Member Spotlight: Barr Engineering, Sustaining Member
Ryan Siats
Vice President
Senior Environmental Consultant
Why are you an IMA member?
Barr Engineering Co. is a proud IMA member due to our long-standing relationship and shared commitment to the iron mining industry. Our membership with IMA allows us to:
- Support the industry: By being part of IMA, we actively contribute to the growth and sustainability of Minnesota’s iron mining sector, which is vital to the state’s economy.
- Collaborate and innovate: We engage with other industry leaders to share knowledge, drive innovation, and address common challenges—ensuring the industry’s continued success.
- Advocate for best practices: Our involvement helps promote environmental stewardship and the implementation of best practices in mining operations, aligning with our commitments to sustainability and responsible natural resource management.
We value our partnership with IMA and remain dedicated to supporting the iron mining industry through our expertise and collaborative efforts.
Barr supports the iron mining industry through a variety of innovative practices and services, including:
- Comprehensive design and planning
- Water stewardship
- Energy efficiency
- Mine closure and reclamation
- Environmental permitting and compliance
- Sustainability and resiliency
By integrating these practices, Barr helps mining companies operate more sustainably, balancing the need for resource extraction with the protection of natural resources for future generations.
What does your organization/company do?
Barr Engineering Co. integrates engineering and environmental expertise to help clients in a range of industries solve complex challenges related to natural resources. More than 1,100 engineers, scientists, and technical support specialists serve our clients from 17 offices across the U.S. and Canada.
For more than 60 years, Barr has assisted national and international mining and minerals-processing clients with challenging, large-scale projects. We offer drill-to-mill optimization services—and assistance with everything that comes before and after. We strive to provide outstanding service and foster long-term, collaborative relationships with our clients.
By working seamlessly across engineering and environmental disciplines, we can provide a streamlined approach to projects—one that improves efficiency, communication, and understanding of both the small details and the big picture.
Our employee-owners are passionate about our work and deeply invested in making a lasting difference for our clients, communities, and the environment.
How does the iron mining industry impact your company’s operations?
Barr was incorporated in 1966, and our firm’s first employees began partnering with mining companies years before that. Their work helped to advance more economical and efficient mining operations on northern Minnesota’s Iron Range.
Since then, our work has expanded to involve helping global clients solve their permitting, operational, and natural resources issues. We’ve worked with companies that mine and process trona, potash, iron ore, lead, coal, oil sands, copper, nickel, gold, and numerous other minerals.
Additionally, Barr has worked with a variety of mining methods and processing techniques, and our employees understand the importance of designs that allow for operational efficiency and technical reliability.
Even as our footprint and services have expanded, we’ve remained deeply ingrained in the Iron Range and the iron mining industry. Our employees include mining experts whose families and community roots in iron mining extend back for generations.
Our local work includes efforts that are shaping the legacy of the iron mining industry. For example, Barr worked with the City of Chisholm and the Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR) to provide conceptual design, environmental review services, and permitting assistance for the Redhead Mountain Bike Park in Chisholm. The park, which opened to the public in 2020, is built on an inactive mine pit and features world-class mountain biking trails.
How has the iron mining industry changed during your career?
Throughout Barr’s history as a company, the iron mining industry has seen significant transformations, driven by advancements in technology, evolving market demands, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Here are some key changes:
- More sustainable practices: The industry has made great strides in adopting sustainable practices. This includes improved waste management, water conservation, and energy efficiency measures. Barr has been able to assist companies with minimizing their environmental footprint and ensuring that mining activities are conducted responsibly.
- Improved operational efficiency: Technological innovations have revolutionized mining operations. Automation, data analytics, and advanced machinery have enhanced productivity and safety, allowing for more efficient extraction and processing of iron ore. Barr has been fortunate to collaborate with many companies to help reduce their costs and increase their competitiveness.
- Ever-changing market dynamics: The iron mining industry is constantly adapting to fluctuating market conditions. Global demand, commodity prices, and trade policies all play a significant role in shaping the industry’s landscape. Leaning on Barr’s global knowledge and expertise has allowed us to stay agile and responsive to these changes is crucial for maintaining exceptional client service to the IMA companies.
- Resiliency and continued relevancy: As the U.S. seeks to onshore mining and manufacturing operations, the iron mining industry has demonstrated remarkable resiliency. By investing in local resources and infrastructure, the industry is not only supporting domestic supply chains but also contributing to the national economy. This shift towards onshoring has reinforced the industry’s importance and ensured its continued relevancy in the global market. Barr is fortunate to be able to continue to serve the IMA companies through these generational transformations.
