CTO CORNER: Reflections from the ATCU Workshop
By Kim Morrison, Chief Technical Officer, ATC Williams
As we step into a new year, I want to reflect on a topic that is both professionally and personally significant to me: the Engineer of Record (EoR) role.
In November 2025, ATC University (ATCU) hosted an EoR workshop in Melbourne, which I co-facilitated with Genevieve New, Principal Engineer and EoR Technical Community Lead. This event brought together ATC Williams’s (ATCW) technical leaders and practitioners to explore best practices, governance requirements, and the evolving responsibilities of the EoR in today’s mining and infrastructure landscape.
Why the EoR role matters to me
The EoR role is near and dear to my heart for several reasons:
- Hands-on Experience: Throughout my career, I have served as EoR for numerous tailings facilities, heap leach facilities, dams, and retaining walls. In jurisdictions where required, I stamped designs with my Professional Engineer (PE) seal – a responsibility that underscores the accountability and trust placed in this role.
- Industry Leadership: While serving on the Board of Directors of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA), I led a Task Force that developed the landmark document “Proposed Best Practices for the Engineer of Record for Tailings Dams.” This guidance remains a cornerstone for improving safety and governance across the industry and, I am proud that ATCW joined the GBA in 2025.
- Global Standards: The Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) introduced critical governance requirements, including the appointment and empowerment of an EoR. During my five-year tenure at Newmont Corporation, I spearheaded GISTM implementation, ensuring EoRs were appointed across the tailings dam portfolio.
Today, as part of ATCW, I am thrilled to continue championing this role. ATCW serves as EoR for numerous tailings facilities worldwide, and our commitment to excellence in this space is unwavering.
Highlights from the Melbourne ATCU Workshop
The ATCU workshop was an opportunity to:
- Share lessons learnt from global projects and regulatory frameworks.
- Discuss practical challenges and solutions for EoRs in diverse jurisdictions.
- Reinforce ATCW’s leadership in technical governance and risk management.
Genevieve and I were energised by the engagement and depth of discussion. It was clear that our collective expertise—and willingness to collaborate—will shape the next generation of EoR practises.
Elevating the EoR Role
As we move into 2026, ATCU will continue to provide platforms for knowledge sharing and professional development. Elevating the EoR role is not just about compliance; it’s about safeguarding communities, protecting the environment, and upholding the highest standards of engineering integrity.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the workshop. Together, we are building a stronger, safer future for our industry.
