Industry veteran Alain Lajeunesse has stepped down from his role at Molycop after 33 years, bringing to an end a remarkable career in mining.
Key Facts
- During his time at Molycop, Alain shaped the company's Canadian presence through technical excellence and trusted customer relationships.
- He led the development of new SAG grinding ball grades, cutting consumption rates and delivering major cost savings for mining customers.
- Known for his mentorship of young engineers and navigating industry crises with calm leadership, Alain leaves behind a legacy of integrity, partnership and problem-solving.
From driving major product innovation to mentoring emerging talent, Alain’s journey has been defined by a quiet but undeniable commitment to doing things the right way. His name has become synonymous with trust, technical excellence and long-term customer relationships that span generations.
As Alain steps into retirement, we reflect on a career that has shaped Molycop’s identity across Canada and beyond.
From the field to the frontlines of innovation
Alain’s career in mining began long before he joined Molycop. After graduating with a diploma in mining engineering in 1980, he worked with a coal mining company and later with a surface drilling operation, where he helped introduce hydraulic drilling technologies to Eastern Canada. His career path, while technical, has always blended engineering acumen with a strong sense of practical problem-solving.In 1992, he joined Molycop, stepping into the mineral processing side of the business just as the company was building its foundation in Canada.
“At the time, we were a small but determined team,” Alain says. “I was managing about 17,000 tonnes of product in Eastern Canada. With hard work and great support from the team, we nearly tripled that amount over the years.”
The industry was different back then. Deals were still sealed with a handshake, and purchase decisions were heavily influenced by on-site engineers rather than centralised procurement teams. Alain’s ability to build rapport at the site level – to be both technically credible and personally dependable – became one of his great strengths.
Pushing boundaries, delivering value
One of Alain’s most significant contributions was the development and successful rollout of four new grades of SAG grinding ball, including the now widely adopted NG grade. As grinding conditions became increasingly aggressive with larger mill designs, Alain worked closely with Molycop’s technical teams to bring forward solutions that would last longer, perform better and reduce costs for customers.In the early 2000s, consumption rates in SAG circuits were often over 0.75 kg/t. With the NG grade, we brought that down to 0.4–0.5 kg/t in even the most severe applications. That wasn’t just a product upgrade – it directly impacted profitability and process efficiency for our customers.
His ability to communicate those technical benefits in a way that resonated with both site engineers and procurement teams made him an invaluable resource. Over the years, Alain estimates he contributed to more than US$1 billion in grinding media sales across his territory – not by selling a product, but by solving problems.
I still remember pushing back on feasibility studies that used outdated consumption assumptions. I knew we could do better. And when we did, it helped those projects become viable.
In addition to grinding media, Alain played a key role in introducing Molycop Tools to the market. He trained hundreds of engineers, metallurgists and consultants on circuit modelling and performance analysis – creating a knowledge base that’s still used across the region today.
“That’s one of the things I’m most proud of. Seeing young engineers grow, gain confidence and then pass that knowledge on – that’s legacy work,” he reflects.
Calm in the chaos: Navigating crises with grace
Alain’s career spanned some of the most disruptive moments in recent mining history – from rail strikes to raw material shortages, surging freight rates, global recessions and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, he remained a steady and reliable presence for his team and his customers.“We faced a lot of tough situations, but we never ran a customer out of grinding balls,” he says. “That’s a testament to the coordination between sales, logistics and our depot network.”
During COVID, Alain took the lead in working with customers to explain and navigate cost recovery measures related to soaring freight charges. It wasn’t always easy, but his approach – honest, calm and focused on partnership – earned respect.
“Some conversations were difficult. But when you’re transparent and solution-oriented, customers stay with you. It’s about having their back, especially in tough times.”
Leadership, loyalty and lasting relationships
Ask anyone who has worked with Alain, and you’ll hear the same words: integrity, humility and unwavering professionalism.Felix Fornaguera, Country Manager – Canada, worked closely with Alain in recent years and credits him with helping shape the company’s values on the ground.
Alain is the kind of leader you rarely encounter – someone whose actions speak louder than words. His technical depth was matched only by his kindness and respect for others. He built trust one conversation at a time, and that trust still defines how we engage with customers across Canada today.
Jared Lewis, Sales Manager – Canada, echoes that sentiment:
Alain is a cornerstone of who we are in the Canadian market. He’s mentored so many of us – not just in how to manage accounts, but in how to carry yourself with consistency and class. He showed us that technical expertise is important, but reliability and relationships are everything.
Over his career, Alain formed long-standing partnerships with some of the country’s most respected mining operations. He speaks with particular fondness about his relationship with the Agnico group of companies, who, like him, valued people and long-term thinking.
“They were loyal to their people, and that stuck with me. It’s been rewarding to grow alongside them and many others over the years,” he says.
Passing the torch
Alain has always believed in empowering others. Whether training junior engineers, reviewing tender documents with new sales staff, or walking customers through logistics solutions, he made time for people.His advice to the next generation of account managers?
“Build relationships early, especially with young engineers – they’ll become your greatest allies. Be diligent, review your work, and always show up with a purpose. Trust takes time, but once you earn it, it will take you far.”
He also emphasises the value of staying calm during conflict, being punctual and following through – even when the answer isn’t easy.
“Own your mistakes, fix them fast and never overpromise. And when in doubt, rely on your technical team – you’re never alone.”
Looking ahead: New adventures begin
As he transitions into retirement, Alain looks forward to the freedom to explore, unwind and reconnect.“Travel, camping, biking, catching up on novels – just slowing down a bit and enjoying life,” he says. “And of course, spending more time with my family and friends.”
Still, the decision to retire comes with reflection.
“I remember my job interview like it was yesterday. I had four offers and chose Molycop. It was the right decision. The support, the people, the challenges – I feel incredibly lucky.”
And to the colleagues and customers he’s worked with over the years?
“Thank you – sincerely – for your trust, collaboration and friendship. It’s been an honour to represent Molycop. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I leave knowing the future is in good hands.”
Alain‘s 33-year contribution to Molycop and the Canadian mining industry has left a lasting mark on Molycop’s customers, teammates and the company itself. His calm leadership, technical expertise and unwavering sense of duty will continue to inspire long after he has stepped away from the day-to-day.
Congratulations on an incredible career, and all the best in your next adventure.
