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Securing America’s Supply Chain: Inside NioCorp’s Critical Minerals Breakthrough with CEO Mark Smith

Nov 13, 2026 27 min

In this episode we chat to Mark Smith, Chairman and CEO of NioCorp Developments, a company advancing the Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Nebraska, USA. We discuss the development of this unique critical minerals project, the challenges of securing funding and bringing new mines into production and the growing importance of establishing a domestic critical minerals supply chain in the United States. We also get Mark's perspective on what separates successful mining projects from those that never get built, and the challenges facing the industry over the next decade. And finally, Mark will be at the upcoming Resourcing Tomorrow conference in London from 1 to 3 December. The conference is the anchor event of London Mining Week, bringing more than 2,300 senior decision-makers together including ministers, mining CEOs, and investors in one room, with a practical focus on how capital gets deployed, projects get approved and how the industry delivers the metals and minerals the world need. As a media partner to the event, use code DIGDEEP15 for 15% off the current early bird price. Register here and get your tickets now before prices go up: https://hubs.ly/Q04y7L590 KEY TAKEAWAYS Unprecedented Multi-Mineral Diversity: NioCorp’s Elk Creek project in Nebraska is uniquely positioned to produce eight distinct critical mineral products—including niobium, scandium, titanium, and magnetic rare earths—from a single polymetallic ore body, creating built-in revenue diversification. Nearing the Finish Line on Project Financing: Having secured over $500 million in equity cash and all major permits, NioCorp is in the final stages of securing debt financing through the U.S. Export-Import Bank to trigger its 35-month construction phase. Industry-Leading Metallurgical Recovery: Through extensive technical development, NioCorp has achieved exceptional metallurgical recovery rates—such as 87% for niobium and over 92% for scandium and magnetic rare earths—drastically impro...

The Reality of Tier-One Copper: Infrastructure, Agility, and Scaling Kamoa-Kakula

Nov 9, 2026 41 min

In this episode we speak to Marna Cloete, President of Ivanhoe Mines who are focused on discovering and developing world-class copper and other critical mineral projects, primarily in Africa. We discuss the challenges of developing and operating the Kamoa Kakula mine in the DRC, the progress towards restoring full production, and the exciting exploration potential of the Western Forelands. Understand and explore the wider challenges facing the copper industry and what it really takes to turn a world-class discovery into a producing mine and Marna's personal insights into building high-performing teams, leadership and the lessons she's learned throughout her career. KEY TAKEAWAYS Infrastructure precedes mine execution: Turning a tier-one discovery into a producing operation depends on building extensive regional power grids, transport corridors, and social logistics rather than just drilling ore. Execution requires rapid adaptability: Complex developments require a phased scaling model and agile decision-making to pivot when external disruptions or geotechnical surprises alter the original feasibility plan. The global copper supply crunch is real: Meeting surging technological demand for copper requires government support, faster permitting, and consistent exploration funding across counter-cyclical market downturns. Local empowerment drives operational longevity: Building high-performing teams in challenging jurisdictions requires investing early in local workforce training, domestic management, and community equity BEST MOMENTS "It’s not just about discovering the mine, it’s about putting in place the necessary infrastructure to carry the product that your mine will produce, but also having a social conscience when you do so..." "I think people sometimes think if the plan is there and you start executing, everything's sort of already worked out and things will just go smoothly. It doesn't. You need to be able to adapt." "We all like our meringues, b...

Growing the Pie: Capital Cycles, Critical Minerals, and the Macroeconomics of Mining with Paul Gait

Nov 5, 2026 50 min

In this episode we chat with Paul Gait, Group Head of Strategy at Anglo American, one of the world's leading mining companies. Paul brings a wealth of experience from both the investment and corporate sides of the mining industry, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector. In this episode, we discuss Anglo American's evolving strategy, the growing importance of critical minerals, geopolitics, investment in new mining projects and what the future holds for the global mining industry. Paul will be at the upcoming Resourcing Tomorrow conference in London from 1 to 3 December where he will be speaking about 'Who Gets to Define What a Strategic Mineral Is? The conference is the anchor event of London Mining Week, bringing more than 2,300 senior decision-makers together including ministers, mining CEOs, and investors in one room, with a practical focus on how capital gets deployed, projects get approved and how the industry delivers the metals and minerals the world need. As a media partner to the event, use code DIGDEEP15 for 15% off the current early bird price. Register here and get your tickets now before prices go up: https://hubs.ly/Q04y7L590 KEY TAKEAWAYS Mining productivity has stalled as traditional returns to scale have flattened out, meaning future growth depends on genuine technological innovation rather than incremental process tweaks. While long-term demand for metals like copper is projected to grow significantly, meeting it is fundamentally a challenge of capital allocation rather than an absolute physical limit on planetary resources. Resource nationalism risks distorting critical price signals and causing capital misallocation, whereas sustainable development requires win-win frameworks that fairly reward the long-term risk borne by equity capital. Navigating the industry's extreme cyclicality and high capital intensity requires a deep, historical understanding of macroeconomics and capital cy...

From Discovery to Tier-One Assets: Terry Briggs on Global Capital Allocation and Nevada's Gold Revival

Oct 29, 2026 56 min

In this episode we chat to Terry Briggs, Chief Development Officer from AngloGold Ashanti, one of the world's leading gold mining companies. We will be discussing AngloGold Ashanti's exciting gold discovery in Nevada, the company's strategy behind consolidating the district, and what the future could hold for the project. We also explore the integration of Centamin and its flagship Sukari operation in Egypt, the thinking behind AngloGold Ashanti's portfolio decisions, and why major mining companies sometimes choose to divest assets that other producers would be keen to develop. We also delve into exploration strategy, capital allocation, the challenges of discovering the next generation of major gold deposits, and whether the industry needs to rethink how it funds early-stage exploration. And finally, Terry will be at the upcoming Resourcing Tomorrow conference in London from 1 to 3 December where he will be speaking about the impact of AI and automation, and the opportunities and challenges facing the next generation of mining professionals and leaders. The conference is the anchor event of London Mining Week, bringing more than 2,300 senior decision-makers together including ministers, mining CEOs, and investors in one room, with a practical focus on how capital gets deployed, projects get approved and how the industry delivers the metals and minerals the world need. As a media partner to the event, use code DIGDEEP15 for 15% off the current early bird price. Register here and get your tickets now before prices go up: https://hubs.ly/Q04y7L590 KEY TAKEAWAYS AngloGold Ashanti transformed its Nevada footprint from early-stage exploration into an integrated district with over 22 million ounces of gold resources across key deposits like Silicon, Merlin, and North Bullfrog. Major producers must maintain strict portfolio discipline, requiring new country entries to contribute roughly 10% of overall production (around 300,000 ounces annually) to justify corpora...

Unlocking the Orebody: Why Leadership, Not Technology, Drives Mining Productivity with Laura Tyler

Oct 26, 2026 50 min

In this episode we speak to Laura Tyler, an experienced mining executive and former BHP senior leader and former CEO of Adriatic Metals. We discuss how mining companies can unlock greater productivity from existing operations, the role of emerging technologies such as AI and muon tomography, and why the industry often struggles to turn innovation into measurable results. We'll also explore whether the biggest barrier to technological progress in mining is the technology itself or the leadership behind it. Laura will also share insights into her upcoming discussion with Gary Agnew from Ideon Technologies at Resourcing Tomorrow in London from 1 to 3 December. The conference is the anchor event of London Mining Week, bringing more than 2,300 senior decision-makers together including ministers, mining CEOs, and investors in one room, with a practical focus on how capital gets deployed, projects get approved and how the industry delivers the metals and minerals the world need. As a media partner to the event, use code DIGDEEP15 for 15% off the current early bird price. Register here and get your tickets now before prices go up: https://hubs.ly/Q04y7L590 KEY TAKEAWAYS Meeting global copper demand requires unlocking productivity from existing operations through better subsurface understanding rather than relying solely on new greenfield discoveries. True operational productivity comes from optimising the entire value chain and managing systemic bottlenecks rather than fine-tuning individual components in isolation. Successful technology adoption relies far more on organisational change management, workforce trust, and leadership ownership than on the software or hardware itself. The deployment of AI and automation should aim to liberate human capacity for strategic judgment, risk management, and problem-solving rather than simply generating more routine activity BEST MOMENTS "We have to be ambitious about the potential of these new technologies, but we can'...

The Copper Apocalypse: Ivan Bebek on AI Demand, Looming Deficits, and the Hunt for the Next Tier-1 Mine

Oct 22, 2026 35 min

In this episode we speak to Ivan Bebek, President and CEO of Coppernico Metals, a company advancing its flagship Sombrero copper-gold project in Peru. With global copper demand accelerating, driven by electrification, renewable energy, infrastructure development and the rapid expansion of AI data centres, concerns are growing about whether the mining industry can deliver enough copper to meet future demand. Some forecasts suggest a potential supply shortfall of 10 million tonnes by 2040, raising serious questions about where the next generation of copper mines will come from and whether the industry can develop them quickly enough. In this episode, we'll discuss what Ivan calls the 'Copper Apocalypse', the global competition to secure future copper supplies, the challenges of discovering and developing new deposits, and why copper could become one of the world's most strategically important commodities. We'll also get an update on the companies Sombrero project in Peru, its community engagement efforts and what lies ahead for its next phase of exploration drilling. KEY TAKEAWAYS Rapid electrification and AI data center expansion are driving unprecedented copper demand while discoveries of major new deposits have drastically plummeted. Capital alone cannot solve the impending supply deficit, as developing complex tier-1 copper mines requires decades of technical work, permitting, and sustained prices. Long-term exploration success and project viability hinge on building genuine trust and delivering tangible, sustainable value to local host communities. Coppernico Metals is gearing up for a significant drill campaign at its flagship Sombrero project in Peru after expanding its environmental permits to target high-priority zones BEST MOMENTS "The world is not ready in its copper demand for the lack of discovery and the supply that's not there, and technology is going at a record pace." "In that table, you'll see a lot of capital's been spent, but money...

Italy’s Critical Minerals, Leadership Lessons, and Project Development with Geraint Harris

Oct 19, 2026 44 min

In this episode we speak to Geraint Harris, Managing Director of Altamin, an experienced mining executive with an extensive background in mine development, operations, corporate strategy and leadership across the international mining industry. We will explore Geraint's career journey, the challenges of developing and financing mining projects, what makes an effective leader and how to build high-performing teams. We'll also discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the mining industry, particularly in Europe, and the lessons he's learned throughout his career. Geraint is also going to be attending the Resourcing Tomorrow at the Business Design Centre in London from 1 to 3 December. The conference is the anchor event of London Mining Week, bringing more than 2,300 senior decision-makers together including ministers, mining CEOs, and investors in one room, with a practical focus on how capital gets deployed, projects get approved and how the industry delivers the metals and minerals the world need. As a media partner to the event, use code DIGDEEP15 for 15% off the current early bird price. Register here and get your tickets now before prices go up: https://hubs.ly/Q04y7L590 KEY TAKEAWAYS Italy holds significant untapped mining potential: By leveraging historical brownfield data and infrastructure, companies can fast-track development and unlock strategic assets in Europe, such as geothermal brine projects and legacy base-metal deposits. Humility and cross-discipline collaboration drive leadership: Mining is fundamentally a team sport where successful leaders listen across all operational levels, dismantle organizational silos, and provide crews with the right tools to solve complex challenges. Project success depends on mastering the fundamentals early: Clear alignment between technical exploration and financial feasibility is essential before major capital deployment, as rushing past key stages can create costly underground bottlenecks. Transp...

Unlocking Chile’s Coastal Copper: Exploration, Scale, and Strategy with Geoff McNamara

Oct 15, 2026 33 min

In this episode I’m joined by Geoff McNamara, Co-Founder and Non-Executive Chairman of Culpeo Minerals, an ASX-listed copper exploration and development company focused on discovering and advancing high-grade copper projects in Chile. Culpeo listed on the ASX in 2021 and has since built a portfolio focused on Chile's Coastal region, including its flagship Lana Corina Project, where the company made a significant copper-moly discovery, alongside the Fortuna Project. Geoff joins me today to talk about the Culpeo story, what they've learned from exploring in Chile, the progress at Lana Corina and Fortuna, the current drilling programmes, the outlook for copper and what it takes to build and finance a junior exploration company in today's market. KEY TAKEAWAYS Culpeo Minerals is targeting shallow, open-pittable copper deposits in Chile’s Coastal Cordillera, aiming for a district-scale resource of 50 to 100 million tonnes. The flagship Lana Corina project, along with nearby Vista Montana and Fortuna, has shown high-grade continuity supported by recent geochemistry and geophysics programs. Chile offers an established mining workforce, strong regional infrastructure, and a pro-business regulatory environment with reduced corporate tax rates and royalty holidays for new discoveries. Despite competitive capital markets and a multi-decade exploration deficit, long-term copper demand remains robust due to global electrification and artificial intelligence infrastructure needs BEST MOMENTS "We like that coastal cordillera because of the infrastructure, because we believe it’s underexplored... you need pretty deep relationships in-country." "When you want to make discoveries, you go to places where there are a lot of mines... Chile is the world’s largest copper producer, it’s got the world’s largest copper reserves, and a long history of mining." "We’ve obviously had the electrification theme for some time, and more recently, we’ve had the artificial intelligence—...

From Mine to Magnet: Energy Fuels’ Strategy to Build a Western Critical Mineral Supply Chain

Oct 12, 2026 42 min

In this episode we chat to Ross Bhappu, CEO of Energy Fuels, a company working to establish an integrated rare earth supply chain at a time when securing critical minerals and reducing Western dependence on China have become major industry priorities. Ross brings a unique perspective, having spent nearly 25 years investing in mining companies before transitioning into operational leadership. We discuss Energy Fuels' mine-to-magnet strategy, its recent acquisitions, the capital required to deliver its ambitions, and the role of government support in developing a competitive Western rare earth industry. We'll also explore Ross's approach to investment, leadership and creating long-term shareholder value KEY TAKEAWAYS Energy Fuels is building a fully integrated Western critical mineral supply chain by pairing its existing White Mesa Mill with strategic downstream acquisitions like ASM and Vacuumschmelze (VAC). The company relies on acquiring established, operating companies with existing customers, infrastructure, and cash flow to minimise the execution risks of organic buildouts. While Western producers are not aiming to fully replace China’s dominant rare earth market share, the focus is on creating a resilient alternative supply chain with essential government backing and financing. Drawing on 25 years in mining private equity, Ross prioritises rigorous engineering homework, ample liquidity cushions, and empowering specialised division heads to lead operations BEST MOMENTS "When I think about mine-to-magnets, we are... going to be completely vertically integrated with the acquisition of VAC... Instead of trying to develop it ourselves, let’s go down the path of acquiring this really state-of-the-art technology. "It would take decades for us to develop our own magnet manufacturing facility... By trying to create it yourself organically, I think it’s fraught with risk. The way we’re going about it, we’ve really minimized the risk." "We’re not going to r...

Fueling the Nuclear Renaissance: Rebuilding Domestic Supply with Eagle Nuclear Energy

Oct 8, 2026 18 min

In this episode we chat to Mark Mukhija, CEO of Eagle Nuclear Energy, a company focused on uranium development and advanced nuclear technology. We discuss Eagle’s Aurora Uranium Project, its scale and pathway towards a pre-feasibility study, as well as the challenges of rebuilding a domestic U.S. uranium supply chain. Mark also shares his perspective on SMRs, the potential impact of AI on nuclear development, and what the uranium and nuclear industries could look like over the next decade. KEY TAKEAWAYS The United States faces an extreme domestic supply deficit, consuming roughly 50 million pounds of uranium annually while producing only about 2 million pounds. Eagle Energy is advancing its Aurora Project—the largest conventional mineable uranium deposit in the U.S.—toward a pre-feasibility study targeted for completion by late next year. Advancements in small modular reactors (SMRs) and massive power demands from AI reinforce that reactor deployment must be backed by a secure, reliable uranium fuel pipeline. Overcoming the multi-year development lead times for new mines requires strategic reserves, permitting reform, and substantial upfront capital investment before demand peaks BEST MOMENTS "You can’t have a nuclear renaissance without a uranium renaissance." "AI is creating this huge demand for 24/7 electricity, but it’s also helping nuclear companies develop this technology and make it come to market sooner." "A pre-feasibility study is really when you start turning a geological resource into an engineered project." "Uranium [is] being stopped to be looked at just another mined commodity, but it's going to become a very strategic energy necessity." VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail: ⁠rob@mining-international.org⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast⁠ Web: ⁠http://www.mining-international.org⁠ GUEST RESO...

Commodity Supercycle 2.0: AI Infrastructure, Critical Minerals, and the Nevada Opportunity

Oct 5, 2026 51 min

In this episode we speak to Simon Catt, Director at Arlington Group and Founder of Catt Call as we take a closer look at some of the investment themes currently shaping the mining sector. We discuss the growing importance of US government funding for critical minerals, including the Springer Tungsten project in Nevada, and whether US-based projects now deserve a valuation premium. We also turn to Nevada’s gold and silver sector, looking at companies including Hycroft, Mackay and StrikePoint, before moving on to tin, Metals X and why this often-overlooked commodity could become increasingly important. And finally, we ask the bigger question: where are we today in Commodity Supercycle 2.0? KEY TAKEAWAYS Driven by massive capital expenditure in AI and compute data centers, this commodity cycle demands unprecedented supplies of "energy metals" like silver, copper, and tin, alongside defense-critical elements like tungsten. Blue Moon’s integration into the U.S. defense supply chain alongside Elmet highlights the powerful valuation premium awarded to strategic domestic assets backed by government funding. Nevada continues to anchor North American precious metals production, offering major upside through high-grade exploration, asset consolidation, and potential corporate restructurings from majors like Barrick. Critical structural deficits and rapid electrification trends suggest that gold, silver, copper, and tin remain in the earlier, high-potential phases of their multi-year supercycle BEST MOMENTS "This cycle, of course, is driven by the commodity of the age, which is the tokens we use in our large language models, our AI... What AI needs is it needs energy metals and it needs energy." “How do you get access to the biggest pool of money on Earth, the United States government? And I think the answer is to work out what the United States government wants and needs." "We’re going to see price discovery in the East for the first time in generations... it...

Why Mineralogy and Heavy Rare Earths Define the Western Supply Chain

Oct 1, 2026 34 min

In this episode we chat to Don Swartz, CEO and President of Rare Earths Americas, a company advancing a portfolio of rare earth projects across Brazil and the United States. We discuss the recent discoveries and heavy rare earth potential at Homer-A, the scale and development plans for Alpha in Brazil, and the emerging Foothills Rare Earths District in Georgia. Don also gives us his perspective on why mineralogy matters more than headline grade, the challenges of building a Western rare earth supply chain, and why critical minerals represent a decades-long industrial challenge that the West is now trying to solve in just a few years. KEY TAKEAWAYS Deposit style and metallurgy matter far more than headline grades, as conventional flowsheets like ionic clays and monazite deliver saleable concentrates at a fraction of the capital expenditure of bespoke hard-rock projects. While light rare earth processing has expanded, the Western supply chain faces an acute shortage of heavy rare earths such as dysprosium and terbium, driving significant ex-China price premiums. Benefiting from advanced mining frameworks, clean hydroelectric power, and rich ionic clay deposits, Brazil is poised to become the premier global hub for rare earth production outside Asia. Revitalising the Western critical minerals industry is fundamentally constrained by a shortage of technical talent and mining engineering expertise rather than just access to capital. BEST MOMENTS "I always say that you should watch how explorers vote, because it's usually with drill rigs." "If you fast forward to 5, 10, 15 years from now, Brazil will undoubtedly be the epicenter of ex-China, ex-Southeast Asia rare earth production." "There's a lot of processors now that have moved, but what the West has not solved is where the heavies will come from." "You think about how many lawyers the United States graduates in a year versus how many mining engineers... The amount of skill, know-how, and developing...

Cornish Lithium, Dual Extraction, and the Race for Domestic Critical Minerals

Sep 28, 2026 34 min

In this episode we speak to Jamie Airnes, CEO of Cornish Lithium, a pioneering mineral extraction company focused on extracting lithium from hard rock and geothermal waters in Cornwall, in the UK. The company that is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year and they appeared within the first few episode of starting this podcast in 2018 when the business was still very much an exploration story. So 10 years on, it’s developing two different routes to extracting lithium from Cornwall, from hard rock and geothermal waters, as it looks to establish a domestic source of this increasingly important critical mineral for the UK. Jamie joins us to discuss how far the company has come, the technology behind its two extraction routes, finding the skills and people needed to build a new UK lithium industry and what differentiates its approach from other lithium projects. We’ll also look at why domestic lithium production matters to the UK, what support is needed from Government, and where Jamie sees Cornish Lithium and the wider UK mining industry over the next 5-10 years from now. KEY TAKEAWAYS Cornish Lithium is taking a dual-track approach by developing both hard-rock extraction at Trelavour and direct lithium extraction from geothermal brines across Cornwall. The company’s patented "Lepidico" (L-Max/L-OH / now Licontrol) hydrometallurgical processing enables more efficient, lower-energy lithium refining with reduced water use and minimal waste. Developing domestic supply is essential to meet the UK government’s mandate of 50,000 tonnes per year by 2035, helping end complete reliance on foreign imports and mitigating global price volatility. Retaining regional mining talent and collaborating with educational institutions and government are vital to scaling the workforce and delivering a projected £5 billion economic impact to Cornwall. BEST MOMENTS "The reality is, it's very very similar in many many ways... The subsurface is really important. It’s really im...

Navigating Public Markets & Critical Minerals with Nick Davis

Sep 21, 2026 32 min

In this episode, we chat to Nick Davis from Haynes Boone, a leading adviser to AIM-listed mining and natural resources companies. We discuss what mining companies need to get right when accessing the public markets, how geopolitics and critical minerals are changing the investment landscape, and why AIM continues to play an important role in funding growth-stage mining companies. Nick also shares lessons the mining sector can learn from other industries and what management teams should be focusing on to attract capital and create long-term value. KEY TAKEAWAYS AIM Market Regulatory Shift: Recent rule updates have streamlined listing requirements in London, making AIM an increasingly attractive platform for dual-listed growth-stage mining companies. Geopolitics & Critical Minerals: Supply chain security and defense demands—particularly around metals like tungsten, lithium, and copper—are bringing Western governments directly into project funding via debt, equity, and offtake support. Blended Financing Structures: Public equity remains central, but modern junior and mid-cap miners are increasingly combining equity with government grants, royalty arrangements, and strategic corporate offtakes. Adopting Tech-Style Storytelling: Mining management teams must move beyond presenting technical drill data and instead frame a clear, engaging narrative for institutional and retail investors across digital channels. Core CEO Strategy: Long-term market value is built on conservative target-setting, strong corporate governance, and maintaining a local community license to operate. BEST MOMENTS "A listing is for life, not just for Christmas... getting the building blocks in place can take a significant period of time." "Under-promise and over-deliver... that is the most guaranteed way to make your investors happy." "Tech companies are brilliant at telling their story and engaging with their audience... the days of running around town with a deck that just talks a...

Unlocking the Guiana Shield: Exploring District-Scale Gold at Antino with Colin Padget

Sep 17, 2026 28 min

In this episode we speak to Colin Padget, President and CEO of Founders Metals, a gold exploration company advancing the Antino Gold Project in Suriname. Colin is a geologist with a strong business background and has helped lead the team through an impressive period of exploration success at Antino, with 11 discoveries identified across the property to date. We discuss the story behind Antino, its wider district-scale potential, the growing relationship with Gold Fields, Colin’s transition into the CEO role, and why Suriname and the wider Guiana Shield could represent one of the more exciting underexplored gold regions globally. KEY TAKEAWAYS District-Scale Discovery Engine: Founders Metals has demonstrated vast mineralization potential across its 100,000-plus hectare land package at the Antino Gold Project in Suriname, notching 11 discoveries to date. Tier-1 Mining Validation: Major gold producer Gold Fields made a cumulative investment of roughly $100 million USD to secure a 19.9% stake in Founders Metals, offering both strong market validation and valuable technical collaboration. Blending Exploration with Business Acumen: Transitioning from geologist to CEO requires building a balanced technical team and knowing when to steer exploration toward mineable resources rather than open-ended science experiments. Modern Tech Pierces the Jungle Cover: Implementing high-resolution LiDAR and modern geophysics has revolutionized exploration through dense jungle canopy, allowing Founders to identify historic workings and uncover structural trends missed by previous operators. BEST MOMENTS "It feels a bit cliché when you're an exploration company in the Guiana Shield... everyone has one of those slides in their deck where it shows West Africa and the Guiana Shield and that the continents used to be together... but it really was that." "There's a validation piece that comes with having a major gold miner... take that level of interest in the company... Th...

The Autonomous Pit: Uniting Practical Autonomy and AI in Modern Mining

Sep 14, 2026 25 min

In this episode we chat to Johann Dias, CEO of URSA Mining to discuss how autonomy and artificial intelligence are changing the mining industry. We explore where the technology is delivering real value versus the hype, what mining companies need to consider before adopting autonomous systems, and how executives can manage the risks involved. We also look at the impact on people and skills, whether technology can help mining attract the next generation of talent, and ultimately, what the mine of the future could look like ten years from now KEY TAKEAWAYS Autonomy delivers the greatest value when applied to simple, repetitive, low-variance tasks rather than attempting to solve every operational challenge at once. Mining operations can lower adoption risk by starting with safe, low-impact test sites before rolling out autonomous tech to high-pressure production zones. Attracting the next generation of mining talent relies on offering hands-on responsibility with emerging technologies rather than treating tech as a corporate afterthought. The mine of the future will increasingly shift toward remote digital command centers, improving safety by drastically reducing the number of personnel required on-site. BEST MOMENTS "Digitization creates visibility, AI creates efficiency, and autonomy leverages visibility to compound efficiency." "Technology is really a tool, it is not a Band-Aid to solve deeper problems that can exist within the operation, but when implemented correctly, the upside can be absolutely massive." "Hype cycle is saying that autonomy can do everything and anything all the time, and the grounded, much more pragmatic approach is to look at it from the sense of: where are our simplest tasks coming from, and can we put a machine on those tasks to perform it itself?" "I envision the mines of the future to be run from command centers much like that Hoth base, where you can observe all the activity happening in real time." VALUABLE RESOURCES...

Tungsten West, Critical Minerals, and the UK Mining Comeback

Sep 10, 2026 35 min

In this episode we chat to Jeff Court, CEO of Tungsten West, an AIM market listed mining company who own and operate the Hemerdon Mine at Drakelands, South Devon, in the UK; one of the world’s largest tungsten resources who are going to bring the Hemerdon mine back into full production We discuss the restart of the mine, the project’s progress towards commissioning, the significance of recent UK Government support and funding, the UK mining industry and the key steps ahead as Tungsten West moves towards production. Jeff also shares lessons from more than 30 years in mining and his experience delivering projects around the world and much more. KEY TAKEAWAYS Backed by a £71 million funding package that includes the UK government as a strategic equity partner, Tungsten West has fully funded Hemerdon through to commercial production. The company rapidly transitioned from securing capital to launching operations within roughly one week, running plant refurbishment and early production in parallel with ongoing new construction. Hemerdon represents one of the world’s largest tungsten deposits outside China, positioning the UK as a critical supplier of raw materials for domestic defense and clean-energy supply chains. To overcome regional recruitment shortages in Devon, the operation is prioritizing local hiring, on-the-job training, and transferrable problem-solving skills over prior mining experience. BEST MOMENTS "We're probably one of the fastest projects you'll ever see from 'we're fully funded' to 'we're producing', and give or take we're about a week in between those two processes." "We now have the UK government as a long-term strategic equity partner in the project, and that means a huge amount to us." "If someone said to me, could you do the same for a project that might be sitting in remote parts of Canada right now? I'd say, 'Hey Rob, come and talk to me in about 12 years.'" "If you said what would be the rulebook before you started in this...

Unlocking Latin America’s Next Mega-Silver Discovery

Sep 7, 2026 29 min

In this episode we chat to Daniel Muñiz, Executive Chairman of Sinda, an emerging silver discovery in Mexico with the potential to become one of Latin America’s largest primary silver assets. We explore the story behind the discovery, what makes Sinda particularly exciting from a geological perspective, and the opportunity that remains across a project where around 74% is still significantly underexplored. Daniel also talks us through the strategy of expanding the existing resource while pursuing district-scale exploration, the challenges of advancing both simultaneously, and what the next phase of work could unlock. Finally, we look at Mexico’s position as the world’s leading silver-producing country, why it continues to generate world-class discoveries, and the role projects such as Sinda could play in meeting growing global demand for silver. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Sinda project hosts an estimated 800-million-ounce silver-equivalent resource within Mexico’s historic silver belt, positioned to become one of Latin America's largest primary silver assets. Despite its already substantial footprint, only 26% of the 6,200-hectare property and 36% of mapped veins have been drilled, signalling significant district-scale expansion potential. Backed by $330 million raised from its IPO, the company is advancing underground decline development while running an extensive drilling fleet to target production by 2031. Sinda navigates Mexico’s evolving regulatory landscape by treating community, environment, security, technical skill, and permitting as integrated priorities to de-risk development. BEST MOMENTS ""It's kind of like the gift that keeps on giving... it’s an elephant, a tiger by the tail, a whale—it will be more than one billion ounces, and we are just scratching the surface today." "In communities, it's not just about winning passive social license; it's about generating active community sponsorship." "I think people believe mining in Mexico has b...

De-Risking a Mega-Porphyry: Inside Solaris Resources' Warintza Project with Matthew Rowlinson

Sep 3, 2026 32 min

In this episode we chat to Matthew Rowlinson, President and CEO at Solaris Resources to discuss the development of Warintza in Ecuador, one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper projects. We explore what differentiates Warintza from other major copper discoveries, the critical steps required to move a resource of this scale towards construction, and how Solaris is thinking about financing and ownership as the project becomes increasingly de-risked. We also look at the wider copper market in particular; why the industry isn’t building enough new mines despite forecasts of a future supply shortage, the growing importance of geopolitics and China’s role in downstream refining, and what the mining industry needs to do to secure the social and political support required to develop the next generation of major copper mines. KEY TAKEAWAYS Warintza is an open-pit copper porphyry project in southeastern Ecuador boasting a 5.8-billion-tonne resource, a 55-year mine life, and an advantageous 0.5-to-1 strip ratio. Solaris is targeting mid-2027 to achieve a fully permitted status, aiming for a final investment decision (FID) by the end of 2027 followed by an estimated three-year build. Upstream mine ownership does not guarantee supply security because Western development has lagged behind China's dominant 50% to 60% share of global smelting and refining capacity. The primary barrier to meeting the global copper shortage is not the lack of raw resources, but the lengthy timelines and the scarcity of projects that have successfully aligned permitting, social license, and technical studies into a truly financeable package. BEST MOMENTS "There’s a difference between a very good ore body, a good project, and ultimately a financeable project... in the world today there's very few projects that are actually probably financeable." "Mining is really the procurement arm of the world... industrialization and urbanization has only happened through ultimately mining."...

West Africa’s Next Major Discovery: Andrew Chubb on Awalé Resources and the Art of Exploration

Aug 31, 2026 36 min

In this episode we chat to Andrew Chubb, CEO of Awale Resources, to discuss the company’s exploration journey at the Odienné Gold-Copper Project in Côte d’Ivoire and what it really takes to make a significant mineral discovery. We explore what gave Andrew the early conviction to keep pushing at Odienné what the successes and importantly the failures have taught the team, and what still needs to be demonstrated for the project to emerge as a significant gold-copper district. We also get Andrew’s perspective on the wider exploration industry: how technology is changing the way we explore, knowing when to keep drilling or walk away, why billions spent on exploration aren’t resulting in more major discoveries, and what advice he would give the next generation of geologists. KEY TAKEAWAYS Disciplined mineral exploration relies on letting incoming data continuously refine deposit models rather than becoming emotionally attached to initial theories. Côte d’Ivoire has evolved into a premier mining-friendly jurisdiction due to forward-thinking policy, rapid 4-year development timelines, and extensive regional electrification. The lack of tier-one discoveries from massive global exploration spending highlights the advantage agile junior explorers have over large producers when executing field programs. Having significant exploration capital requires geologists to maintain financial discipline, evaluate mining economics early, and avoid overextending on early-stage targets. BEST MOMENTS "If you look at it from a geologist perspective... there’s sort of a bit of a joke that goes around geologists of 'he who sees the most rocks wins'." "People ask the question, you know, 'Would you put your house on a project?' I effectively did... I was all in, if you like, from a poker perspective." "I sort of have a philosophy of you never completely discount a target, you just put it on the shelf. Because the next one... might actually give you insights into what you got...

Unlocking Europe’s Critical Metals: How MetPro Is Revitalizing Norway’s High-Grade Copper-Zinc Belt

Aug 27, 2026 42 min

In this episode, we chat to Steele Hemmerich, President of MetPro (Metal Prospecting AS), a copper and zinc exploration company in Norway's Grong VMS District. He brings a rare blend of hands-on field experience and capital markets execution. He started his career in the oil and gas industry before moving into corporate finance, where he worked on transactions across the mining, oil and gas, and technology sectors. Based in Dubai, he's evaluated mining projects across Europe, Africa, South America and Southeast Asia, and calls MetPro one of the most exciting he's come across, thanks to its drill-defined resource, Tier-1 jurisdiction and established infrastructure. In this episode, Steele joins the show to talk about MetPro's copper-zinc project in Norway and what it takes to bring a brownfield VMS district back into production. KEY TAKEAWAYS MetPro is fast-tracking the drill-defined Skiftesmyr copper-zinc deposit in Central Norway’s prolific Grong VMS district toward updated 43-101 compliance and pre-feasibility readiness. Built on decades of historical exploration and production data, the project benefits from tier-one infrastructure including direct access to highways, renewable hydropower, rail lines, and deepwater ports. The company’s multi-phase exploration program aims to expand resources beyond 6 million tonnes by testing open depths, strike extensions, and unaccounted high-grade gold and silver mineralization. MetPro is strategically positioned to help close the EU’s critical raw materials supply gap by leveraging predictable Scandinavian permitting standards and brownfield development speed. BEST MOMENTS "We have over 18,000 meters of modern diamond drilling completed, so this isn't a story about starting from a blank page; we're building on decades of historical development." "A great financial model built on shaky technical data is still a shaky project, no matter how clean the spreadsheet looks." "Domestic mining is only covering maybe a qu...

Financing the Future of Mining: Wheaton Precious Metals CEO Haytham Hodaly on Mega-Streams and Market Outlook

Aug 24, 2026 20 min

In this episode we chat to Haytham Hodaly, President and CEO of Wheaton Precious Metals, one of the world's leading precious metals streaming companies. We discuss Haytham's journey from joining Wheaton over a decade ago to leading the business today, explore how the streaming model is reshaping mine finance, and examine the record-breaking Antamina silver streaming transaction with BHP. We also look at the outlook for precious metals, where Wheaton sees its next growth opportunities, and what investors should be watching over the coming year. KEY TAKEAWAYS Non-dilutive financing model: Streaming provides mining operators with upfront development capital at a fixed production cost with no dilution, debt covenants, or repayment burdens. Monumental portfolio expansion: Wheaton’s recent milestone $4.3 billion silver streaming transaction with BHP underscores strong validation and demand for streaming among tier-one global miners. Significant built-in growth: Backed by fully funded and permitted construction projects, Wheaton is on track to increase production by 50%, targeting approximately 1.2 million gold equivalent ounces by 2030. Strong precious metals outlook: Long-term fundamentals remain bullish, supported by gold’s safe-haven role against currency weakness and silver’s accelerating demand across solar, electric vehicles, and AI data centres. BEST MOMENTS "We provide upfront capital to mining companies in exchange for the right to purchase a percentage of their future metal production at a fixed rate... that provides our counterparties with financing with no dilution, no debt, and no significant covenants or repayment burdens." "What we're trying to position ourselves as is the highest quality, lowest cost, strongest growth portfolio in the industry with the lowest risk profile." "Silver's got those great conductive properties which will also make it incredibly important in the AI expansion... AI data centres typically require almost three times m...

Building a Vertically Integrated Rare Earth Supply Chain - with Hugh Broadhurst

Aug 20, 2026 33 min

In this episode we speak to Hugh Broadhurst, COO at Aclara Resources to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing the critical minerals industry: how the West can build a secure and competitive rare earth supply chain outside of China. We’ll explore Aclara’s development of SPREC, its plans to connect South American resources with separation capabilities in the United States, and how AI, pilot plants and strategic partnerships could help accelerate the journey from development into commercial production. We continue to discuss the risks of scaling technology from pilot to commercial operations, what can and can’t be accelerated through AI, and why simply discovering more rare earth deposits isn’t enough to create genuine supply-chain independence. KEY TAKEAWAYS Simply discovering raw mineral deposits does not ensure independence; true supply chain security requires full control over refining, separation, and metallurgical capabilities. Vertical integration reduces commercial and operational risks by allowing upstream mining operations to be balanced specifically for the chemistry and ratios needed downstream. Scaling chemical processes from pilot to commercial production often fails due to basic mechanical material-handling challenges rather than errors in chemical theory. Artificial intelligence and digital twins help convert the complex "art" of multi-stage separation into an exact science by modeling dynamic feedback loops and time variability. BEST MOMENTS "It’s not just the molecule you’re trying to sell, it’s what comes with it." "Having the control means we understand our deposits, we understand the variability, and then it’s just about managing it." "The goal here is to take the art out of it and apply science." "It’s often not the basic process that doesn’t work, it’s these annoying little things that happen... everywhere where there's solids, that's what I like to look for." VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail: ⁠rob@mining-international.org⁠...

Delivering Mining Projects in Emerging Markets: Culture, Governance, and Front-End Strategy with Richard Bowley

Aug 17, 2026 42 min

In this episode we chat to Richard Bowley, who is a highly experienced mining executive who has spent more than 20 years leading projects across emerging markets. We discuss and explore the realities of delivering mining projects in challenging jurisdictions, the importance of leadership, governance and ESG, why projects run over budget and behind schedule, and the lessons Richard has learned from advising companies, investors and governments throughout his career. KEY TAKEAWAYS Cultural integration and local relationship-building are just as critical to project survival in emerging markets as technical engineering. Front-end engineering investment during feasibility studies prevents massive downstream capital blowouts and schedule delays. Governance failures undermine entire ESG efforts, as a lack of transparency quickly erodes trust with host governments and local stakeholders. Owner teams must empower appointed EPC/EPCM contractors to execute their roles rather than micromanaging and hindering project delivery. BEST MOMENTS "Look at your feet... You're not in London now. So whatever you think you know, park it." "If you just go into a country and think it's about technical delivery, you will fail. 100%." "10% extra on engineering at the front end of any feasibility study, for me, is critical." "Everything you do well instantly becomes destroyed because if the governance aspects of a project or a business in any country become questionable, that trust that you've built... just gets torn down." VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail: ⁠rob@mining-international.org⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast⁠ Web: ⁠http://www.mining-international.org⁠ GUEST RESOURCES https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-bowley-842ba818/ CONTACT METHOD ⁠rob@mining-international.org⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/...

Unlocking BC’s Gold Potential: Exploration, Technology, and the 3Ts Project with Randy Turner

Aug 13, 2026 23 min

In this episode we chat to Randy Turner, President and CEO of Independence Gold. Randy is a highly regarded geologist with a track record of discovering, advancing and creating value from mineral projects. He played a key role in the discovery of the Snap Lake diamond deposit, later acquired by De Beers, and was also involved in the early history of what became Artemis Gold's Blackwater mine. In this episode we discuss what attracted him to the 3Ts Gold Project in British Columbia, the project's fascinating journey from Teck to Independence Gold, what he looks for in a successful discovery, how technology is transforming exploration, and what's next for the 3Ts project. KEY TAKEAWAYS Randy Turner brings over 55 years of geological expertise to Independence Gold, having previously played a key role in major discoveries such as the Snap Lake diamond deposit and the early acquisition of the Blackwater gold project. Independence Gold is focusing its exploration efforts on the 3Ts Gold Project in British Columbia, which sits adjacent to the massive 20-million-ounce Blackwater gold deposit. Successful modern mineral exploration relies on combining advanced technologies like AI, geophysics, and geochemistry with traditional, boots-on-the-ground geological analysis. Independence Gold operates as a pure-play exploration company with a target strategy to grow the 3Ts resource to approximately 1 million gold-equivalent ounces before seeking a buyer or development partner BEST MOMENTS "In most cases around the world, all the easy deposits have been found... It's now taking more geology, back to the basics of geology—technologies, AI, geophysics, geochemistry." "We can't totally rely upon technology to make all these discoveries—we still have to be using our brains and our geological backgrounds to put all this together." "Good old boot and hammer work is what we call it—geologists getting out, banging rocks, and almost sniffing the core, looking at it, studying it...

Redefining Critical Minerals, Safety, and Community Engagement at Hermosa

Aug 10, 2026 36 min

In this episode we speak to Pat Risner, President of South32 Hermosa project in Arizona who are advancing a multi-metal critical minerals development in the Patagonia Mountains of southern Arizona targeting zinc, manganese, silver, lead, and copper. In this conversation we discuss what makes Hermosa such a strategically important project, the recent progress on permitting, and why Pat describes it as "a different kind of mine." We'll also explore his leadership journey, the company's approach to safety, community and Tribal engagement, the role of innovation and remote operations, and what the mining industry needs to do to develop the next generation of talent. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Hermosa project has the potential to produce up to five critical minerals including zinc, manganese, and copper, helping address supply chain vulnerabilities and foreign reliance for the United States. By design, Hermosa minimises its environmental footprint using 90% less water than traditional historical operations, a battery-electric underground fleet, and a total land disturbance of just 700 acres over up to 70 years of operation. South32 established relationships with local communities and native tribes four to five years prior to submitting permit applications, allowing stakeholder input to directly shape project design and avoid cultural or environmental impacts. By placing its remote operating facility (Centro) in Nogales, the project removes traditional mining employment barriers and supports a goal of a minimum 80% local workforce. BEST MOMENTS "We all guarantee everyone goes home safe and well... 'Guarantee' is a very emotive, provocative word when we talk about safety in mining, but that's deliberate. It's on purpose; it drives and ensures we have the right conversations." "The concept is: the earlier you engage with deliberate intent that you want to design a project that's less impactful... you have to start really, really early so it's robust and meaningful co...

ATEX Resources and the Valeriano Discovery: Unlocking Chile’s Next Major Copper District

Aug 6, 2026 30 min

In this episode we chat to Chris Beer, interim CEO of ATEX Resources, who are exploring the 100% owned Valeriano Copper Gold Project located in Chile. Copper is becoming one of the world's most strategically important commodities, and few exploration stories have attracted as much attention in recent years as ATEX Resources' Valeriano Project During this conversation, we are going to discuss the evolution of the project, the significance of the B2B discovery, the challenges and lessons from deep drilling, how the company is preparing for its next stage of growth, and Chris's thoughts on the future of copper and Chile's role in meeting global demand. KEY TAKEAWAYS ATEX Resources is evolving its Valeriano project in Chile from a localized copper-gold discovery into a large-scale, emerging copper district. The discovery and expansion of the high-grade B2B breccia zone near the surface provides significant potential for earlier-stage project development compared to deeper porphyry targets. Advanced techniques like directional drilling have enabled ATEX to improve operational efficiency and save thousands of meters of drilling in deep exploration targets. High copper concentrate grades combined with minimal deleterious elements position the Valeriano project favourably against tightening global copper supply standards. BEST MOMENTS "We think it's one of the top ten largest copper-gold discoveries in the last decade, globally." "Directional drilling... saved 6,000 to 7,000 meters in drilling [last year] just by utilising directional drilling. It really allows us to efficiently drill deeper deposits." "Finding, financing, permitting, and building a mine is a 10-to-20-year endeavour on large porphyry systems... I think the market underestimates the supply response." "The copper smelting companies are so desperate for concentrate that they are willing to take a hit just to bring that concentrate to their smelter." VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail: ⁠rob@mining-...

Pioneering Frontier Markets: Harry Anagnostaras-Adams on Mining in Ethiopia & Saudi Arabia

Aug 3, 2026 48 min

In this episode we speak to Harry Anagnostaras-Adams, Founder and Executive Chairman of KEFI Gold and Copper. Harry has spent more than four decades in the mining industry, building companies and advancing projects across Australia, the Middle East and Africa. With KEFI, he is now developing the Tulu Kapi Gold Project in Ethiopia and maintaining exposure to Saudi Arabia's rapidly growing mining sector. Harry offers a unique perspective on financing projects in emerging jurisdictions, navigating geopolitical challenges and creating long-term value. We also explore his remarkable journey, the lessons learned from operating across multiple continents, and his outlook for KEFI and the wider mining industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS Building direct, long-term relationships and being present in the country are essential for navigating local political, regulatory, and security challenges. By following specific geological formations—such as VMS deposits and greenstone belts—companies can unlock massive, previously untapped mineral potential. Innovative financing structures—such as combining project debt, royalties, and preference shares—allow major developments to proceed while keeping equity dilution remarkably low. Maintaining strict ethical standards and transparency ensures resilience against geopolitical instability, regulatory hurdles, and localised conflicts. BEST MOMENTS "The hallmark of our decision and style was that we would move over to that part of the world, roll up our sleeves, and get amongst it on the ground." "When you've got one or two [geologists] that have found a number of deposits in their lifetime, you know you've got a precious person." "Never do anything that can compromise you... if you've never been compromised, there's nothing to worry about. You can always lie straight in bed and have a good night's sleep." "In the first ten years of KEFI's existence, we made discoveries, and then we literally stopped exploration. And now that we're in a...

Unlocking High-Grade Potential: Diane Garrett on the Future of Hycroft Mining

Jul 30, 2026 31 min

In this episode we chat to Diane Garrett, CEO of Hycroft Mining who are a U.S.-based gold and silver development company focused on advancing the Hycroft Mine in Northern Nevada, one of the largest undeveloped precious metals deposits in the United States. Diane gives us an update on Hycroft Mining as the company continues to advance one of the largest gold and silver development projects in the United States. Since her last appearance on the podcast in 2022, Hycroft has delivered a significant increase in its mineral resource, published a new technical assessment, and strengthened its leadership team as it moves towards the next stage of development. We also discuss the latest progress at Hycroft, Diane's leadership journey, the lessons she's brought from previous successes, and her views on the outlook for gold, silver and the future of mine development in the US. KEY TAKEAWAYS Hycroft Mining is prioritising the exploration and development of two significant high-grade silver systems to optimise early cash flow before advancing its broader, lower-grade deposit. Recent technical assessments and improved metallurgical recoveries have significantly boosted Hycroft's measured and indicated mineral resource estimates while eliminating its prior corporate debt. A industry-wide shortage of qualified technical and operational talent, worsened by post-pandemic retirements and low university enrolments, presents an ongoing challenge for mine development across North America. Strong long-term fundamentals for gold and silver—driven by central bank purchasing, global debt levels, and industrial demand—support a positive outlook despite short-term market volatility. BEST MOMENTS "The people are the only asset that you're really investing in at this stage, and we take that to heart and we make sure that we build very solid, highly experienced teams." "Many mines just have one way to develop them. Hycroft has many options." "Take a prudent approach, don't r...

Alignment, Electrification, and Leadership - with Graham Crew

Jul 27, 2026 44 min

In this episode we chat to Graham Crew, a mining executive whose career has spanned engineering, operations, corporate leadership and investment. Fresh from leading Rupert Resources through its acquisition by Agnico Eagle, Graham shares his perspective on what the transaction says about today's mining industry and the changing landscape of project development. We discuss leadership, permitting, ESG, energy transition, emissions reduction, lessons from previous commodity cycles, the future role of AI in mining, and the capabilities the next generation of mining leaders will need to succeed. To download the free whitepaper to uncover how ExxonMobil is redefining strategic approaches to energy transition in the mining sector: https://shorturl.at/89CLq KEY TAKEAWAYS Sustainable project development in modern mining relies on aligning the interests of investors, local communities, and governments to secure long-term support. Electrification and autonomous technologies offer major opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and emission reductions across the industry. Successful leaders look beyond short-term commodity price swings to focus on building strong organisational cultures, managing costs, and controlling what is directly within their power. Artificial intelligence serves as a powerful tool for organising and analysing vast amounts of operational data to drive faster, data-informed decision-making. BEST MOMENTS "High-quality ore bodies are not easy to find, and they're even harder to develop." "It takes people to make things work well, and it takes leadership to make operations and businesses work well." "Pick the tops and bottoms, leave that for market speculators... as an industry, try to build the most efficient mines we can." "The one thing that you can control is the culture of the organisation, how people treat it as owners, how efficiently people think, and how well they work together." VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail: ⁠ro...

De-Risking Gold Exploration Through Bulk Sampling with Wesley Whymark

Jul 23, 2026 23 min

In this episode, we speak to Wesley Whymark, President and CEO of Inventus Mining, to discuss the company's Pardo Gold Project in Ontario, Canada. We explore what makes this unique gold deposit stand out, why bulk sampling has been central to its development strategy, and how Wesley's geological background influences both technical and commercial decision-making. We also discuss the potential for a low-capital path to production, the realities of permitting and Indigenous engagement in Ontario, and the key lessons learned from advancing an unconventional gold project. KEY TAKEAWAYS Inventus Mining utilises bulk sampling to combat the "nugget effect" of paleo-placer gold systems, proving that early drill data aligns with actual resource extraction. By opting for a mine-and-haul model using existing regional processing mills, the company minimises high upfront capital expenditure and avoids complex on-site infrastructure. Revenue generated from initial bulk sampling programs helps fund ongoing exploration and drilling without relying heavily on dilutive equity financing. Project proximity to established infrastructure—such as Sudbury, Ontario's roads, mills, and labor pool—is critical to transforming small-to-mid-size gold deposits into economically viable mines. BEST MOMENTS "Bulk sampling allows you to test that in real time... it's sort of like a trial mining, and it gives you confidence that you can extract the material at a profit." "I like to put more money into the ground and a slightly less budget on marketing, because I think successful results are a stronger impact than a sort of empty story." "You could have a great project of high-grade gold, but if it doesn't have good access... the ability to turn it into a mine gets diminished." "Our strategy at the moment is to generate cash flow that can be used to further develop the gold system... so we don't need to keep doing equity raises and diluting shareholders." VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail...

From Compliance to Value Creation: The Reality of Cultural Governance and ESG in Mining

Jul 20, 2026 47 min

In this episode we seek to Louise Porteus, ESG Manager at Thor Explorations, a TSX-V & AIM listed gold producer and explorer focused on West Africa with operations and exploration assets in Nigeria, Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire We explore how environmental, social and governance practices have evolved from a compliance function into a key driver of value creation in the mining industry. Louise reflects on the pivotal moments in her career, discusses how ESG expectations differ across jurisdictions, shares how Thor Explorations is leading by example, and offers her perspective on the future of ESG over the next decade. We also discuss her work supporting Women in Mining and hear her advice for anyone looking to build a career in international ESG and the mining sector. This episode is brought to you by Mining International, a global executive search partner to the mining industry. For bespoke search and advisory services, please visit www.mining-international.org KEY TAKEAWAYS ESG has successfully shifted from a rigid box-ticking exercise into a core driver of long-term value creation and operational viability in the mining industry. True project stability relies on integrating local community dynamics and cultural governance into decision-making rather than just depending on written local legislation. Implementing ESG successfully requires a practical, step-by-step approach to data gathering that builds local trust and capacity, rather than overwhelming teams with massive theoretical toolkits. Advancing women in the mining sector involves moving past token representation and actively training them for hands-on, technical roles that fundamentally transform lives. BEST MOMENTS "Most projects didn’t fail because of technical reasons, they failed because of social." "There’s a better understanding that it’s not a tick-box, it’s not just a spreadsheet, it’s actually people that have to put the work behind it and do it." "I’ve been emphatic about bringing wh...

Data Before Drilling: Revitalising the Paris Mountain Project with Anglesey Mining

Jul 16, 2026 40 min

In this episode, we chat to Andrew Fulton and Jim Williams of Anglesey Mining, an AIM listed mineral exploration and development company focus on advancing the Parys Mountain poly-metallic project on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales. Andrew has built a career leading mining operations, developing projects and turning technical challenges into practical solutions. Now, he’s helping shape the next chapter of Parys Mountain with Jim Williams, where the focus is on taking a disciplined, technically driven approach to unlocking the project's potential. In this episode, we explore why understanding geology comes before drilling, how decades of historical data can reduce risk, the role of modern technology in project development, and why leadership, community engagement and strong technical foundations are critical to building successful mining projects in today's industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS Following a comprehensive corporate restructuring and recapitalisation, Anglesey Mining has shifted its primary focus to advancing the Paris Mountain polymetallic project in North Wales. The management team is strategically prioritising a thorough analysis of decades of historical geological data to ensure every future drilling dollar answers a specific technical question. Anglesey Mining defines responsible mining as building trust by consistently meeting the exact expectations set for investors, regulatory bodies, and local communities. The UK mining industry is experiencing a notable resurgence, driven by the government's critical mineral strategy to secure domestic supply chains for essential metals like copper and zinc. BEST MOMENTS "The focus is taking on a disciplined, technical-driven approach to unlocking the project's potential." "Right now, I don't think we need to immediately grow the resource. We need to grow confidence into actually where we're going to target to build this mine." "Responsible mining is about meeting the expectations that we've set." "Te...

Breaking Boundaries: How Andrada Mining is Redefining Africa’s Critical Minerals Landscape

Jul 13, 2026 23 min

In this episode, we chat with Anthony Viljoen, who returns to the podcast to provide an update on the progress being made at Andrada Mining as the company continues to advance its ambition of becoming a leading African critical minerals producer. We discuss the operational improvements behind record tin production at the Uis Mine, the impact of the new ore-sorting circuit, exploration progress at Brandberg West and Lithium Ridge, strategic partnerships with global industry leaders, and the key operational, technical and corporate milestones investors should be watching over the remainder of the year. This episode is brought to you by Mining International, a global executive search partner to the mining industry. For bespoke search and advisory services, please visit www.mining-international.org KEY TAKEAWAYS By integrating an innovative X-ray transmission (XRT) ore-sorting circuit, Andrada Mining aims to eliminate 80% of waste upfront and boost operational throughput by approximately 60%. Distinct exploration programs at Brandberg West have revealed a rich blend of tin, tungsten, and copper, effectively shielding the project from single-commodity market volatility. The extensive drilling initiative at Lithium Ridge, conducted in partnership with SQM, has confirmed high-grade, near-surface mineralization spanning a 6km strike. Anthony believes that surging global interest in critical minerals offers a unique opportunity to revitalise liquidity and rebuild retail investor trust on the London AIM market. BEST MOMENTS "What started off as this consolidation of historic tin mines is turning into a district-scale mineralised province." "We’ll get rid of 80% of the waste upfront... that makes the whole concentrated part of the circuit a lot more efficient." "Having the different array of minerals that we've got allows any sort of fluctuations [in the commodity game] to be smoothed out." "I think that with the flurry of interest in critical minerals, there...

Unlocking The New Saudi Arabian Frontier in Global Mining - with Adam Oehlman

Jul 9, 2026 19 min

In this episode, we chat with Adam Oehlman, CEO of Sierra Nevada Gold, a junior advancing a portfolio of high-impact precious and base metal projects across Nevada in the USA and in Saudi Arabia We discuss his transition from African Gold, where he helped grow the resource base and deliver a successful corporate transaction, to leading a company with ambitions in one of the world's fastest-emerging mining jurisdictions. We explore why Saudi Arabia has become the company's strategic focus, the potential of the Al Safra copper-gold project, and what it's really like operating on the ground in the Kingdom. Adam also shares his approach to disciplined capital allocation, balancing technical geology with corporate strategy, and his views on why Saudi Arabia could become one of the mining industry's most attractive destinations for exploration investment over the coming years This episode is brought to you by Mining International, a global executive search partner to the mining industry. For bespoke search and advisory services, please visit www.mining-international.org KEY TAKEAWAYS Sierra Nevada Gold's strategic transition to Saudi Arabia is fueled by the region's incredibly low exploration costs and immense, under-explored geological upside. The company’s flagship Al Safra project has high-impact potential, backed by strong historical copper and gold mineralization and active fast-tracked drilling. Saudi Arabia provides a highly supportive operating environment with substantial government financial incentives, competitive drilling rates, and efficient asset turnaround times. Successful junior exploration requires balancing robust technical fundamentals with a practical, value-driven investor mindset to ensure every dollar counts. BEST MOMENTS "The more money you can get into the ground and the further it goes, the higher the likelihood you have to succeed..." "We've had our license at Al Safra for seven weeks, and we've got three drill rigs completed al...

From Oil & Gas to Hydrogen: The Next Frontier in Energy Exploration

Jul 6, 2026 33 min

In this episode, we chat with Andrew Hume, Managing Director of Thor Energy, a company operating at the crossroads of critical minerals exploration, natural hydrogen, and the evolving energy transition. We revisit Andrew's career journey and discuss what motivated him to leave the major energy company environment to lead a junior exploration company. We'll explore the challenges of transitioning from oil and gas into mining, how Thor Energy is positioning itself within the rapidly changing energy landscape, and the progress being made across its project portfolio, including the flagship HY-Range natural hydrogen project. We'll also take a closer look at the growing interest in natural hydrogen, its potential role in the global energy mix, and whether it could emerge as a significant new commodity class. Finally, Andrew shares insights into how Thor is combining techniques from both the mining and oil and gas industries, the role of AI in exploration, and some of the key lessons he's learned throughout his career. This episode is brought to you by Mining International, a global executive search partner to the mining industry. For bespoke search and advisory services, please visit www.mining-international.org Download this free whitepaper to uncover how ExxonMobil is redefining strategic approaches to energy transition in the mining sector: https://bit.ly/wp-mining-forward-lower-emission-mining-operations KEY TAKEAWAYS Thor Energy successfully integrates traditional mining techniques with oil and gas exploration methodologies to unlock complex transition commodities. Recent shallow geochemical evaluations at the flagship HY Range project revealed an impressive 3% natural hydrogen enhancement in the soil. Thor has partnered with Velseis to initiate a 2D seismic program in late Q3 or early Q4 to map out subsurface structures for future drilling targets. As a lean operator, the company leverages AI tools for advanced data pattern recognition to dramatically...

The Green Horizon: Innovations in Tailings Filtering and Sustainable Mining with BOKELA's Jürgen Hahn

Jul 2, 2026 30 min

In this episode, we chat with Jürgen Hahn, Senior Manager in Product and Business Development at BOKELA, a company renowned for its expertise in advanced filtration, dewatering, and process technologies for the mining and minerals sector. With more than three decades of experience and a strong scientific background, Jurgen has played a key role in the development of innovative tailings management solutions and has authored numerous technical papers on the subject. We discuss the growing importance of tailings filtration, the balance between operational costs and long-term sustainability, and how the industry is responding to increasing environmental and regulatory pressures. We will also look ahead to the future of mining, covering topics such as recycling and the role mining will play in supporting the global energy transition. Finally, Jurgen will share his key insights and advice for professionals working in tailings management and mine waste stewardship. KEY TAKEAWAYS Jürgen began his professional journey with BOKELA as a student assistant in 1986 and has risen through the ranks to lead product and business development. BOKELA transitioned to being a 100% owned subsidiary of Tsukishima Holding in 2013, finding a strong cultural and psychological fit between German and Japanese business mentalities. Increasing industry pressure and awareness of annual dam failures are pushing mining operations away from wet disposal systems and toward advanced tailings filtration. Standard financial comparisons overlook crucial factors like property requirements, rehabilitation costs, and long-term water treatment, making a strong case for lifecycle cost calculations. BEST MOMENTS "Our high-performance disk filter already includes all the knowledge about bottlenecks and how to overcome the bottlenecks." "The ground that you need to build a wet disposal is about three times bigger than what you need for a filter tailings stack." "Things would change if we really tal...

Traversing the Permitting and Execution Pathway at Black Pine

Jun 29, 2026 42 min

In this episode, we chat with Jon Gilligan, CEO & Director of Liberty Gold. Jon brings more than three decades of experience in mine construction, operations, and project development, having helped build and operate a number of successful mining projects throughout his career. Jon is leading the advancement of Liberty Gold’s flagship Black Pine Gold Project in Idaho, a project that has become the company’s clear strategic focus as it transitions from an exploration-led story to a feasibility-stage gold developer. We'll discuss why Liberty Gold has streamlined its portfolio around Black Pine, what management believes the market may still be overlooking about the asset, and how the project’s inclusion in the FAST-41 federal permitting program is helping provide greater visibility around the permitting pathway. We also explore the operational and cultural shift required to move from exploration into project development, the importance of building a team capable of advancing engineering, permitting, stakeholder engagement, technical studies, and financing in parallel, and how Jon’s mine-building background influences decision-making at every stage of the project. In addition, we examine capital discipline in today’s market environment, whether investors are beginning to place greater value on permitting certainty and execution capability over pure exploration upside, common misconceptions about developing mines in the United States, and Jon’s outlook for the gold development sector and the characteristics that will define the companies best positioned to succeed over the coming years. KEY TAKEAWAYS Liberty Gold streamlined its portfolio to concentrate capital and management resources almost entirely on the large-scale, scalable Black Pine oxide gold system in Idaho. The inclusion of the Black Pine project into the federal Fast 41 process has introduced vital transparency and accountability into the permitting timeline, enhancing investor confidence and allowing...

Dig Deep: How The Mining Sector Is Adapting To The Energy Transition And Emerging Solution Set

Jun 25, 2026 44 min

The practical challenge is that mines are high-energy, high-utilisation, long-life operations. Haul trucks run 16–18 hours a day, processing plants consume enormous power, and assets stay in service for decades. Diesel has very high energy density and fast refuelling — so any alternative has to compete on uptime, not just emissions. On top of that, many mines are remote and off-grid. Electrifying equipment means redesigning the entire power backbone — generation, storage, charging infrastructure — not just replacing engines. So the real challenge isn’t technology availability, it’s integrating new energy systems into capital-intensive operations without compromising safety, productivity or cost per tonne. So, what then are the key opportunities for operators to lower lifecycle GHG emissions from mining operations? And what are some practical actions the industry can take? Hear from Andy Hattersley, Senior Global Product Advisor for ExxonMobil and Julian Soles, who has extensive sector experience from his work with FLSmidth, Anglo and First Mode, in a one-off podcast hosted by ExxonMobil on 21 April. The discussion will explore how mining companies are adapting to the energy transition, key barriers to reducing emissions and practical steps to take the industry into a lower-emissions future. Veteran mining podcast host Rob Tyson will moderate. Learning objectives: Barriers to progress in reducing GHG emissions in mining. Choices and pathways operators are exploring to reduce emissions while optimising productivity. The anticipated energy mix of the mining haul fleet of 2040. Practical steps mining operators can take this year to shift their businesses into a lower emissions future. KEY TAKEAWAYS As human population and technological reliance grow, the global mining output must increase despite facing the continuous operational challenge of declining ore grades. The processing of large rocks into fine powder consumes a massive 40% to 60% of a mine's con...

The Boron Boom: Securing America’s Critical Mineral Frontier

Jun 22, 2026 26 min

In this episode, we chat with Paul Weibel, Chief Executive Officer of 5E Advanced Materials. Since Paul’s last appearance on Dig Deep, both the company and the broader critical minerals landscape have evolved significantly. As governments and industry increasingly focus on supply chain security, energy transition materials, and domestic resource development, boron has emerged as a strategic mineral receiving far greater attention than ever before. In this conversation, we discuss the progress being made at the Fort Cady Project in California, the significance of boron’s addition to the U.S. Critical Minerals List, and what that designation means in practical terms for financing, customer engagement, and government support. We’ll also explore why boron is becoming increasingly important across a range of advanced technologies, where demand growth is coming from, and how shifting geopolitical dynamics, trade tensions, and supply chain fragmentation are strengthening the case for domestic sources of critical minerals. In addition, we’ll look at the financing environment for critical minerals projects, how 5E is navigating the intersection of private capital, strategic investors, and government-backed funding opportunities, and the key milestones stakeholders should be watching over the next 12 to 18 months. Finally, Paul shares his perspective on what policymakers and investors still may not fully appreciate about boron, its strategic importance, and what is at stake as countries work to secure critical mineral supply chains for the future. This episode is brought to you by Mining International, a global executive search partner to the mining industry. For bespoke search and advisory services, please visit www.mining-international.org KEY TAKEAWAYS Boron's recent designation as a US critical mineral highlights its vital importance to national defense, green energy, and industrial supply chains. Global boron supply is exceptionally tight and dominated by a fragi...

Navigating the Everything Bubble: Why Gold and Silver Are Your Ultimate Insurance

Jun 18, 2026 35 min

In this episode, we chat with Jeff Clark, one of the most respected voices in the precious metals sector and editor of The Gold Advisor. For decades, Jeff has been helping investors navigate the gold and silver markets, identifying opportunities across mining equities and providing insight into the macroeconomic trends that drive commodity prices. With gold reaching record highs and renewed interest returning to the mining sector, it's an important time to understand where we are in the cycle, what factors are driving precious metals, and where the greatest opportunities may lie for investors. In this episode, we discuss gold versus silver, the impact of inflation, debt, interest rates and geopolitical uncertainty, how investors should be positioning themselves today, the criteria Jeff uses when selecting mining stocks, and the key catalysts that could shape the sector over the next 6 to 12 months. Jeff will also share his outlook on mining equities, whether capital is finally flowing back into the sector, and what investors should be watching that could either support or challenge the current bullish case for precious metals. If you want to know more about precious metals, then check out The Gold Advisor, a free way to stay on top of the biggest moves in gold, silver, and mining stocks. Jeff Clark and the team break down what matters, why it matters, and where the best opportunities may be shaping up — with timely market insight, company commentary, and ideas investors can actually use. You can sign up here for free: https://thegoldadvisor.com/?refpartner=109 This episode is brought to you by Mining International, a global executive search partner to the mining industry. For bespoke search and advisory services, please visit ⁠www.mining-international.org KEY TAKEAWAYS While gold frequently commands the headlines with record high prices, silver remains significantly undervalued based on historical ratios and represents a greater opportunity for investors....

From Mining to Molecules: Inside Canada’s Natural Hydrogen Boom

Jun 15, 2026 33 min

In this episode, we chat to Neil McMillan, Chairman of MAX Power Mining Corp. With decades of experience in the mining and energy sectors, Neil is helping lead one of Canada's most exciting emerging energy stories following MAX Power's discovery of a subsurface natural hydrogen system in Saskatchewan. We discuss the significance of the discovery, the potential of natural hydrogen as a future energy source, and what it could mean for Canada's role in the global energy transition. We cover why Saskatchewan is considered uniquely prospective and why Neil thinks this is one of the best projects he has been involved in. This episode is brought to you by Mining International, a global executive search partner to the mining industry. For bespoke search and advisory services, please visit ⁠www.mining-international.org KEY TAKEAWAYS Neil McMillan transitioned from a successful career in gold and uranium financing back into the resources sector as Chairman of MAX Power Mining Corp. Max Power recently discovered a massive subsurface natural hydrogen system in Saskatchewan, which experts suggest could eventually rival traditional natural gas in scale. Unlike manufactured industrial hydrogen, natural hydrogen is processed by nature and has the potential to be produced at a fraction of the cost, making it highly attractive to commercial markets. The discovery's unique geographical conditions provide both clean electricity and cooling water, positioning Saskatchewan as an ideal location for the rapid development of next-generation AI data centers. BEST MOMENTS "If you only produce 2% of it you would have enough of a clean energy source for the next 100 years." "The geological structure that’s necessary to create natural hydrogen reservoirs is the same one that created the potash industry and the uranium sector." "We have a saying: it’s not going to be very long to go from mining to molecules—months to molecules." "I can look ahead in five years or ten years and...

From Silver to Gold: Strategic Evolution and Resilient Mining Practices in West Africa and Latin America

Jun 11, 2026 42 min

In this episode, we chat with Jorge Ganoza, President, CEO, and Director of Fortuna Mining, a Canadian mid-tier precious metals producer with three operating mines and exploration activities located in Argentina, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Guyana, Peru, and Senegal. Now in its 21st year, Fortuna has undergone a significant evolution, building a reputation for disciplined execution, operational excellence, and strategic growth. Under Jorge's leadership, the company has successfully expanded its geographic footprint, strengthened its portfolio through acquisitions and divestments, and positioned itself for its next phase of growth. In this conversation, we discuss the leadership qualities required to succeed in the modern mining industry and how Jorge's own leadership approach has evolved throughout his career. We'll look back at Fortuna's journey over the past two decades, explore the company's strategy to achieve annual gold production of approximately 500,000 ounces by the second half of 2028, and examine how recent portfolio optimisation has strengthened the business. We also dive into some of Fortuna's most important growth initiatives and the company's growing exploration pipeline across West Africa and South America. Finally, we'll discuss Jorge's long-term vision for Fortuna and what investors, communities, and stakeholders can expect from the company as it moves toward the end of the decade This episode is brought to you by Mining International, a global executive search partner to the mining industry. For bespoke search and advisory services, please visit ⁠www.mining-international.org If you want to know more about precious metals, then check out The Gold Advisor, a free way to stay on top of the biggest moves in gold, silver, and mining stocks. You can sign up here for free: https://thegoldadvisor.com/?refpartner=109 KEY TAKEAWAYS The company evaluates long-term potential based on the cash margins and asset resilience an operation can maintain throughou...

The Future of Mining Talent: Attraction, Retention & Culture | HR & Recruitment Insights (Part 3)

Jun 8, 2026 28 min

In this special series (Part 3 of 3) around HR and recruitment in the mining industry, we bring together three experienced HR leaders from across the global mining industry: Leanne Holmes, Head of People at Central Asia Metals, Paul Eagle, Vice President People & Culture at Evolution Mining, and Bridget Hunter, Group Manager Shared Services at Ivanhoe Mines. The discussion explores some of the key workforce and talent challenges shaping the future of mining, including addressing age bias in hiring, improving the industry's image to attract new talent, and creating more flexible and family-friendly workplaces. The panel also shares perspectives on educating younger generations about modern mining careers, highlighting the growing role of technology, sustainability, innovation and digital transformation across the sector. The guests discuss what organisations can do to strengthen their employer brand and improve employee retention, from leadership and career development to workplace culture, flexibility and creating environments where people feel valued, supported and able to grow professionally. Whether you work in HR, leadership, recruitment, or operational management, this episode provides valuable insights into how mining organisations can strengthen their employer brand and build high-performing teams for the future. This episode is brought to you by Mining International, a global executive search partner to the mining industry. For bespoke search and advisory services, please visit ⁠www.mining-international.org KEY TAKEAWAYS Mitigating age bias in recruitment requires a shift in focus toward individual competencies and experience rather than traditional career timelines and years of service. Improving the mining industry's reputation depends on genuine advancements in environmental stewardship, community engagement, and workplace culture rather than relying solely on clever marketing campaigns. Designing flexible working schedules that accommodate var...

Why Major Producers are Partnering in Kazakhstan: An Interview with Alex Walker

Jun 4, 2026 40 min

In this episode, we chat with Alex Walker, CEO of East Star Resources, a company focused on unlocking copper and gold opportunities across Kazakhstan through a combination of brownfields development and greenfields exploration. We discuss why major industry players such as Endeavour Mining and Xinhai chose to partner with East Star, how the company approaches exploration risk and portfolio management, and why Kazakhstan remains one of the most underappreciated mining jurisdictions globally despite its long mining history and significant geological potential. Alex also shares insights into how modern explorers should think about value creation beyond market sentiment, the challenges junior mining companies face when transitioning from discovery to development, and why understanding geology, infrastructure, and operational execution is becoming increasingly important in today’s market. We also explore broader industry themes, including investor perceptions of mining, the long-term outlook for copper and gold, and why the mining sector remains fundamental to both global economic growth and the energy transition. This episode is brought to you by Mining International, a global executive search partner to the mining industry. For bespoke search and advisory services, please visit https://www.mining-international.org/ KEY TAKEAWAYS East Star Resources’ agreements with major players like Endeavour and Xinhai allow the junior company to advance its flagship assets toward development with minimal dilution and no added debt carriage. Despite a long history of mining, the country offers significant modern exploration potential, exceptional infrastructure, and a clear, western-modeled mineral code By leveraging and validating detailed Soviet-era drilling records, East Star Resources has managed to secure large copper and gold resource targets at a remarkably low discovery cost per ton. Successful junior mining companies must carefully manage risk by targeting infras...

How Industry Events Shape Global Mining Policy, Investment, and Supply Chains

Jun 1, 2026 39 min

In this episode, we chat with Andrew Thake, Director at Beacon Events, one of the leading mining-focused events and conference businesses, operating across the world. We explore the important role mining conferences and industry events play in connecting investors, miners, governments, and the wider supply chain across the sector. Andrew also shares insights into his own journey within mining, how he developed his knowledge and network within the industry, and some of the influential books, personalities, and conversations that helped shape his understanding of the sector. We also discuss some of the major trends currently impacting mining globally, including the growing influence of government policy, critical minerals strategies, supply chain security, and the increasing importance of downstream and midstream processing. Andrew gives his perspective on the evolving role of Asian financial centres such as Hong Kong and Singapore within global mining finance, the commodities attracting the most market attention today and lessons he’s learned around mining investment from some of the industry’s most respected investors. This episode is brought to you by Mining International, a global executive search partner to the mining industry. For bespoke search and advisory services, please visit https://www.mining-international.org/ KEY TAKEAWAYS Mining conferences serve a dual purpose by delivering a return on investment through face-to-face business networking while providing specialized, non-Googleable educational content. A major ongoing trend in the mining sector is the rapidly increasing involvement of governments—particularly the US and Saudi Arabia—in shaping mining investment and critical mineral policies. The Western mining sector is beginning to realize the critical importance of midstream and downstream processing to build independent and resilient supply chains. Despite Western skepticism, Hong Kong remains a highly vibrant, multi-billion dollar finan...

The Next Frontier of Copper: Scaling Responsibly in Zambia

May 28, 2026 50 min

In this episode, we chat with Ricus Grimbeek, an experienced mining executive with more than three decades of leadership across major mining operations and Executive Chair of Makor Resources, a company focused on building a district-scale copper platform in Zambia. Throughout the conversation, we explore what attracted Ricus to Makor at this stage of his career, why he believes Zambia remains one of the most misunderstood copper opportunities globally, and how long-term consolidation strategies differ from the traditional junior mining model. We also discuss the realities of building scalable mining businesses, the importance of social licence and stakeholder alignment, and what separates projects with genuine scale potential from those driven purely by market narrative. In addition, Ricus shares his thoughts on one of mining’s biggest long-term challenges, responsibly integrating artisanal and small-scale mining into the broader mining economy through initiatives like Mine-Hive and why the industry must rethink how future copper supply is discovered, developed, and delivered if it’s going to meet growing global demand over the coming decades. This episode is brought to you by Mining International, a global executive search partner to the mining industry. For bespoke search and advisory services, please visit www.mining-international.org KEY TAKEAWAYS True project scale in modern copper mining often relies on consolidating smaller, high-grade deposits across a specific district to feed a central processing facility, rather than searching for one rare mega-deposit. Securing a social license to operate is a privilege that must be actively earned from day one through genuine, hands-on community engagement, rather than treated as a distant, compliance-driven metric. The artisanal and small-scale mining sectors comprise ninety percent of the global mining workforce but remain severely underrepresented and locked out of crucial developmental capital. Mining co...

Building a District-Scale Silver Platform in Mexico with Adam McKinnon

May 21, 2026 33 min

In this episode, we speak to Adam McKinnon, CEO of Advance Metals, a company rapidly building one of the more exciting silver growth stories in Mexico Advance has assembled a portfolio exceeding 100 million ounces of silver equivalent across the prolific Sierra Madre Belt, positioning itself at the centre of a growing global conversation around silver supply, electrification, and precious metals demand. We discuss the strategy behind consolidating a district-scale silver platform in Mexico, the significance of the recent Yoquivo JORC Resource, and why the company believes there is substantial upside still to come from its exploration pipeline. We explore Adam’s views on leadership in mining, balancing geology with capital markets, the importance of local expertise, and where he sees the biggest opportunities emerging in precious metals exploration over the next decade. This episode is brought to you by Mining International, a global executive search partner to the mining industry. For bespoke search and advisory services, please visit www.mining-international.org KEY TAKEAWAYS Advanced Metals has efficiently built a portfolio exceeding 100 million ounces of silver equivalent along Mexico's prolific Sierra Madre belt for less than $5 million USD. Recent JORC resource validation at the Yakivo project has revealed significant, high-grade unsampled core that redefines the site's potential from a narrow-vein system to a bulk-tonnage project. Establishing an almost entirely Mexican local team and advisory network is critical to navigating community relations, legal systems, and environmental compliance effectively. Significant opportunities still exist in mature mining districts by applying modern technologies like high-resolution LiDAR surveys to re-evaluate previously drilled areas. BEST MOMENTS "We have pulled together this plus-100-million-ounce silver equivalent portfolio now for a total cost, current cost, of less than $5 million US dollars." "When yo...

Bespoke Anode Materials and the Reality of Critical Mineral Supply Chains with Matthieu Bos

May 18, 2026 23 min

In this episode, we chat with Matthieu Bos, CEO of Falcon Energy Materials, who are advancing an anode material project in Morocco, and he's also the Chairman of Hercules Metals, a copper explorer in Idaho. His career spans battery materials, copper, gold, royalties, and complex jurisdictions from the DRC to Morocco, Quebec, and the United States. In this conversation, we explore how he thinks about building critical minerals projects, winning sophisticated capital, assessing jurisdictional risk, and where the mining industry needs to go next to turn supply chain ambition into real production. This episode is brought to you by Mining International, a global executive search partner to the mining industry. For bespoke search and advisory services, please visit www.mining-international.org KEY TAKEAWAYS Falcon Energy Materials has shifted away from traditional mining to focus exclusively on the chemical processing and transformation of graphite into anode materials. Morocco is an ideal location for battery material manufacturing due to its green energy resources, supportive government, and unique free trade agreements with both the United States and Europe. The battery supply chain is highly rigid and customised, meaning anode production facilities must be tailored to specific clients, batteries, and end-product vehicles rather than producing a generic commodity. Maintaining secure asset titles is the foundational requirement for mining companies to successfully operate and protect institutional investor capital in any jurisdiction. BEST MOMENTS "We are no longer really in the mining business, we're really in the... material sciences business, the transformation of graphite concentrate into what we call anode material." "You cannot just move the little Lego blocks around... We're making one product which is generic, but it's bespoke for the specific client, and that is true up and down the whole value chain." "You should never go for a project that i...

Building a Copper Legacy: The IPO Journey of Kaoko Metals

May 14, 2026 45 min

In this episode, we chat with Gerard O’Donovan, CEO of Kaoko Metals, a company taking a fresh approach to building a copper story through IPO, backed by a technically strong team and a portfolio of new assets in Namibia. Gerard brings significant experience in taking companies to market, and in this conversation we’ll explore why Kaoko has chosen the IPO route, what technically attracted him to these projects, and how his previous listing experience is shaping the strategy this time around. We’ll also get into why building a geology-led board matters, why copper, why now and importantly, how he thinks about jurisdictional risk in Namibia versus the broader African mining landscape. This episode is brought to you by Mining International, a global executive search partner to the mining industry. For bespoke search and advisory services, please visit www.mining-international.org KEY TAKEAWAYS Kaoko Metals chose the IPO route to build a transparent, technically backed copper story in Namibia, raising $6.5 million to fund its exploration efforts. The company prioritises a board with deep geological expertise to navigate early-stage exploration and identify high-value assets effectively. Their flagship Chalcos project in Northwest Namibia shows significant surface mineralization, with copper grades reaching up to 69.6%. Namibia is highlighted as a top-tier mining destination in Africa, offering a stable regulatory environment and strong local support for new investment. BEST MOMENTS "If you want to find an elephant, you have to go to elephant country sometimes, and that's where we've gone to explore." "No one is an expert in all fields... having a bit of humility in this industry is pretty important and reaching out and surrounding yourself with people who know their field well." "The structural deficit [of copper] is growing... it’s driven by the technological world booming. Data centers and AI—that cabling is copper." "Our intention here is to spend mon...