressed to senior process engineer of the zinc plant.
More promotions followed, and by 2012 Winton was manager. His latest step up the corporate ladder, as senior-vice president, Manitoba Business Unit, came late last month.
Originally from New Westminster, BC, Winton is married and has two children. He plays and coaches hockey, enjoys cycling and supports numerous local charities and events.
The Reminder caught up with Winton this week.
REMINDER: What are the key challenges facing Hudbay’s Manitoba operations right now and what solutions do you see?
WINTON: The key challenge facing Hudbay
Manitoba currently is the successful start-up of Lalor and the expanded Stall concentrator in Snow Lake; in the longer-term, exploration successes at our 777 mine and developing key exploration targets in the Greenstone Belt.
We have strong leadership in Snow Lake and a team that is focused on success. Our exploration group has a track record that is second to none and a solid plan for building on their success.
REMINDER: What are the key advantages for Hudbay in Manitoba and how do you see capitalizing on them?
WINTON: One key advantage Hudbay has in Manitoba are strong operating, maintenance and services teams both on surface and underground.
By continuing with our strong safety and operating performance, and focusing on continually improving and optimizing our business, we can deliver better results.
REMINDER: Finding another mine near Flin Flon to replace 777 has been identified as a priority for Hudbay. Where do things stand in this regard? Are you optimistic?
WINTON: Hudbay’s exploration team is very focused on increasing reserves in Flin Flon, with drilling underground at 777 and surface target generation.
My optimism is rooted in witnessing Hudbay find and develop mines in my short career and knowing the passion and dedication our exploration and geological professionals bring to their work daily.
REMINDER: What changes might you look at enacting as head of the Manitoba Business Unit?
WINTON: I do not believe any wholesale changes are required in Manitoba, but want to ensure we have adequate bench strength at the senior levels of our organization in Manitoba.
REMINDER: Amid developments in Arizona and Peru, is northern Manitoba still the foundation of Hudbay in your view?
WINTON: Hudbay is a growing and exciting global mid-tier mining company because of 80-plus years of mine-building and operating excellence in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
As Peru closes in on production and Arizona becomes a viable and exciting project, the heartbeat of Hudbay still resides in northern Manitoba and with the help of the great people in Manitoba, we can continue to grow Hudbay to its great potential.
REMINDER: As you know, some Aboriginal protesters have been displeased with Hudbay’s newest operations. Is this a major challenge for the company? What is your take in terms of solutions?
WINTON: This is a challenge for all resource and crown companies in Manitoba and throughout Canada. The solutions must come from a meaningful dialogue between governments, First Nations and industry.
We at Hudbay are committed to building meaningful relationships with all communities in the areas [in which] we operate and hope to operate in the future.
REMINDER: What about the mining industry appeals to you?
WINTON: The mining industry has been a very rewarding career and offers challenges every day. This is an ever-changing and growing industry that requires an appreciation of history and a
strong desire and passion to accept and embrace the changes required to succeed as an organization.
REMINDER: Anything else worth mentioning?
WINTON: I am very honoured and excited to lead Hudbay Manitoba and would like to thank [former vice-president, Manitoba Business Unit] Brad Lantz for his work and successes in the last couple of years and wish him luck as he transitions to his new role at Hudbay in Toronto.
