People

RESPEC Welcomes Dr. Niko Finke

We’re pleased to welcome Dr. Niko Finke to RESPEC’s Mining & Energy team. Dr. Finke is a Biogeochemist with more than 20 years of experience in environmental geochemistry and microbial ecology. His work focuses on the relationship between microbial activity and geochemical zonation in groundwater and surface water systems—knowledge that helps clients address some of mining’s most complex environmental challenges.

Dr. Finke has supported mining operations around the world, including projects in metallurgical coal, gold, copper, silver, nickel, and talc. He brings deep expertise in mine waste management and water treatment, including selenium and nitrate removal, biochemical reactor (BCR) design, and regulatory performance reviews. He is also passionate about applying advanced molecular biology tools to help clients meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Finke to RESPEC!

Dr. Niko Finke Senior Biogeochemist

Voices of RESPEC

Members of our Mining and Energy teams have their say about resiliency and adaptability and joining RESPEC as part of recent acquisitions.

With your company now part of RESPEC, what opportunities or experiences are you most excited about?

Joining RESPEC has opened new doors. We’re expanding our lab capabilities and exploring new markets with the support of a broader team. As a microbiologist among engineers, I’m excited by the chance to scale our custom biogeochemical testing and apply biology to big environmental challenges. The transition has been smooth, and I’m proud to be part of a company that values both innovation and people.

Rachel Spietz, Enviromin Bozeman, MT

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Acquired by RESPEC in 2024, Enviromin is a consulting practice specializing in the microbial and environmental geochemistry of mined materials and mine-affected water.

We’ve gained project management support that helps us move faster and take on bigger clients. Blending teams is a learning curve, but the talent around me is inspiring. It’s exciting to see how we’re evolving together, building a world class geothermal consulting group. I’ve worked in this office for years, and seeing this transformation feels like a dream come true. I've been RESPEC-ified.

Mary Mann, GRG Palm Desert, CA

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Acquired by RESPEC in 2024, Geothermal Resource Group (GRG) is an established leader in geothermal exploration and drilling management.

Joining RESPEC has been a great experience. The size and expertise of RESPEC gives us an opportunity to grow our team and expand our services. Everyone at RESPEC has been welcoming and the integration process has been going smoothly.

Blaine Accord, EARTHRES Morgantown, WV

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Acquired by RESPEC in 2024, EARTHRES provides solutions to increase efficiency, compliance, and cost-effectiveness to private and public clients in energy, mining, solid waste, and other environmentally regulated industries.

In your view, what’s the most important way RESPEC helps clients stay resilient and adaptable?

We help control and factor in our clients’ hydrogeologic risk. If they’re willing to invest, we help reduce risk of flooding. Our work may not increase production, but it protects it. That’s real resilience.

Christopher S. Johnson Rapid City, SD

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Sometimes the most important thing is just being available and dependable. Clients know they can count on us, and that trust matters, especially when things get unpredictable.

Erik Walega Rapid City, SD

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Improving mining operations, even in small ways, helps clients manage risk and stay competitive over time. Day-by-day optimization adds up, especially in volatile markets.

Deba Das Lexington, KY

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You can’t predict the market, but you can plan for it. Long-term thinking, solid contracts, and small, smart improvements help clients ride out the highs and lows—and even take advantage of them when they come.

Susan Patton Grand Junction, CO

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The most important way RESPEC supports resilience is by meeting clients where they are. Whether they’re working with $10,000 or $300,000, we find a way to help them move forward. That flexibility builds long-term trust.

Louis Fourie Saskatoon, SK

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