Syntax, a global leader in enterprise cloud transformation, has partnered with Rio2 Limited to deliver a rapid SAP transformation that has significantly accelerated the junior miner’s transition from construction to full-scale gold production at its flagship Fenix Gold Mine in Chile.
In just six months, Syntax helped Rio2 replace fragmented spreadsheets and manual processes with a modern, unified SAP Cloud ERP platform, enabling the company to achieve operational readiness and financial control within one year of securing construction approval.
Rio2, a Canadian-headquartered precious metals and copper producer with operations across Chile and Peru, selected Syntax to implement a clean-core, cloud-first SAP solution tailored to the fast-moving realities of junior mining. The deployment included:
- SAP Cloud ERP (S/4HANA Cloud)
- SAP Analytics Cloud
- SAP Document Compliance
- SAP Concur Expense
The transformation unified finance, procurement, project accounting, and compliance across three countries and multiple currencies, delivering real-time visibility into project costs, cash flow, and regulatory requirements — critical capabilities for successfully bringing a new gold mine into production on time and on budget.
“Syntax’s deep mining sector expertise and SAP knowledge were instrumental,” said Kathryn Johnson, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary at Rio2. “They helped us move at the speed our business demanded — turning a complex, multi-country transformation into a fast, practical deployment that gives us 24/7 visibility and control.”
When regulatory approval for the 100%-owned Fenix Gold Mine was granted, Rio2 moved aggressively to compress timelines. Syntax’s team implemented SAP Cloud ERP using standard templates and native localizations, allowing the mine to be managed with enterprise-grade discipline from day one of operations.
The results have been immediate and measurable:
- 40% faster financial close with real-time consolidated reporting across three countries
- 30% reduction in procurement cycle times through automated workflows
- 20% efficiency gain for finance and accounting teams
- 25% improvement in on-time equipment delivery
Johnson added: “By adopting SAP Cloud ERP completely out-of-the-box, we gained enterprise-grade financial control and transparency without unnecessary complexity. This discipline has been transformational for a company of our size.”
Michelle Smith, Vice President of Global Mining Practice at Syntax, commented: “Rio2 now has a modern cloud ERP backbone that matches its ambition. With this foundation in place, they combine the governance of a large miner with the agility of a junior — and are well positioned to unlock further efficiencies and innovation through AI in the next phase of their growth.”
The partnership demonstrates how the right SAP implementation, executed with mining-specific expertise, can dramatically accelerate the journey from mine development to profitable gold production.
