BarCan Company Information

BarCan (Barite Canada) is the preeminent Canadian source of Barite and has been for over two decades.

On the BarCan mine site - Loader Operator is loading the Hopper with dry feed that will travel up the conveyor and into the Kwatani

On BarCan site, oversize Belt, part of the Kwatani. After the feed is screened, the oversized Barite grains/rocks come out here as waste
Barite Concentrate Filter with material passing along it very quickly inside BarCan mill
BarCan Barite Concentrate pile in wet storage

Background and History

BarCan Barite operations are located in Buchans, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Our vast Barite resources originate from tailings produced from the historic ASARCO zinc mine established in 1927.

We supply API-grade product to onshore and offshore oil markets in Canada and around the world.

BarCan continues to invest in its plant, people, and processes. We are poised to explore exciting new markets for development in 2021 and beyond.


Our People

BarCan has a proud tradition of hiring the best and brightest talent from Eastern Canada. We emphasize diversity in our hiring practices.

Executive Management

BarCan’s executive management lead a hard-working Team of professionals, administrators, and plant operators. Meet our Chief Executive Officer, Mike Rose, and our Chief Operations Officer, Gordana Slepčev:

Mike Rose, BarCan CEO

Mike Rose, CEO

Mike Rose joined BarCan in 2012. Mike has played an active role in scaling BarCan’s operations and leads a diverse and talented team. Mike continues to build strong relationships with customers, regulators, and local Government officials to ensure BarCan’s success.

Mike brings over 35 years of senior-level managerial experience at governmental, industrial, and entrepreneurial organizations. He is an advisor and board director for several private companies in the mining, oil and gas, and aquaculture industries. He is a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University (Bachelor degree in Political Science and Economics) and Memorial University (Master of Political Science).

Mike O’Brien, General Manager

Mike O’Brien is a Mechanical Engineer (Memorial University, 2008) with extensive Project Management experience in large and small mining operations. A native of Buchans with strong family ties to the mining industry, Mike adds a wealth of local knowledge to BarCan. In particular, Mike brings direct knowledge and dedication to Buchans barite production having previously served as operations manager (2008-2009, and 2014-2016). Beginning 2022, he will lead organizational teams and operational improvements to ensure reliable production processes and to lead the way for future operational growth.

BarCan’s people are committed to success in the following aspects of operations:

  • Employing local, skilled workers whenever possible
  • Maintaining strong community relationships
  • Treating the environment with care for the long-term
  • Striving for 100% client satisfaction
  • Maintaining a flawless health and safety track record
Kelly Hefford
BMSI’s Compliance Administration Officer

Employee Health and Safety

BarCan takes the health and safety of our Team and clients very seriously. We are committed to a safe work environment, proper employee training, and regular maintenance programs for plant and equipment.

BarCan’s Safety First, Safety for All philosophy stresses that each employee is responsible for the safety of the Team and the community.

BarCan feed pond. T Hefford – Labourer from Exploits Welding and Machine Shop, C Savoie –Skilled  Labourer from Exploits Welding and Machine Shop, T Pinsent – HR, Safety Programs and Operations Administrator , R Brace –Operational Safety and Maintenance Manager
Boat Operator – C Stuckless – Welder from Exploits Welding and Machine Shop, redirecting the Tails line


BarCan and the Environment

BarCan champions environmental management. We produce high-quality Barite from tailings extracted from the historic ASARCO zinc mine located in Buchans, Newfoundland and Labrador

BarCan is committed to using environmentally responsible processing methods and believes that proper site stewardship is a necessary step in keeping our planet healthy.

In the past, mine operations have left behind sites that were:

  • Polluted
  • Visually unattractive
  • Hazardous to people, animals, and vegetation

BarCan understands that our environment is impacted by our actions. We are committed to operations that:

  • Protect the environment
  • Minimize any negative environmental impacts
  • Promote remediation

BarCan partners with experts, regulators, and the community to ensure environmental well-being.