André Moura Xavier
Dr. André Xavier is a specialist in sustainable economic development within the natural resource sector, with over fifteen years of experience working across industry, government, Indigenous communities, and international development organizations. He holds a PhD from UBC Mining Engineering and has served as an Honorary Assistant Professor since 2016.
Dr. Xavier is currently the Senior Manager of Natural Resources Management and Sustainable Development at Catalyste+, a Canadian economic development organization that partners with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Canada and internationally to support local capacity and sustainable growth. In this role, he leads the design and implementation of programs focused on the minerals and natural resources sector while maintaining strong ties to academic research and education.
Previously, Dr. Xavier served as a Program Manager at the Canadian International Resources and Development Institute (CIRDI), an institute established by the University of British Columbia (UBC) and funded by the federal government to share Canadian mining expertise with resource-rich developing countries.
He has co-authored more than 40 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers with UBC faculty and students and continues to contribute to academic and professional communities through supervision of graduate students and active participation in international conferences. Recent engagements include chairing a panel on Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plans at PDAC 2025, representing UBC-BRIMM at SDIMI 2024 in Italy, and hosting high-level government delegations from Mongolia.
As an Honorary Professor, Dr. Xavier continues to strengthen the bridge between UBC and the global minerals industry, helping to align academic research with real-world impact in areas such as ESG, mine closure, community engagement and sustainable development. He teaches the BRIMM 111 – New Perspectives on Mine Closure, bringing practical insight and interdisciplinary approaches to the classroom.