Redefining Environmental Management in Canadian Mining

As sustainable mining becomes increasingly essential, Chris Gaspar stands out as a leading advocate for environmental stewardship in the mining industry. Gaspar, Environmental Manager at Barrick Mining Corporation’s (NYSE: GOLD) Hemlo Operation in Ontario, brings over a decade of expertise in environmental compliance, water and air quality management, stakeholder consultation, and regulatory liaison to one of Canada’s most established mining operations.

Gaspar’s journey in environmental management began at Goldcorp, where he served as an Environmental Technician for over five years, honing his skills in tailings management, water sampling, and interpretation of environmental data. His career trajectory continued upward through key roles at Newmont Goldcorp and Evolution Mining, culminating in his current leadership position at Barrick. Each step in his career has reinforced his deep understanding of environmental systems and regulatory frameworks—insights that are now shaping Barrick’s operational footprint.

Since joining Barrick in 2024, first as Environmental Superintendent and then quickly rising to Environmental Manager, Gaspar has made significant strides in elevating environmental compliance and performance at the Hemlo site. His leadership has been instrumental in overseeing broad-based environmental programs, ensuring that the site meets and exceeds stringent regulatory requirements while fulfilling commitments to First Nations stakeholders.

One of Gaspar’s hallmark achievements has been his ability to bridge technical environmental management with community and regulatory engagement. His extensive experience managing projects such as groundwater remediation, tailings dam raises, and water treatment plant design has allowed Barrick to proactively address environmental challenges before they become production bottlenecks. Additionally, Gaspar’s approach emphasizes collaboration with regulators, internal teams, and local communities, ensuring transparency and long-term sustainability.

Gaspar also brings a unique combination of academic credentials and practical expertise. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Practice from Royal Roads University, a diploma in Environmental Technology from Confederation College, and a Class 1 Wastewater Operators License. His designation as an Environmental Professional (EP) specializing in water quality underlines his commitment to technical excellence and lifelong learning.

At Hemlo, Gaspar has been a driving force behind enhanced environmental data analysis and internal reporting mechanisms, enabling real-time insights into site performance and facilitating timely decision-making. Under his management, the site has maintained a strong environmental track record, demonstrating measurable progress in air and water quality management, permitting efficiency, and stakeholder communications.

One of the most defining aspects of Gaspar’s leadership is his dedication to health and safety. With a perfect safety record, he exemplifies Barrick’s core value of putting people first, through compliance and embedding a culture of environmental responsibility throughout the organization.

As Barrick continues to lead the mining sector in sustainability, professionals like Gaspar are pivotal to its success. His integrated, forward-thinking approach ensures that environmental considerations are not an afterthought, but a foundational element of every decision made on site.

Gaspar’s work models how modern mining operations can align productivity with environmental integrity, setting a standard for the industry and future generations.