About

Northwest Mining Solutions, LLC is built on a straightforward mission: to provide clear, practical, and responsible support to mining operations. We combine technical expertise with hands‑on experience to help clients navigate permitting, compliance, planning, and site development with confidence. Our work is grounded in a deep respect for the industry and a commitment to doing things the right way—efficiently, transparently, and with long‑term environmental stewardship in mind.

We understand the realities of mining because it’s been part of our story from the beginning. Our team brings together backgrounds in engineering, geology, GIS, regulatory compliance, and field operations, allowing us to approach each project with a balanced, solutions‑driven perspective. Whether we’re supporting a small operator or a large‑scale project, our focus remains the same: deliver reliable guidance, reduce uncertainty, and help our clients move forward.

At Northwest Mining Solutions, we believe that responsible resource development strengthens communities, supports local economies, and builds the foundation for the future. Our work reflects that belief every day.

Meet the Team

The Northwest Mining Solutions team combines technical expertise with a straightforward, client‑first approach. We understand the regulatory landscape, the operational realities, and the importance of clear communication. Our team works side‑by‑side with clients to move projects forward efficiently, responsibly, and with confidence.

Project Manager

Peggy Merrifield

Peggy Merrifield is a Project Manager here at Northwest Mining Solutions, where she helps keep projects organized, moving, and on track. She brings over 20 years of experience supporting teams from across aerospace, public education and telecommunication industries , and enjoys the practical, behind-the-scenes work that helps projects run smoothly. Peggy is known for being dependable, detail-oriented, and steady—especially when things get busy or complicated.

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Peggy is naturally curious and has a strong passion for learning, growth, and finding better ways to do things. Outside of work, she loves spending time outdoors—especially hiking local trails, often while convincing her kids it was totally their idea. She also enjoys cooking and baking, is almost always in the middle of a good book, and loves baseball—whether that’s cheering her son on from the sidelines or catching a Mariners game the ballpark is one of her favorite places to be.

President - Project Engineer

Lisa Mahr

Northwest Mining Solutions, LLC was built on a lifetime of connection to the mining industry. For President Lisa Mahr, mining has been part of the landscape of her life since childhood. Growing up in Wyoming’s coal country, she spent her early years watching large‑scale operations from the pit edge—experiences that sparked a lasting respect for the industry and the essential role it plays in building communities and supporting modern life.

That early exposure continued through her father’s consulting firm, where she learned firsthand about the technical, environmental, and regulatory complexities of mining. Those experiences shaped her career path and inspired her to pursue a strong interdisciplinary foundation: a degree in GIS and Cartography, followed by a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering with a Minor in Geology from San Diego State University. This blend of spatial analysis, engineering, and geologic understanding gives her a unique perspective on responsible resource development.

Mining is more than a profession for Lisa—it is a legacy, a passion, and a commitment to doing the work the right way. Northwest Mining Solutions reflects that commitment by helping operators maximize resources, protect the environment, and navigate the regulatory landscape with clarity and confidence.

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Project Engineer

Padraic Defino

Padraic Defino is a Civil Engineer with experience in transportation, site planning, septic, and stormwater design. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Clarkson University in 2018, where he also played on the university’s baseball team. During college, Padraic gained early hands‑on experience working for an engineering firm in his hometown, focusing on septic design and site planning.

After graduation, he joined CDM Smith in Manhattan, performing bridge inspections across the city from 2018 to 2020. From 2020 to 2025, Padraic continued his engineering career with Urban Engineers of New York, contributing to several major infrastructure projects. His background combines technical precision with practical field insight, making him a valuable part of the Northwest Mining Solutions team.

With a strong foundation in Civil Engineering and years of experience on complex infrastructure projects, Padraic brings a steady, solutions‑driven approach to every assignment. His blend of field insight and technical skill strengthens our team and supports the high‑quality work our clients rely on.