Breakwater Vantage (BWV), an indigenous-owned business led by CEO Martin Grygar, is working on agreements with indigenous-owned and operated partners and communities from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo in Alberta, Treaty 8.

This agreement paves the way for significant investment opportunities in BWV's innovative solutions for tailings water treatment with green chemicals, carbon emissions management and ESG reporting, including methane monitoring and abatement.

Indigenous communities will have the opportunity to:

• Invest into a joint venture to deploy BWV's tailings water treatment project.
• Participate in equity raises, further integrating their involvement in BWV’s initiatives. The agreement is open to further communities with a potential to buy-in at a later stage of the project execution.

"This agreement is crucial for providing the Indigenous communities in the region with meaningful ownership and participation in the deployment of our technology,” stated Martin Grygar, CEO of Breakwater Vantage.

This collaboration represents a significant step forward in fostering sustainable development, enhancing environmental stewardship, and empowering Indigenous communities through active participation in the cleantech sector.

Partnering with Indigenous Peoples

As an indigenous-owned business, BWV is deeply committed to working with Indigenous communities in Treaty 8. This new agreement represents a departure from typical business partnerships with Indigenous groups, which often involve pre-existing assets rather than a proactive role in development.

BWV approached the communities in the summer of 2024 to introduce its technology and outline the benefits, including job creation, economic growth, and community programs, while addressing health and environmental challenges. “We believe that the only way to reach a solution acceptable to governments, policymakers, Indigenous and Métis communities, and industry is to create one that is easily deployable, low capital, and focuses on environmental stewardship with Indigenous environmental values at its core,” stated Martin Grygar, CEO of Breakwater Vantage.

Cementing BWV’s relationship with the Indigenous groups in Wood Buffalo is critical to the company’s plans. Martin Grygar expressed that “It’s not just about additional investment; it’s about earning their trust and securing the social license to operate. The integration of Indigenous knowledge and technology is vital”. As an Indigenous-owned business, working with the largest First Nation communities and their traditional land use areas, BWV understand the importance of progressive reclamation. BWV are solving problems today to manage liabilities while being stewards of the land.

This proposed partnership provides the confidence to approach oil sands operators and governments, demonstrating that local communities support this solution. BWV is ready to deploy commercially if oil sands operators give their approval, with the initiative of these operators being the key factor. There are portions of the project being reviewed and executed, but the real value is to have the full solution executed to curtail further tailings water.

BWV is committed to progressing the agreement as soon as possible, aiming to develop sustainable solutions with the full backing of the Indigenous communities. Martin Grygar expressed his eagerness for further discussions: “We are keen to have more meetings with the AER, Oil Sands Mine Water Steering Committee, the Federal Government, and ECCC to ensure that our innovative solutions are implemented effectively and with broad support.”

BWV's technology & commitment to sustainability

Martin Grygar, states, “We are a proud indigenous-owned business dedicated to achieving your environmental and sustainability goals. Our expertise spans environmental stewardship, reclamation planning, water treatment, methane monitoring, and abatement." BWV aims to partner with communities to support a platform that promotes healthy living and a strong, interconnected community. We foster meaningful conversations and aim to create a thriving, sustainable world.

Martin Grygar further emphasizes the importance of indigenous knowledge and technology in capacity building, stating, "Our expertise includes addressing capacity gaps in nature-based solutions. We conduct research and collaborate with partners to develop tools and resources that bridge these important gaps in progressive reclamation of terrestrial and tailings water. BWV provides emerging solutions and identifies key needs for capacity building. Our commitment to sustainable practices ensures high-quality, environmentally friendly solutions."

BWV's process

At BWV, we offer innovative chemical solutions and expert consultation, specializing in water, soil, air, and critical testing services. Our state-of-the-art technology and advanced software tools ensure precise performance and reliable results. BWV is committed to working together to achieve your environmental goals and create a sustainable future.

Step 1: Froth Treatment and Enhanced Separation

Our technology efficiently recovers any remaining hydrocarbons and water from froth treatment tailings in oil sands mining operations, providing both economic and environmental benefits with a green chemical that is no longer a contaminant in the final terrestrial landscape. This step ensures efficient separation of fines, bitumen, solvents, and other components.

Step 2: Innovative Evaporation Process

We employ an innovative evaporation process that harnesses waste heat from various on-site sources, such as compressors, flare stacks, boilers, and more. This cutting-edge technology maximizes energy efficiency by repurposing otherwise wasted thermal energy, providing an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for water management.

Step 3/4: Bitumen and Solvent Recovery

The process results in recovered bitumen and solvent, which are meticulously separated with a green chemical. Additionally, the fines are de-watered to remove moisture content and place in the final terrestrial landscape, ensuring they meet Ready-to-Reclaim (RTR) criteria, Directive 85. This stringent RTR standard indicates that the materials are suitable for safe and sustainable reuse or disposal, aligning with regulatory and environmental guidelines.

Step 5: Mineral Recovery and Disposal

Any rare minerals are recovered, while slurry water and solids that fail to meet Ready-to-Reclaim (RTR) criteria are disposed of appropriately. Evaporative technology, functioning as a crystallizer, plays a crucial role in this process by efficiently separating and managing these materials.

Breakwater Vantage’s advanced water treatment technology and industry certifications position us as a leader in sustainable solutions and a valued partner for Indigenous-led closure planning, asset optimization, and environmental stewardship.