In this episode, we chat with Jorge Ganoza, CEO of Fortuna Mining, who are multi-listed Canadian-based precious metals mining company established in 2004, with five operating mines and an advanced exploration project located in Argentina, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mexico, Peru, and Senegal. Jorge is an experienced geological engineer who has worked on many mineral exploration, mining, and business development projects throughout Latin America and has worked in senior levels for several private and public Canadian junior mining companies during his career. He co-founded Fortuna Mining back in 2004 and shares his and the company’s journey since then, an update on all the projects, how they contribute to their local communities, their social and economic development of local communities and what is the future strategic direction of the company. KEY TAKEAWAYS Since its inception in 2004, Fortuna Mining has grown from a small startup with limited resources to a significant player in the mining industry, generating nearly $1 billion in sales and employing over 5,000 people across multiple countries. The company strategically expanded into West Africa in 2021, acquiring Roxgold and establishing the Séguéla mine in Côte d'Ivoire as its flagship asset. This move was driven by the region's promising mineral endowment and growth potential. Fortuna Mining actively invests in local communities, contributing approximately $8 million annually to initiatives focused on infrastructure, education, health, and sustainable economic development. The company emphasises training local workers to develop skills that can be utilised beyond the mining sector. The rise of resource nationalism in West Africa has led to discussions about adjusting tax breaks and local content requirements. Fortuna Mining views these discussions as a natural evolution of the industry and is committed to engaging in constructive dialogue with governments. The mining industry is increasingly held to higher standards of environmental and social governance (ESG). Fortuna Mining prioritises transparency and responsible practices, including adopting global standards for tailings management and conducting materiality assessments to focus on impactful sustainability efforts. BEST MOMENTS "We set out early on with big aspirations... always trying to balance that long-term vision with the short-term challenges that we face here in the industry." "The mineral endowment, the capital efficiency to build mines, the growth that the region has exhibited is no secret... the amount of opportunity that we see emerge is second to none." "Mining has always been a frontier business. So you must be willing to play in the frontier if you want to be in the mining business." "We recognise that what we have is a concession, but it is their asset... it gives you a whole different sense of responsibility in how you engage with the nation." 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 SOCIALS Email:info@fmcmail.com Website: fortunamining.com X: https://x.com/fortunamining LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortunamining/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fortunamining ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat to John Welborn, Executive Chairman of Fenix Resources, is a highly profitable, fully integrated mining, logistics and port services business with assets in the Mid-West region of Western Australia. The Companies flagship operations is their Iron Ridge Iron Ore Mine which is a premium high grade, high margin, direct shipping iron ore operation located approximately 360km northeast of Geraldton that hosts some of the highest-grade iron ore in Western Australia. John is a Chartered Accountant and a former professional rugby player and Wallaby, developing his career in the mining industry over the last decade in executive management and board positions with a handful of companies. As the executive chairman of Fenix Resources, he’s going to share his journey from playing professional rugby moving into the resources sector, the history of Fenix Resources, their relationships with indigenous community, overview of the iron ore industry and much more. John will be attending the Resourcing Tomorrow Event (3-5 December, London) which is Europe's largest mining event, designed to foster innovation, drive collaboration, and accelerate growth in the mining industry. Use code DIGDEEP10 for a 10% discount on Delegate Passes when you register here: https://hubs.ly/Q02WXjzd So grab your tickets now and hopefully we will see you there KEY TAKEAWAYS  Fenix Resources is a rapidly expanding iron ore producer in Western Australia, known for its unique approach to logistics and operations, including the use of road transport instead of traditional rail systems. The company places a strong emphasis on building relationships with local communities and indigenous groups, ensuring that their operations benefit the local population and respect cultural heritage. Technological Integration: Fenix Resources leverages advanced technologies, including AI for fleet management and driver training, to enhance operational efficiency and safety, particularly in their haulage operations. Fenix Resources aims to triple its production from 1.3 million tonnes to 4 million tonnes per annum by early 2025, with a focus on sustainable growth and profitability in a volatile iron ore market. BEST MOMENTS "I think the connection between running mining companies and being a part of a rugby team is really obvious... It's about building teams to be successful." "We believe... that we can make smaller capital investments with quicker capital returns based on known margins." "We don't believe that we need a railway to deliver low cost, high quality, efficient bulk commodity transport." "Our opportunity is to revalue that investment and monetise it... providing value across the value stream to the Wiradjuri American people, to the state government, and certainly to the Midwest." 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 SOCIALS Website: https://fenix.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fenix-resources/ X: https://x.com/Fenix_Resources YouTube: www.youtube.com/@fenixresourcesltd452 Email: info@fenix.com.au ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Edward Gosselin, CEO of Kobo Resources, a Canadian listed growth-focused gold exploration company with a compelling new gold discovery in Cote d’Ivoire, one of West Africa’s most prolific and developing gold districts, hosting several multi-million-ounce gold mines. Edward has a background in Law and became the CEO of Kobo Resources over a decade ago so in this episode he shares his and the companies journey, the partnerships they have developed, updates on their project, their strategic relationship with Mota-Engil and Côte d'Ivoire as a mining jurisdiction. Edward will be attending the Resourcing Tomorrow Event (3-5 December, London) which is Europe's largest mining event, designed to foster innovation, drive collaboration, and accelerate growth in the mining industry. Use code DIGDEEP 10 for a 10% discount on Delegate Passes when you register here: https://hubs.ly/Q02WXjzd0 So grab your tickets now and hopefully we will see you there KEY TAKEAWAYS  The partnership with Mota, a leading EPCM company, enhances Kobo's capabilities by providing engineering expertise and resources, allowing for more efficient project development and potential cost savings. The Kossou gold project is strategically located near key infrastructure, including proximity to a power dam and existing roads, which reduces operational costs and enhances exploration efficiency. Kobo Resources emphasises a careful approach to capital allocation, focusing on cost-effective exploration methods to maximise the impact of their funding and maintain investor confidence. The company is committed to supporting local communities through initiatives like the Kobo Soccer Cup and plans to drill water wells, demonstrating a focus on social responsibility as they advance their projects. BEST MOMENTS "Cote d'Ivoire was a great opportunity for exploration because there was a disconnect... 35% of the Birimian formation of West Africa is within the boundaries of Cote d'Ivoire." "Having them on board with us is like having a partner that has all this engineering capability... It gives us a lot of flexibility." "We took it step by step... But when we were ready to put the drill in, we knew that we should be getting good results down the road." "Cote d'Ivoire has become a sought-after destination for mining investment amid regional geopolitical uncertainties." 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 SOCIALS Website: https://www.koboresources.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kobo-resources-inc/ X: https://x.com/koboresources ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Paul Ferneyhough, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Eldorado Gold Corporation, a listed gold and base metals producer with mining, development and exploration operations in Türkiye, Canada and Greece.  As a qualified chartered accountant with a degree in Physics, Paul has over 20 years in the resources sector specialising in finance, investor relations, strategy, commercial, planning, and business performance management. He gives us an overview of Eldorado Gold, an update on their projects, how they work with Indigenous communities, how they prioritise sustainability and responsible mining, financial strategy, and what we can learn from the oil & gas industry. Paul will be attending the Resourcing Tomorrow Event (3-5 December, London) which is Europe's largest mining event, designed to foster innovation, drive collaboration, and accelerate growth in the mining industry. Use code DIGDEEP10 for a 10% discount on Delegate Passes when you register here:https://hubs.ly/Q02WXjzd0 KEY TAKEAWAYS Eldorado Gold is a growing precious metals miner with operations in Canada, Turkey, and Greece. The company is focused on increasing production, with significant projects like the Skouries mine expected to boost production by 40% over the next two years. Eldorado Gold prioritises sustainability through its Sustainability Integrated Management System (SIMS), ensuring compliance with environmental and social obligations. The company is committed to using advanced practices, such as dry stack tailings, to minimise environmental impact. The company emphasises building strong relationships with local communities in its operating regions. This includes investing in education, healthcare, and local employment, as well as addressing community concerns about environmental impacts. Eldorado successfully secured financing for the Skouries project through partnerships with Greek banks and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. This collaboration highlights the importance of aligning financial strategies with local and regional development goals. BEST MOMENTS "I think it really was a very important part of the experience and the leadership that I now bring into the mining sector."  "We want to be operating in places where people want us." "Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do."  "We prefer to employ local people as much as we can, especially in our operating assets." "If an opportunity comes up, grab it with both hands, see what happens, take a chance because it can completely change your life." 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 Website: https://www.eldoradogold.com/ Eldorado Gold on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eldorado-gold-corporation Eldorado Gold on X: https://www.twitter.com/Eldorado_Gold Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ferneyhough/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Mark Travers, CEO of Brazilian Nickel, a junior mining company who are planning to start nickel production in the future from the world’s first stand-alone nickel laterite heap leaching operation at its Piauí Nickel Project in Brazil.  Mark has over 20 years in the mining industry with Inco Limited and Vale and held progressively senior roles in legal, institutional relations, communications and sustainability. Taking the helm at Brazilian Nickel 18 month ago, Mark takes us through his journey, how Brazil is developing as a mining jurisdiction, and how Brazilian Nickel are navigating the regulatory landscape in Brazil, plus an overview of the Nickel market globally. KEY TAKEAWAYS Brazilian Nickel is pioneering the use of heap leaching technology for nickel laterites, aiming to establish a more economical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional high-pressure acid leaching methods. The flagship Piauí Nickel Project in Brazil is expected to produce approximately 26,000 to 27,000 tons of nickel per year with a mine life exceeding 30 years. The project is nearing construction readiness, with a completed feasibility study and necessary permits in place. Nickel prioritises sustainability, boasting low carbon intensity and no tailings facilities. The company has received Nickelmark accreditation for responsible production, emphasizing its commitment to environmental and social responsibility. The nickel market faces challenges due to current economic conditions, particularly in China and Indonesia. However, there is a growing need for diversified supply chains and low-carbon nickel, positioning Brazilian Nickel to capitalise on future demand as the electric vehicle market expands. BEST MOMENTS "We want to be part of that building out and diversification of the supply chain for electric vehicle batteries being built outside of China." "The Piauí Nickel Project is based in Piauí State in the northeast of Brazil... it will produce on average about 26,000 to 27,000 tons of nickel per annum." "Sustainability is at our core... If we're going to say that this is the product to build a supply chain for electric vehicle batteries, then you need to have those credentials." "We need to diversify supply chains to build upon the Indonesian supply... and you're going to need good nickel with strong ESG credentials, low carbon nickel." 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 Website - https://www.braziliannickel.com/ X - @BrazilianNickel (https://x.com/BrazilianNickel) LinkedIn – Brazilian Nickel (https://www.linkedin.com/company/brazilian-nickel-ltd/) ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Scott Winter, MD of the Critical Minerals Group, who are focused on the critical minerals required for energy storage and renewable energy. Their strategy involves acquiring, developing and producing critical mineral deposits essential for a sustainable future. Their aim is to reduce dilution and drive early-stage revenues through strategic partnerships and corporate transactions to add value to shareholders while operating to the highest ESG standards. Scott is an experienced mining engineer with almost 30 years working across all aspects of mining exploration, development, engineering, financing and operations working for the likes of BHP, Thiess and Perenti Group. He gives us an overview of Critical Minerals Group and their strategy moving forward, a project update, an update on the vanadium and electrolyte market and how the government is supporting their initiative. KEY TAKEAWAYS Critical Minerals Group is concentrating on vanadium, particularly its use in energy storage and renewable energy applications. The company aims to produce vanadium pentoxide and further downstream to create vanadium electrolyte for batteries, tapping into the growing demand for renewable energy solutions. The company has established strategic partnerships, including a significant shareholding from Idemitsu, and is receiving support from the Queensland government, which includes grants and infrastructure development to facilitate the growth of the vanadium industry. Critical Minerals Group has outlined a clear development timeline, with a pre-feasibility study expected by the end of the year and plans for a final investment decision (FID) by mid-2026. The company is also building a demonstration facility for electrolyte production, aiming to produce its first litre by the end of next year. The vanadium market is projected to grow significantly, with increasing demand for vanadium batteries in renewable energy applications. Australia is positioned to become a key player in this market, with several companies looking to develop vanadium mines and electrolyte production facilities to support the energy transition. BEST MOMENTS "The majority of the manufacture of vanadium electrolyte occurs in China. There are some massive batteries that are under construction or have been constructed in China." "Our primary focus is vanadium for the battery market, and we'll take some value out of high-purity alumina and molybdenum as we go through." "It's about looking at the way we can extract those and create value out of them with very little additional capital, if any at all." "The next 12 months is very clearly mapped out and is a big step ahead of us. We'll be looking for partners to assist with the development of the facility." 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 Website: criticalmineralsgroup.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/critical-minerals-group/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Robert Eckford, CEO of Rua Gold who are a junior mining company that specialises in gold exploration and discovery and have two highly prospective land packages in New Zealand.  With a Chartered Accountant designation and a Master of Science in Mineral Economics, Robert began his career as a mining industry auditor and consultant at EY, before moving on and becoming a founding member of two successful mining ventures, before talking the helm as CEO of Rua Gold. We talk about Rua Gold, New Zealand as a mining jurisdiction and the new permitting laws that have been introduced to fast-track permitting, the junior market space, and much more so don’t miss it. KEY TAKEAWAYS The journey into the mining industry can be diverse, with backgrounds in finance, geology, or engineering all leading to successful careers. Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial, as demonstrated by the transition from auditing to hands-on mining operations. Recent political changes in New Zealand have led to a more favourable environment for mining, including the introduction of a fast track approval bill that significantly reduces permitting times from years to months, encouraging investment in the sector. The emphasis on high-grade gold projects is critical for success in the current market. High-grade assets are more economically viable, especially in inflationary environments where low-grade projects may struggle to maintain profitability. The junior mining sector faces funding challenges, with many companies struggling to deliver on their promises. Successful fundraising often hinges on a company's reputation and the ability to demonstrate tangible results from investments. BEST MOMENTS "The CEO role is all-encompassing... you never have the same day twice. You're always dealing with different issues in the business, different challenges to overcome." "New Zealand is open for business and we want mining in New Zealand... the fast track approval bill aims to take permitting down to six months." "The worst thing to have in a high inflationary environment is a low grade asset... you want to be moving as little as possible." "If you want to be a smart mining investor... look at the margins, look at the grades, and grade is always king." 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 https://ruagold.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/rua-gold/about/ Subscribe to their newsletter: https://ruagold.com/contact/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Joanna Ponicka and Erlend Rongenfor Equivest Metals, a company that uses AI-driven mineral systems models to pinpoint critical processes needed to form large mineral deposits, aiming to significantly increase exploration success. We discuss how Equivest was formed, the exploration space and the lack of funding, what it was like being part of BHP’s Xplor programme and how this has helped them as a business. KEY TAKEAWAYS Mineral exploration is inherently difficult due to the limited number of attempts geologists can make, unlike other fields where practice can lead to improvement. This makes it essential to adopt innovative approaches to enhance success rates. Despite the significant capital available in the mining sector, early-stage exploration is often underfunded. A shift in investment focus is needed to support the areas that yield the most discoveries. Equivest Metals is leveraging AI and machine learning to improve exploration success rates by analysing large datasets and identifying critical geological processes. This technology allows for faster and more accurate assessments compared to traditional methods. Participation in the BHP Xplor programme helped Equivest refine its strategy, focusing on improving mineral exploration success rates. The program provided valuable mentorship and resources, enabling the company to test and scale its methodologies. BEST MOMENTS "Exploration is actually really difficult... we don't get 10,000 tries. This is what makes mineral exploration such a difficult learning environment." "What we're trying to do in Equivest is that we're trying to use mineral systems to ask the right questions and answer those questions using AI and data." "There's more capital going towards brownfield exploration, which is considered safer. But as we see at results of exploration, this is what causing quite low success rates." "The ability of large language models to search for the right type of meaning within a large body of documents is incredibly powerful." 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 https://www.equivestmetals.com/ info@equivestmetals.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/equivest-metals/ https://x.com/equivest_explor ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat to Chris Gibbs, CEO & Executive Director of American Rare Earths, an Australian company that owns and explores rare earths projects in Wyoming and Arizona, USA, and is essential for clean energy technologies. With a degree in business studies, Chris has over 28 years of experience in the resource sector across the globe and is an innovative leader with a proven track record for implementing organisational change and delivering business results. He gives us an overview of American Rare Earths, updates on the projects, their relationship with the Critical Materials Institute, leadership, and culture within organisations, and health and wellbeing so a lot of content to unpack. KEY TAKEAWAYS The company is focused on rare earths and is exploring significant projects in Wyoming and Arizona. It aims to become a major producer of neodymium and praseodymium, which are essential for clean energy technologies. American Rare Earths recently received a $456 million letter of interest from the Ex-Im Bank, which will help finance the construction of their processing and refinery facility. Additionally, they have secured state funding from Wyoming to support their Cowboy State Mine project. The company is committed to advancing sustainable technologies in rare earth processing. They are collaborating with research organisations to explore cleaner methods, including the use of bacteria for separating rare earths, which could reduce chemical usage and environmental impact. Chris emphasises the importance of a strong organisational culture, likening it to a successful sports team. He believes that treating people well, fostering open communication, and creating an environment of trust are crucial for building a motivated and effective workforce. BEST MOMENTS "Our vision here is to create the next major rare earth company in this space. We've got a significant project in the United States, potentially the largest rare earth resource in the heart of the US." "The irony of this is the company is called American Rare Earths and here you are, you're talking to an Australian who's got a lot of experience in North America." "We're the only mining company, aside from ourselves, in Rio Tinto, who are actually partnering or a member of the Critical Materials Institute." "It's not just about physical wellbeing, it's about mental wellbeing. It's about just, quite honestly, about just trying to be better people helping each other." "Every incident and accident is preventable. Health and safety is key, but I always go a little bit further than just the health and safety." 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 https://americanrareearths.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-rare-earths/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfTk3D2fQZ5DSTMKbR1jMVw https://x.com/ARRLimited ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we have a returning guest who appeared back in July 2023 (Episode 353). Ignacio Salazar, CEO of Highfield Resources,who arean ASX listed potash company which focuses on the construction of its flagship low cost, low capex Muga Project in Spain and is forecasted to be one of the highest margin potash mines globally. Ignacio has a background in economics and law and has worked in the O&G industry with Shell before moving over to the mining industry back in 2009. As the CEO of Highfield Resources since 2020, Ignacio tells us more about the company and the journey he has been through, a current update on the project and the potash industry and what the vision is for the company. EMR Capital (has a stake in Highfield Resources) is going to be attending the upcoming IMARC Conference in Sydney on the 29-31st October at the Sydney Convention Centre so there’s a link below to purchase discounted tickets so you can meet like minded mining professionals at the event so be sure to get your ticket soon. KEY TAKEAWAYS Highfield Resources is nearing the construction phase of its flagship Muga potash project in Spain, having successfully navigated the permitting and financing stages over the past four years. The company secured a binding deal worth €220 million (approximately $240 million) in equity financing, which, combined with previous funding, brings the total to €550 million, sufficient to cover the project's capital expenditure and contingencies. Highfield has formed strategic partnerships with investors, including a significant group from Asia, which not only provides capital but also enhances access to markets, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The potash market is expected to remain strong in the long term due to increasing global food demand and declining arable land. However, short-term challenges include fluctuating prices influenced by geopolitical factors, particularly the roles of Russia and Belarus in the market. BEST MOMENTS "We are now practically ready, shower ready, as we like to say, for construction... huge, huge, big ticks on the boxes for permitting and financing." "This deal is about the 200 million euros from a group of investors plus there is an M&A transaction... done at a premium to our share price."  "The only way you can be more productive with less land to feed more people is through fertilisers, not like potash, nitrogen, phosphates." "We will be sixth, seventh global player globally in ranking... very confident that we really have the ingredients to make it successful." 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 IMARC: Register: https://hubs.ly/Q02M_gGS0 10% discount on Delegate Passes – DigDeep10 Free expo pass code - HJ5EG6 ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat to Mark Bennett, Executive Chairman at S2 Resources, an Australian company that aims to discover and develop high-value mineral resources, mainly gold and base metals in politically stable jurisdictions such as Australia and Europe. Mark is a geologist with over 30 years of experience in gold, nickel, and base metal exploration and mining predominately in Australia, West Africa, Canada,and Europe, and worked his way into executive positions over the last 15 years. Mark is also two times winner of the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies "Prospector Award" for his discoveries which include the Thunderbox Gold Mine, the Waterloo nickel mine, and most recently the world class Nova-Bollinger nickel-copper mine. Mark gives us an overview of S2 Resources, the projects they are working on, and speaks about cultural and strategy within small and large companies which is a strong passion of his. He’s also going to be attending the upcoming IMARC Conference in Sydney on the 29-31st October at the Sydney Convention Centre so there’s a link below to purchase discounted tickets so you can meet Mark and other like-minded mining professionals at the event so be sure to get your ticket soon. KEY TAKEAWAYS The journey into the mining industry can be unpredictable, with opportunities often arising from taking risks and being proactive. Networking and applying for jobs, even in challenging times, can increase the likelihood of success. A strong organisational culture is crucial, especially in exploration where failure rates are high. A positive culture fosters resilience, innovation, and open communication, which are essential for navigating the ups and downs of the industry. S2 Resources focuses on exploring in stable jurisdictions and prioritises projects with the potential for significant discoveries. The company emphasises a strategic approach to exploration, balancing patience with the need to adapt and seize opportunities. Engagement with Traditional Owners: Building trust and respect with local communities, particularly Indigenous groups, is vital for successful mining operations. Effective engagement can lead to mutually beneficial agreements and a more sustainable approach to resource development. BEST MOMENTS "If you don't have a good culture, you just go crazy doing that. You've got to believe in what you're doing and you have to be adaptive as well."  "The irony will be, I think, that in 10 or 15 years' time, the people who most want a lower carbon emission future are going to find that the prices of commodities to create that are just astronomical."  "It's about quality, not quantity. People would come in in shorts and t-shirts."  "There's no certainty but you've just got to put it out there and by taking that risk... will put you in good stead in the front of the queue." 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 Social media: https://www.s2resources.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/s2-resources-ltd/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-bennett-06820541/ IMARC: https://imarcglobal.com/register 10% discount on Delegate Passes – DigDeep10 Free expo pass code - HJ5EG6 ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Travis Schwertfeger, Executive Chairman of Many Peaks, a junior miner focusing on adding valuethrough cost- effective minerals exploration and discovery and who areadvancing gold and copper projects in West Africa. Travis is a geologist with over 20 years of global industry experience primarily in gold and copper projects working across Australia, Africa, and South and North America. He discusses how Many Peaks formed, what they are looking to achieve in West Africa, and discusses the geology across West Africa and why it's unique about the region. KEY TAKEAWAYS Many Peaks is concentrating its efforts on mineral exploration in West Africa, particularly in Côte d'Ivoire, which is seen as a promising region for gold and copper discoveries due to its geological similarities to other prolific mining areas. The company is employing innovative exploration methods, such as auger drilling and hyperspectral imagery, to navigate the unique geological challenges of West Africa, including the presence of iron-rich layers that complicate traditional geochemical techniques. Many Peaks has three key projects in Côte d'Ivoire, with the Ferke project being the flagship. The company is building on previous exploration successes and aims to expand the known mineralization through systematic drilling. With a tight corporate structure and a current enterprise value significantly lower than comparable companies, Many Peaks presents an attractive opportunity for investors, especially with the potential for substantial re-rates following successful drill results. BEST MOMENTS "Côte d'Ivoire hosts the largest proportion of this greenstone belt. Over 30% of the Proterozoic terrain hosting gold is there, but proportionally it's seen the least amount of exploration versus those neighbouring countries." "We believe Côte d'Ivoire is quite ripe for a generation of discoveries over this coming decade." "We’re implementing a lot of auger drilling just to be able to drill through that cuirass... to get into the clay saprolite where you’ll see the true endowment of gold in the rock." "We have a very tight corporate structure... with a few successful drill holes, we would quite quickly see a substantial re-rate in terms of company valuation." 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 https://manypeaks.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/many-peaks-gold/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-schwertfeger-09745927/ https://x.com/ManyPeaksASX ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Gord Neal the CEO of World Copper, a listed junior miner who are an oxide copper-focused exploration, development, and production company with two proven resources, one in Arizona and the other in Chile. Gord has extensive experience in the metals and mining sector, as well as in the capital market, corporate governance, corporate finance, and investor relations, and has raised in excess of U$500M for various resources companies. Today, he discusses the journey of World Copper, the current state of the copper market, valuations in the junior space plus how the US elections could affect the mining industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS World Copper has two main assets: the Zonia Copper Oxide Project in Arizona and the Escalones Oxide Project in Chile. Zonia is positioned for quicker production due to its pre-stripped nature and existing infrastructure, while Escalones has a larger resource but faces permitting challenges due to recent government restrictions. The copper market is currently experiencing a significant deficit, driven by the increasing demand for copper in electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and infrastructure development. This demand is expected to rise as the world moves towards decarbonisation. Many junior mining companies, including World Copper, are facing valuation challenges, particularly those with market caps below $50 million. The current market conditions make it difficult for these companies to attract investment and gain attention. World Copper plans to conduct a verification drill program to confirm the presence of copper on leach pads at the Zonia project. Successful verification could significantly enhance the company's market valuation and support its move towards a bankable feasibility study. BEST MOMENTS "The biggest issue is we just don't have enough copper."  "If I can verify that there's $120 million worth of copper that's ready to be processed, any bank in the world is going to give you money."  "It's tough for the juniors... it's hard to get attention, it's hard to get capital."  "The market is a herd mentality... once that happens, everybody jumps in."  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 Website: worldcopperltd.com Email: gneal@worldcopperltd.com Phone: (604) 638-3287​ All Socials (Facebook, X, LinkedIn): @WorldCopperLtd ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Gavin Ferrar, who is now the new CEO of Central Asia Metals, a base metals producer on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange and has a copper operation in Kazakhstan, and a zinc and lead mine in North Macedonia.  With a geology and finance background, Gavin has over 25 years of experience mainly working in the London investment banking sector focusing on debt and derivative financing for mining clients of Barclays Capital and equity and debt investments for Investec. He became the CFO of Central Asia Metals back in 2018 before stepping into the CEO’s shoes just recently. Gavin talks to us about his new role, how the company has progressed during his tenure, their ESG initiatives, and their business development activities especially with their recent investment into Aberdeen Minerals. KEY TAKEAWAYS Central Asia Metals operates two key assets: the Kounrad copper processing facility in Kazakhstan and the Sasa lead-zinc mine in North Macedonia. Both operations have shown strong profitability, with Kounrad achieving a 72% margin and projected copper production of 13,000 to 14,000 tons for the year. The company is transitioning to more efficient mining methods at Sasa, including paste fill and dry stack tailings, which enhance resource extraction, improve safety, and extend the mine's life to 2039. Central Asia Metals is committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, including a solar power project in Kazakhstan aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and compliance with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM). The company is actively seeking to expand its portfolio by acquiring additional cash-flowing assets and has invested in ventures like Camel X for greenfields exploration in Kazakhstan and Aberdeen Minerals, which shows promising geological potential. BEST MOMENTS "I think my elevation to the CEO is part of that continuity... two people who understand the business intimately, but are also very keen to drive Central Asia Metals into its next phase of growth." "We've achieved exceptionally high margins, and the recent results that we put out in September, the margins that we're achieving are around 72%, which is fantastic." "The benefits now is that we've got much more efficient extraction of that resource using much more selective mining techniques." "Our goal is to achieve a 50% reduction in our greenhouse gas emissions by 2030... this was part of that program in terms of getting there." 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 Website: https://www.centralasiametals.com/ Investor Relations Manager Richard Morgan 36 Carnaby Street London W1F 7DR  +44 (0) 20 7898 9001 richard.morgan@centralasiametals.com ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat to John Lee, CEO and Executive Chairman of Silver Elephant, a TSX & OTC listed mining company with growing silver production from its 100% owned Pulacayo Paca mining project in Bolivia. John has an Economics and Engineeringdegree, is a CFA charter holder and accredited investor who specialises in mining M&A, raising over $150 million through the TSX and TSX Venture Exchange for junior companies since 2009. Today, he’s going to talk through Silver Elephant, the political and economic risks operating in Bolivia, gives us more of an insight into the silver market, and discuss what the future holds for humanity and why it's important to hold physical gold and silver. KEY TAKEAWAYS John has over 25 years of experience in the mining industry, transitioning from investing in mining stocks to running mining companies. He has raised over $150 million for junior mining companies and has a specialisation in silver. Silver Elephant, formerly known as Prophecy, has been focused on silver since 2016. The Pulacayo project in Bolivia is one of the largest underground silver mines in the world, with over 107 million ounces of indicated silver and a production rate of close to 100 tons per day. Bolivia has experienced fluctuations in foreign investment, particularly under different political regimes. Despite challenges, the country has a strong mining tradition and is considered economically stable, with a growing infrastructure and community relations that are crucial for mining operations. Silver Elephant prioritises sustainability by ensuring environmental protection, local employment, and community training programs. The company aims to leave the project in better condition than it was found, focusing on safety and economic benefits for the local community. BEST MOMENTS "Bolivia is actually the sixth largest silver producer, despite all the lack of foreign investments. It actually produces more silver per year than Argentina." "My definition of ESG is to make sure that we provide economic benefits and skill training. We ensure that the safety and environmental protocols adhere to the absolute highest standards." "The resources are massive, so we don't rely on additional discoveries in order to expand our operations." "I think the reason for that is the metals haven't really caught up to inflation. So the mining companies really haven't delivered cash flow and dividend to shareholders." 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 John Lee Email: jlee@silverelef.com John Lee Twitter: https://x.com/johnlee25893955 Silver Elephant Twitter: https://x.com/SilverElMining Silver Elephant Website: https://silverelef.com Silver Elephant Tickers: TSX: ELEF; OTCQB: SILEF ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Roshan Pujari, Founder and Executive Chairman of Stardust Power, who are a company that develops and operates lithium projects in the US to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles and energy storage. They are developing a strategically located lithium refinery in Oklahoma, capable of producing up to 50K tonnes annually of battery-grade lithium. Roshan has over 20 years of analysis and deal-making experience as the Founder and CEO of VIKASA Capital, where he oversaw the firm’s energy transition business. Roshan explains the strategic outlook for Stardust Power with the lithium refinery, the US energy transition, and why they are focusing their activities in Oklahoma.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Stardust Power aims to develop North America's largest lithium refinery in Muskogee, Oklahoma, with a production capacity of 50,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium annually to support the growing demand for electric vehicles and energy storage. The refinery's location in Oklahoma provides strategic advantages, including proximity to multiple sources of lithium brine and established transportation infrastructure, which helps mitigate risks associated with relying on single assets. Sustainability is a core value for Stardust Power, with plans to utilise electric production lines, zero liquid discharge technology, and sourcing power from renewable energy sources like wind and solar to minimise environmental impact. The company is committed to engaging with the local community in Muskogee, focusing on workforce training and education to prepare for the new green jobs created by the energy transition, leveraging the existing skilled workforce in the region. BEST MOMENTS "We saw a lot of investment going upstream into raw material production... but the critical gap in the supply chain was really refining capacity." "Sustainability is built into each step of our process... we're designing all of our trains as electric, so the production lines do not produce air emissions." "Oklahoma has always been at the crossroads of U.S. American leadership in the energy sector... it's a great place to start a new business." "We want to move appropriately, but we really want to move fast... we believe we're very close to that process from definitive supply upstream." 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 https://stardust-power.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/stardust-power/ https://x.com/SDST_Power www.youtube.com/@Stardust-Power https://www.instagram.com/sdst_power/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat to Mike Ralston, CEO of Blencowe Resources, who owns 100% of the Orom-Cross graphite project in Uganda.  This is a huge deposit (estimated 2-3 billion tonnes) with proven high-grade end products (via substantial met test work, including the recently completed 600t bulk sample testing in China) and a 21-year mining license.  This project is now at Definitive Feasibility Study stage with first production in 2025.  Mike is a chartered accountant with 25 years of experience successfully developing businesses worldwide, including several in Africa where he has considerable expertise. He has been a senior executive and board member for several junior listed resource companies over the past 17 years and has raised over A$300m in debt and equity over that period. He discusses the history of Blencowe, educates us on the graphite market, how the Orom-Cross will move into production in the near term, and explains Uganda as a mining jurisdiction KEY TAKEAWAYS Blencowe Resources, established in 2019, owns the Orom-Cross Graphite Project in Uganda, which is estimated to contain 2-3 billion tons of high-grade graphite. The project is currently in the definitive feasibility study stage, with first production expected in 2025. The demand for graphite, particularly small flake graphite used in lithium-ion batteries, is anticipated to grow significantly, potentially reaching 3-4 million tons per annum by 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing production of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions. Many graphite projects struggle to move from the definitive feasibility stage to production due to high operating costs, capital requirements, and the need for high-purity end products. The lack of new graphite mines entering production exacerbates supply constraints in the market. Uganda is recognised for its mineral wealth, including graphite, and the government is actively working to develop the mining sector. The stability of the government and recent changes in mining laws have created a more favourable environment for investment in mining projects. BEST MOMENTS "You need three things to make a project work: low cost to operate, low capital cost to build it, and high purity of end product." "The anticipated growth in the market is around the small flake product because that's what gets further purified and ultimately put into lithium-ion batteries." "There's not many, if any, graphite new graphite companies, mines going into production. While we're seeing this demand growth, we're not seeing a corresponding growth in supply." "Uganda is a great jurisdiction. It's stable, and the government's been running under the same government since 1986, so it's definitely got the stability factor." 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 https://blencoweresourcesplc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/blencowe-resources/ https://x.com/BlencoweRes ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Hayden Locke, CEO of Marimaca Copper who are a TSX-listed copper miner that have a flagship asset which is their Mari-maca Copper Project in Chile’s Antofagasta region which has the promise to become one of the most significant copper‐oxide discoveries in recent years. An engineer by background, Hayden is an experienced mining executive with a demonstrated track record in mining & metals, investment banking, private equity and technology having spent the latter part of his career developing and leading successful LSE and ASX-listed mining companies. Today he discusses the background of Marimaca Copper, their flagship project, what Copper holds in store for us and much more. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Marimaca Copper Project in Chile is one of only a few new copper oxide discoveries made globally in the last decade, highlighting its potential importance in addressing the growing demand for copper. The project is characterised by its all-oxide resource, which allows for a lower capital intensity compared to traditional copper concentrate projects. This includes the absence of tailings storage and a simpler processing method using heap leaching. Securing environmental permits is identified as the biggest risk facing the project. The company is focused on thorough preparation to ensure compliance and mitigate risks associated with environmental approvals. There is a consensus that underinvestment in copper exploration and production, combined with increasing demand driven by the energy transition, could lead to a significant rise in copper prices in the coming years. BEST MOMENTS "Marimaca is one of only 3 or 4 new copper discoveries that have been made globally in the last 10 years. That is a really remarkable and quite frightening statistic for such a fundamental commodity." "We think we'll have some of the best return on investor capital metrics in the market. The biggest challenges always with every mining project is environmental permitting." "There has not been enough money spent, particularly in exploration, to find new copper projects. What that means is, as demand increases, you need to be finding and bringing on new production." "We are very focused on becoming a copper producer and moving as quickly as we can to do that." 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 https://marimaca.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/marimaca-copper-corp/ https://marimaca.com/presentations/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayden-locke-171aa220/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Mark Learmonth, CEO of Caledonia Mining, who are a gold producer with a 64% stake in Blanket Mine and other assets in Zimbabwe.  Mark has over 25 years experience in corporate finance and investment banking, predominantly in the resources sector in Africa and has been with Caledonia Mining for over 15 years and tells us about the history of the company, their project and how Zimbabwe is as a mining jurisdiction. KEY TAKEAWAYS Caledonia Mining has shifted its focus primarily to gold production in Zimbabwe, particularly through its flagship asset, Blanket Mine, which has been operational since 1907. The company initially explored cobalt in Zambia but pivoted to gold after acquiring Blanket Mine in 2006 for $4 million. The potential of Zimbabwe's gold resources was recognised as largely untapped due to historical challenges in the country. Navigating Zimbabwe's complex bureaucratic and foreign exchange control systems poses significant challenges for mining companies. Caledonia Mining has developed expertise in managing these complexities, which has contributed to its success in the region. Caledonia Mining is advancing the Bilbo's project, which has a resource endowment of 2.5 million ounces of gold. The project is expected to produce 150,000 ounces annually over ten years, with plans to upgrade its preliminary economic assessment to a feasibility study. BEST MOMENTS "Zimbabwe is incredibly prospective for gold... it's pretty much elephant country."  "The biggest challenge comes down to foreign exchange controls... if you don't know what you're doing, you just go round and round in small circles." "We have this unique ability to navigate the administrative channels to make it work."  "Our approach... is to maximise the NPV per share of Caledonia."  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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/condor-resources/ Website: https://www.caledoniamining.com/X - https://x.com/CaledoniaMiningYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@caledoniaminingcorporation9285Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/caledonia-mining-corp-cal-/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Adam Wooldridge, CEO of Cobre Ltd who are a copper exploration and development company with a focus on the Kalahari Copper Belt (KCB) in Botswana, one of the most prospective areas globally for new sedimentary copper discoveries. Adam is an experienced geophysicist and geologist with over 25 years of experience in Africa, the Middle East and Europe, where he has worked in exploration management and consulting positions across a variety of deposit types specialising in large-scale multi-disciplinary target generation. KEY TAKEAWAYS Cobre Limited is a copper exploration and development company primarily focused on the Kalahari Copper Belt in Botswana, which is recognised as one of the most prospective areas globally for sedimentary copper discoveries. The company is exploring in-situ copper recovery methods, which offer advantages over traditional mining techniques, such as lower capital and operational costs, reduced environmental impact, and the ability to recover copper from lower-grade deposits. Participation in BHP's Xplor program has provided valuable insights into large-scale exploration strategies, emphasising a process-driven approach to identifying potential Tier 1 deposits rather than merely targeting specific sites. Cobre employs a three-pronged strategy that includes bulk-scale exploration for large deposits, strategic drilling for shorter-term returns, and a development story focused on advancing their flagship project. BEST MOMENTS "We found gravity hugely useful and we've basically taken the belt and broken it down into a series of sub basins... This allows you to be way more effective with your target generation." "If you can get your recovery rate to 40, 50 or 60%, you've got probably something on the lowest CapEx OpEx curve for mining." "The real key for us is if you have a higher grade zone and you use a traditional mining method, you're going to recover most of your ore body. Whereas here, you probably recover half." "The accessibility of your department of mines, for example, you can actually speak to people quite easily and have meetings with them." 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 W: www.cobre.com.au E: info@cobre.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-wooldridge-44a72788/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cobre-limited/about/ X: https://x.com/cobrelimited ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat to Dr Pat Foster, Head of Camborne School of Mines & Professor in Mine Safety at University of Exeter where he lectures and undertakes research into the health, safety, and working environment aspects of mining and quarrying. Pat is going to talk to us about the Camborne School of Mines and discuss the eagerly awaited restart of the undergraduate mining engineering degree and also the recent introduction of the degree apprenticeship in mining engineering and how people within the industry can apply plus much more. Please share this episode to help improve mining as a brand and get more people interested in our industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Camborne School of Mines is set to reintroduce its undergraduate mining engineering degree next year, following a pause in 2020 due to low student intake. This decision is driven by increased demand for graduates in the mining sector, particularly in light of the UK's critical metals strategy. A new degree apprenticeship in mining engineering has been launched, allowing students to work while studying part-time. This model enables apprentices to gain practical experience and earn a salary without incurring student debt, making it an attractive option for those entering the industry. The new mining engineering degree will feature a common first year with a focus on generic engineering skills, followed by specialised modules in subsequent years. This structure aims to attract a broader pool of students and enhance employability by integrating essential skills relevant to the evolving mining industry. The development of the degree apprenticeship involved collaboration with industry stakeholders, including the Mining Association of the UK. This partnership ensures that the curriculum meets the needs of employers and prepares students for the challenges of modern mining practices. BEST MOMENTS "The demand for critical metals has really spurred this introduction... Our industry probably has never been as vital as it is now. It's crucial to the energy transition, the green economy." "Mining engineering takes the best bits of other engineering disciplines... It's not just about mining. Many of my peers have gone on to great things as well." "We need to work with industry, professional institutions. We all have a role in doing this... We need to promote ourselves." "If we want to improve the image, the branding, get more people into our industry... this episode needs to be shared." 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 Degree Apprenticeship https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/degreeapprenticeships/programmes/mining/ The Mining Engineering part-time degree (which is the equivalent of the degree apprenticeship for international students) https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/mining/miningb/ Contact email for Degree apprenticeships or the equivalent international part-time programme is: miningDAPT@exeter.ac.uk Full-time course: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/mining/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Fabian Baker, MD of Kingsrose, an ASX-listed junior miner on a mission to unearth vital mineral deposits that will help drive the world’s energy revolution and develop these resources as a force for good within local communities and the environment with projects in Norway and Finland. Fabian is a geologist with more than 12 years of experience in the mineral exploration industry with experience in the Balkan and Nordic regions, where he has successfully identified and negotiated the acquisition of a number of significant gold, copper, and base metal advanced exploration assets during his career. Fabian discusses Kingsrose, how the company has developed since inception, and what they are looking to achieve moving forward. KEY TAKEAWAYS Kingsrose started with a focus on building the Way LinggoGold Silver mine in Indonesia, which was successful but faced challenges leading to closure in 2020. The company then shifted its focus back to exploration. The Penikat project in Finland is one of the highest grade undeveloped PGE's deposits globally. The project was overlooked by other juniors due to historical factors and recent environmental designations, but Kingsrose is working on obtaining permits for drilling. Kingsrose has invested in building a significant in-house geo and sustainability team, which sets them apart from other junior miners who often outsource these roles. This approach helps in better community engagement and access to opportunities. Over the next 12 months, Kingsrose aims to advance its projects significantly, including obtaining permits for drilling at Penikat, ongoing exploration campaigns with BHP, and acquiring a more advanced asset to further grow the company. BEST MOMENTS "I think don't look for perfect. Don't expect too much. Just look for an opportunity to get involved."  "The reality is, The odds are stacked against us. We need really high quality teams with multiple opportunities that we cycle through and test."  "For me, people are the best possible resource for a business. I'm a big believer in that."  "We're seeing around the world countless examples of projects being held up and delayed for environmental or social issues. And quite frankly, things can be done better."  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 https://www.kingsrose.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/kingsrose/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Scott Hicks, VP Corporate Development at Lumina Group who are a collection of junior mining companies exploring for base and precious metals across the Americas. Scott has worked on a variety of equity, debt, and advisory assignments in Canada and Australia over the last few decades. He plays major roles in the group with Lumina Gold, Strategic Resources, and FuerteMetals andtalks about each company, its projects, the country, and the general outlook for each of their assets. KEY TAKEAWAYS Lumina Gold is focused on unlocking three key aspects to get the project shovel ready by the end of 2025: exploitation IPA agreement, permits, and completing the feasibility study. Strategic Resources is working on securing feed for the pellet plant and finalising the project finance package in the first half of 2025 for construction to begin. Fuerte, formerly known as Atacama Copper, is focusing on drilling in Mexico at the Cristina project and unlocking surface access to drill the porphyry in Chile. The Lumina Group is actively looking for new opportunities and projects to further expand and grow their portfolio in the Americas. BEST MOMENTS "We've seen the Chinese involvement in Africa and South America continue to be strong."  "We're trying to lock down the feed with a trader to get the DR grade iron into the plant."  "We're trying to get Lumina Gold shovel ready in the next year and a bit."  "We need to educate our industry and improve the image and brand of mining."  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 https://luminagold.com/ https://strategic-res.com/ https://www.fuertemetals.com/news/atacama-copper-to-become-fuerte-metals/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Melanie Leighton, CEO of Titan Minerals, a junior miner focussed on discovering and developing Tier One copper-gold deposits in Ecuador’s southern Andean copper-gold belt. Melanie is a geologist with over 20 years of experience in the resource sector, spanning multiple commodities, deposits, and jurisdictions. She has held senior management and geological roles with Hot Chili Limited, Harmony Gold, Hill 50 Gold, and Northwest Resources, gaining practical and management experience within the areas of exploration, mining, resource development, stakeholder engagement, and investor relations. Melanie gives us an overview of Titan Minerals and its flagship Dynasty Gold project, how she got into the mining industry and what Ecuador is like as a mining jurisdiction, and much more. KEY TAKEAWAYS Titan Minerals is primarily focused on exploring and developing tier one copper gold deposits in Ecuador's southern Andean copper gold belt. The company boasts a team with extensive experience in the resources sector, including geologists with backgrounds in major mining companies like Newmont and Barrick. Titan Minerals utilises various exploration techniques such as collecting foundation data sets, systematic soil geochemistry, and regional aeromagnetics to drive their exploration efforts. Despite past challenges, the current Ecuadorian government is supportive of mining as a means to revitalise the economy, offering incentives and guarantees to attract foreign investment. The company's main focus is on the Dynasty project, aiming to double the current 3 million ounces of gold to 5-6 million ounces through resource drilling efforts and feasibility studies. Additionally, they are seeking joint venture partners for their copper projects. BEST MOMENTS "Ecuador, I guess the geology and the metallogenic belts are the same as what we see in sort of Chile, Peru and Colombia to the north, but Ecuador is kind of like a gap in the middle there."  "I entered the industry because I never wanted an office job, which ironically now a lot of my work is office based, but I really loved the idea of exploring adventures."  "The government do see mining as a big part of the future for Ecuador. They do see it as part of their strategy to revitalise the economy."  "I think there's a critical mass now that's building in terms of those majors and in a royalty streaming groups that are all invested significantly in Ecuador in recent years."  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 https://www.linkedin.com/company/titan-minerals-ltd/ https://twitter.com/MineralsTitan https://www.facebook.com/titanmineralssas/ www.titanminerals.com.au melanie@titanminerals.com.au ir@titanminerals.com.au ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat to Assheton Carter, CEO of TDi Sustainability, who are a global consultancy that help businesses all over the world to be more sustainable. They use their expertise to build responsible supply chains that work for people, for business and for the planet across many sectors including mining. Assheton is an expert and NED on responsible sourcing, sustainability standards, environmental markets, non-financial risk, and responsible investment. A track record of 30 years, with a focus on the resources sector and international supply chains of mining, metals, luxury jewellery, auto, and electronics. Today, he discusses the material change for renewables and responsible sourcing considerations for the clean energy transition. KEY TAKEAWAYS Assheton the importance of anticipating and understanding the evolving regulatory landscape and stakeholder expectations in the mining industry. TDI Sustainability offers a range of services to help mining companies navigate and exceed local legal requirements, including community engagement, biodiversity protection, and digital tools for compliance. The mining industry is experiencing a shift towards responsible sourcing and ESG principles, driven by increased regulatory controls, market demands, and the need for sustainable practices. Companies in the mining sector can benefit from demonstrating a commitment to sustainability by ensuring continued market access, attracting and retaining talent, and aligning with evolving societal expectations. TDI Sustainability's focus on sustainability and responsible sourcing aligns with the industry's growing emphasis on environmental and social responsibility, positioning them to support mining companies in meeting future challenges and opportunities. BEST MOMENTS "I think it's about anticipation. So you've got to sort of anticipate where things are headed, but then get granular about when the expectations are going to hit." "The timeline of those indigenous groups might be totally different and could span decades rather than years."  "There's something like 60 regulations around the world now, which have something to do with responsible sourcing or responsible supply chains."  "I think mining needs to be at the table when these things are being set." 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 https://www.instagram.com/tdi_sustainability/ https://x.com/TDIStrategies https://www.linkedin.com/company/tdi-sustainability https://www.linkedin.com/in/assheton-stewart-carter-31b8a11/ Email: admin@tdi-sustainability.com ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Michael Hudson, Managing Director of Southern Cross Gold, a junior miner exploring for gold and antimony in the Victorian Goldfields and working on their 100% owned flagship project at Sunday Creek, which is one of the best new grassroots discoveries in Australia with a globally leading high-grade hit rate for this stage of the project’s development. Michael is a professional geologist, explorationist, and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in exploration, project development and management in Australia and internationally. Apart from being the MD of Southern Cross, he is also the founder of Mawson Gold and Hannah Metals, so has a strong pedigree in starting up mining companies. He discusses the journey of Southern Cross, their flagship Sunday Creek project, their community relations work, and shares the history of the Victorian Gold Fields in Australia so don’t miss this. KEY TAKEAWAYS Southern Cross Gold is a junior miner exploring for gold and antimony in the Victorian goldfields, with a flagship project called Sunday Creek. Victoria has a rich mining history dating back to the 1800s gold rush era, making it a significant mining state in Australia. Antimony, a critical metal used in defense applications, is a key component of the Southern Cross Gold project, contributing to its value and potential. Southern Cross Gold has actively engaged with the local community, including native title holders and municipal authorities, to ensure support and understanding for the project. With a focus on high-grade gold and antimony extraction, Southern Cross Gold aims to continue its drilling program to potentially reach 3 million ounces of gold equivalent, showcasing a promising future for the project. BEST MOMENTS "I was sixth generation from a little country town, the oldest inland town in Victoria, because it was one day stagecoach ride from Melbourne to this town called Kilmore for the diggers, not the diggers, literally the diggers who went to the goldfields."  "So it's sort of come back to where it all started and you know in my mid-50s I'm happy to be exploring in my backyard. In my 30s I would have dismissed it out of hand because I wanted to travel the world, which I did."  "Gold will pay for it, so we don't have to rely on the risk of the antimony price. It's not like a chemistry set, it's simple chemistry to extract it."  "We're drill baby drill. We're increasing our drill capacity. We put 60 kilometers into this over the last two and a half years. We're going to put 60 kilometers into it over the next year." 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 Contact: info@southerncrossgold.com.au Website: www.southerncrossgold.com.au YouTube: youtube.com/@ASXSXG LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/southern-cross-gold/ X: https://twitter.com/SouthernCrossG3 ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat to Chris Buncic, President & CEO of Condor Resources, who have been in business for more than 18 years as a junior explorer and project generator.  The company has been focused exclusively on Peru for the past decade and now has Joint ventured on three projects with other developers Chakana Copper, Element 79 Gold, and Teck Resources, retaining an economic interest in the projects through royalties or minority positions as well as receiving milestone cash payments along the way. Chris is a mechanical engineer and then followed an MBA in finance.  His background is in the equity markets before moving into the C-suite over 10 years ago having held CEO positions with a few exploration companies. Now the CEO of Condor Resources since April, he tells us the story behind the company, the key projects they are working on, and what Peru is like as a mining jurisdiction. KEY TAKEAWAYS The company has been focused exclusively on Peru for the past decade, with successful joint ventures on three projects with other developers. Chris's career journey from mechanical engineering to equity markets to CEO positions showcases the importance of being open to reinventing oneself. The difficulty in raising funds for exploration projects due to the current market conditions is impacting junior explorers like Condor Resources. The company is looking to obtain permits for upcoming drill programs at Pucamayo and Huiñac Punta, with a focus on community engagement for the Andrea project. BEST MOMENTS "I think the most important thing I've always thought of in my career is it's important to be able to reinvent yourself."  "I think people need to be open to the idea of changing. Everyone can have their long-term goals, but I think it's important to change things up rather than get stuck in something for 30 years."  "Peru is a very mining-friendly jurisdiction. They have a very good investment climate." "It's been somewhat self-funding. And, you know, I think that what we're seeing is, well, firstly, we're impacted because other companies are having a hard time raising money for projects that may or may not be good." 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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/condor-resources/ X: https://x.com/condorresources Website: www.condorresources.com Contact: info@condorresources.com ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

We chat with Bert Monro, CEO of Cora Gold who are an AIM-listed gold exploration company developing 2 gold assets in Mali. Founded in 2012, their primary focus is advancing its flagship Sanankoro Gold Project in southern Mali towards the first production in the near term. Bert has a strong resources sector experience in Africa, having spent over 10 years at Hummingbird Resources in senior management, so has a great understanding of how to develop gold mining assets in West Africa. Today, Bert gives us an update since we last spoke in December 2022, results of the drill programme, an update on the permit moratorium, and funding the next phase of the project. KEY TAKEAWAYS Cora Gold has a strong focus on gold exploration and development, with a flagship project in southern Mali. The company faced challenges due to a moratorium on new mining permits in Mali, but recent developments indicate progress towards lifting the moratorium. Cora Gold's short to medium-term outlook looks positive, with expectations of significant developments in the next six to twelve months. Bert highlights the importance of safety and security measures in operating in Mali and Senegal, emphasising the company's commitment to ensuring the well-being of its team. BEST MOMENTS "Mali's obviously been unfortunately in a position where they had a permit moratorium in place since the end of 2022 while they put in place a new mining code."  "We've got a really strong looking project at San Ancoro in southern Mali. It's an oxide project. It's got over 100 meters of oxide."  "We've got a lot of moving parts to get going with. Sadly, it's not going to be breaking ground straight away, Rob."  "I think it's very important to look at Mali as a country and it's absolutely vast. So if you look at where the mines are, the mines are very much in the south of the country or in the west." 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 Website: https://www.coragold.com/contact/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cora-gold/ X: https://x.com/cora_gold Email: info@coragold.com The previous episode with Bert Munro - https://omny.fm/shows/dig-deep-the-mining-podcast/137-dd ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

We chat with Michael Minosora, Chairman of Siguiri Gold who are focused on the exploration of the Siguiri Gold Project in Guinea, West Africa, where they are targeting low-cost production of a bulk-tonnage, at-surface open pit mining operation. Michael has extensive experience in both the professional services sector and the resources sector including as CFO of Woodside Petroleum Limited and Fortescue Metals Group Limited. He has also been Chairman of ASX-listed company Atlantic Limited and a founder of Bauxite De Kimbo Limited which developed a bauxite project in Guinea. On the show, Michael tells us more about the company & project, discusses their upcoming IPO to raise $10M, and highlights their explorations activities. KEY TAKEAWAYS Siguiri Gold is focused on low-cost production of bulk tonnage at surface open pit mining operations in Guinea, West Africa, near established gold mines like Anglo Gold Ashanti SAG mine. Siguiri Gold has conducted extensive drilling and soil sampling, with plans to deliver a maiden resource in the first quarter or first half of next year, showcasing the potential for high-grade gold deposits. Guinea is seen as a pro-mining jurisdiction with a straightforward approvals process, making it an attractive destination for mining companies looking for new opportunities. Siguiri Gold's upcoming IPO presents an opportunity for investors to capitalize on the company's potential growth, driven by ongoing drilling, reporting, and progression towards production. The focus for the next six to 12 months will be on continued drilling, reporting results, and advancing the project towards construction and production, marking an exciting phase for the company's development. BEST MOMENTS "I must say I'm a big fan of Guinea. It's a country that's been overlooked and I often muse to myself that people look at Africa and think of it as one country."  "What we do know now, and this was one of the great findings of PREDICT is if you go deeper and you're getting a fresh material, you actually often see a positive grade improvement and a significant improvement." "It is a project that will be a fast start. It is a project that doesn't have technological risk. It's simple." 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 X: https://x.com/SiguiriGold LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/82841329 ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Jonathan Owen, CEO of Metals One, a LSE-listed junior mining company who are developing brownfield projects in Finland and Norway, aiming to identify and define battery metal resources to supply an expanding European market. These metals have the potential to become strategic sources of battery metals for the European domestic market. Jonathan is an enterprising, highly resourceful, and results-driven Senior Executive, with 25+ years’ of experience in building businesses, transforming operations, and driving positive change within global mining and metals organisations. He shares the story of Metal One, news of the drilling programme, the macro view of the Nickel market, and recent news on the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act. KEY TAKEAWAYS Metals One is focused on developing brownfield projects in Finland and Norway to identify and define battery metal resources for the expanding European market. The EU's legislation aims to secure domestic supplies of critical minerals, offering opportunities for funding and permit fast-tracking for mining companies like Metals One. Nickel prices are expected to remain stable around $18,000 a ton, with growing demand for high-quality nickel sulfate driven by the increasing adoption of electric vehicles. While still in early stages, Metals One emphasises social engagement and transparency with local communities to ensure social license to operate. Metals One is gearing up for a busy period, with upcoming preliminary economic assessments, feasibility studies, and environmental baselining to progress their projects towards production by 2030. BEST MOMENTS "The UK has some of the finest mining consultancies based here and offering services globally."  "It's all rosy. It's been a tough year for all in the mining industry. But I'm sure it's going to turn a corner this year." "Social license to operate is number one. I think it's as important, if not more important, than the quality of your raw body." "It's hugely important. Social license to operate is number one. I think it's as important, if not more important, than the quality of your raw body." 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 Web: https://metals-one.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-owen/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/metals-one-plc/ Company X: https://x.com/metals_one_PLC X: https://x.com/JonnyOwen_MET1 ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat to Danny Keating, President & CEO of Giyani Metals who are a battery metal development company focused on becoming one of Africa's first low-carbon producers of high-purity manganese sulphate mono-hydrate, a pre-cursor material used by lithium-ion battery manufacturers for the expanding (EV) market and they are currently developing a portfolio of high-quality manganese oxide assets within the Kanye Basin, in south-eastern Botswana, Africa. Danny’s background is in both engineering and commercial & accounting working in executive management for over 15 years. He talks about their recent US$26 million fundraising, plans for the next 18 months as they are finalising their Demonstration Plant for producing high-purity battery grade manganese (HPMSM) ready for offtaker testing in Q4, and developing their Definitive Feasibility Study which is due in the first half of 2025. KEY TAKEAWAYS Giyani Metals is focused on becoming one of Africa's first low-carbon producers of high-purity manganese sulfite monohydrate for the expanding EV market. Giyani Metals recently raised $26 million in capital from strategic investors ARCH and the IDC, showcasing a strong endorsement and support for the company's vision. The construction and commissioning of the demonstration plant is a key milestone for Giyani Metals, as it will demonstrate the process flow sheet and provide a continuous production of high-purity battery-grade manganese. The involvement of strategic investors like ARCH and the IDC not only provides financial support but also brings a focus on ESG aspects and long-term patient capital, setting a solid foundation for project financing. Giyani Metals is well-positioned in the high-purity manganese market, with a focus on meeting the increasing demand for manganese in battery chemistries, aligning with the industry's shift towards lower nickel, reduced cobalt, and increased manganese content. BEST MOMENTS "We spent almost a year going through due diligence with these groups, which is a ringing endorsement when we get to the end and they make a substantive investment."  "We're trying to assist in the energy transition. That's very important in terms of some of the sustainability aspects."  "We want to make sure that we're observing the highest social, environmental and governance aspects."  "We have the permits and licensing, the DFS and the demonstration plant all the way through to the offtake. So an exciting 12 months ahead of us in terms of delivering on all these aspects."  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 Web: https://giyanimetals.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/giyani-metals/ X: https://x.com/GiyaniMetals ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Blair Carson, President & CEO of Gladiator Gold Mines who are a U.S. based minerals firm focused on the development of their unique high-grade, 100% owned gold mine in Arizona. They own 2,300 acres with a potential of up to 1.8 million oz gold equivalent resources from known exploration targets. Blair has over 38 years of experience in project development and marketing, having founded Gold Reef Mining LLC and served as CEO of Nor-Quest Arizona, as well as previously serving in management positions with other mining firms. He gives us the story behind Gladiator Gold Mines and how they are looking to progress the project. KEY TAKEAWAYS Gladiator Gold Mines is focused on a high-grade gold mine in Arizona with approximately 0.43 ounces per ton of gold, making it a significant project in terms of grade. The mine has a rich history dating back to the 1870s, with previous mining activities and a proven track record of production, providing a solid foundation for future operations. In addition to gold, the mine also contains silver, lead, zinc, and copper, offering potential for multiple metal credits during processing. The project aims for zero discharge by utilising paste backfill technology and backfilling underground stokes, showcasing a commitment to environmentally friendly mining practices. The short-term goal is to increase the mill capacity and start production, with long-term plans to expand operations, develop additional veins, and potentially extend the project's lifespan to 20-30 years. BEST MOMENTS "I think the biggest thing about the Gladiator Gold mine is the grade. There are some other projects that have as high a grade as we do. We have approximately 0.43 ounces per ton of gold." "The current status of the project is we've got approximately 94,000 ounces of gold in the proven and probable category. We believe that with the land position that we have in the project, that we've got tremendous upside." "The short term plan is to get our capital raised behind us and put this project into production, start generating some cash flow, get into the underground." "The environmental climate is, in certain jurisdictions, it can be quite difficult. We're fortunate that we're in a mining-friendly area, and I think that has a lot of benefits." 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 Blair LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blair-carson-b63b9027/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Geoff McNamara, Co-founder and Non-exec director of Tesoro Gold who arefocused on exploring gold assets with the potential to be district-scale mining projects whilst developing their flagship asset, their El Zorro project. Geoff has over 30 years of international resource sector experience as a Founder, Geologist, Project Manager & Fund Manager working for the likes of Societe Generale, Ivanhoe Mines, Lion Ore International, and Western Mining Corporation. We discuss what Tesoro Gold has been up to with their drilling campaign, what work they have been doing with the local communities, and an update on what is happening in Chile as a country and mining destination. KEY TAKEAWAYS Tesoro Gold's El Zorro project is the first intrusive related gold system discovered in Chile, with a 1.5 million ounce resource and potential for further expansion. The El Zorro project is strategically located near the coast, national highway, and infrastructure, making it an ideal working environment for mining operations. Tesoro Gold actively engages with local communities in Caldera, Copiapo, and Chanaral, sourcing personnel and services locally and supporting community initiatives. Ongoing drilling programs aim to expand the Ternera deposit to 2 million ounces in the next 12-18 months and potentially to 3 million ounces within 24-36 months. The outlook for copper and gold is optimistic, driven by supply-demand dynamics, infrastructure needs, and central bank buying, with potential for significant growth in the market. BEST MOMENTS "We've made a discovery, as I mentioned, that's the first intrusive related gold system discovered and defined in Chile." "We do have a 3 million ounce exploration target on the Ternera deposit, which is, as I mentioned, currently 1.5 million ounces."  "The reality is, yes, tax rates have gone up for copper miners. They now sit around that sort of mid-20s for corporate tax."  "I think the market's very favourable for copper. I think artificial intelligence on its own is going to drive a lot of demand for copper."  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 Website: https://tesorogold.com.au/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tesoro-gold/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-mcnamara-020867219/ Email: geoff.mcnamara@tesorogold.com.au X: https://x.com/tesorogoldltd ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat to Graham Trusler, CEO and founder of Digby Wells Environmental who provide environmental, social, and sustainability solutions for the resource, infrastructure, energy, and agriculture sectors. Their services range fromexploration to extraction to rehabilitation and closure as they have the knowledge to support you through every milestone of the project life cycle. Graham has 30 years of experience within the mining industry in metallurgical production, research, and environmental issues and talks about best environmental practices in our industry and what mining companies can do to improve standards across the globe. KEY TAKEAWAYS Graham Trusler, CEO and founder of Digby Wells Environmental, has 30 years of experience in the mining industry, specialising in environmental issues. Digby Wells Environmental provides a range of services for the mining industry, including environmental impact assessments, closure plans, and social consultation. Mining companies need to comply with international standards, such as those set by the International Finance Corporation, regardless of the country they operate in. Climate change is a significant challenge for mining operations, requiring adaptation strategies to manage risks and opportunities. The outlook for Digby Wells Environmental is positive, with plans to expand offices in Africa, North America, and Australia to meet the growing demand for their services. BEST MOMENTS "The funders, whether they're from a banking community, they normally go with International Finance Corporation or IFC rules and guidelines."  "It's been very positive over the last while, and fortunately in our space, the needs for our services are continuing to grow."  "So our bread and butter used to be environmental impact assessments or environmental and social impact assessments as they are now."  "I think it's a legitimacy challenge in a lot of the first world countries where the money is going to come from."  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 LinkedIn: Digby Wells Environmental (https://www.linkedin.com/company/digby-wells-environmental/) Facebook: Digby Wells Environmental (https://www.facebook.com/DigbyWellsEnvironmental) Instagram: @Digbywellsenviromental ( https://www.instagram.com/digbywellsenvironmental/?hl=en) Email Adress : info@Digbywells.com Contact details: 011 789 9495 ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we have a returning guest who appeared back in December 2022 (Episode 298). Alex Walker, CEO of East Star Resources, who are focused on the discovery and development of gold and copper deposits in Kazakhstan and have recently been part of BHP’s Xplor programme. Alex is a mining investment banker and resources executive based full-time in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Originally from Australia and also a former Captain in the Australian Army Reserves, he has more than 15 years of mining finance and management experience and in this episode, he provides us with an update on the company since we last spoke, their experience, and key takeaways from the Xplor programme and the progress they have been making across their assets. KEY TAKEAWAYS Alex has been focusing on gold and copper deposits in Kazakhstan. East Star Resources has been part of BHP's Xplor program, which has accelerated the company's progress over the last six months. The company has been digitising data and advancing VMS assets, with a focus on high-grade copper deposits. Alex Walker has been actively involved in promoting mining and exploration in Kazakhstan through the Kazakhstan Chamber of Mines. The next 12 months for East Star Resources involve finalising processes, potential joint ventures, and further exploration to achieve significant milestones. BEST MOMENTS "We've been able to get two targets on the belt. We've been able to advance those in terms of soil sampling, and we've been doing spectral analysis on all of those as we speak."  "It's not unrealistic to think that we won't have, you know, a couple of joint ventures on the cards as well, either in the porphyry exploration or in the SED or both, or something a bit more general."  "We've got Chris as our new technical director. We've got a new exploration manager who's also been living here for a couple of years and is fantastic in helping bring out our policies and our procedures." 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 https://www.eaststarplc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/east-star-resources/ https://x.com/EastStar_PLC Investor presentation: https://www.eaststarplc.com/_files/ugd/9a9edb_9ff2d0d6c72d4b509708827e491759ce.pdf ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Charlie King, CEO of Tribe Tech who are a disruptive developer and manufacturer of autonomous mining equipment established in 2019 in Western Australia and has since established a headquarters and manufacturing facility in Northern Ireland. Charlie is a highly experienced manager with over 15 years of commercial and operations experience in mineral exploration working for three of the biggest drilling companies in Western Australia. As the CEO of Tribe Tech, he shares what the company has achieved in a short space of time and how their automated equipment can benefit company's exploration activities. KEY TAKEAWAYS Tribe Tech was established in 2019 in Western Australia and has since expanded to Northern Ireland. The company specialises in developing and manufacturing autonomous mining equipment, with a focus on improving exploration activities in the mining industry. Tribe Tech took on the challenge of designing autonomous mining equipment from the ground up, aiming to create machines that operate without the need for human operators. This approach required significant development hours and a unique perspective on automation in the mining sector. Despite facing challenges and skepticism from the industry, Tribe Tech has achieved significant milestones, including securing contracts with major players like Anglo American and Major Drilling. The company's success is evident in its 100% tender success rate and growing demand for its autonomous equipment. Tribe Tech's focus for the next 12 months includes commercializing existing products, improving systems quality and performance, and aiming to become a self-generating profitable business. The company plans to continue solving industry challenges and driving innovation in the mining sector. BEST MOMENTS "I thought the return on investment for purchases of our equipment would be the saving in costs of personnel. But the way we believe our IP functions is actually about getting more bit on bottom a whole time drilling during a shift."  "We see our technology as helping enable a lot of that and the kind of real digital transition and trends that are happening within the sector."  "We want to continue to find areas where the sector and the big players maybe have neglected a niche. Maybe it's too small a market segment for them to take on, or they view the challenge as too big." - "We've worked through to get to a point where our first autonomous sampling system commercial model has been deployed out for Anglo-American in South Africa." 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 https://www.linkedin.com/company/tribe-tech-group/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

We chat to Andrew Chubb, CEO of Awalé Resources, one of Africa's diligent and systematic mineral exploration companies, with a primary focus on discovering large, high-grade gold and copper-gold deposits in Cote d’Ivoire. Andrew is an economic geologist with more than 20 years of exploration and mining experience in technical operational, consulting and advisory roles leading large teams from exploration to feasibility across Australia, Africa, and Europe. He’s been with Awalé Resources since 2018 as their COO before moving into the CEO role last year. He tells us more about the company's journey, their recent fundraising activities from investors and through the Newmont JV, early drilling results, the mining environment in Cote d'Ivoire, and what the company is looking to achieve in the short term.  KEY TAKEAWAYS A Toronto-listed exploration company focusing on making big discoveries in Cote d'Ivoire, with recent encouraging drill results at BBM and Charger prospects. Cote d'Ivoire has a robust regulatory framework since 2012, attracting foreign investment and becoming an economic powerhouse in Francophone West Africa. Plans to continue drilling on the joint venture, focusing on resource drilling at BBM, pipeline targets, and regional work to prove district-scale potential. Currently recruiting for various roles, including a VP of Exploration, chief geologists, junior geologists, and local content roles to support the company's growth and operations. BEST MOMENTS "I guess it is a fantastic opportunity. I mean, Australia, we're very lucky because it's such a big country and the geology is extremely diverse as well." "It's a pretty exciting time for the company and anyone that actually gets the opportunity to come on board with us."  "It's like a geologist's dream because it's a tabular ore body and it's increasing in width at depth, perhaps increasing a little bit in grade at depth as well." 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: Website: https://awaleresources.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/awale-resources/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AwaleResources X: https://x.com/awaleresources ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Brian Hosking, Director and CEO of Gold & Minerals Company (GMCO) who were established in 2009 to explore and develop gold and base metals projects in the Arabian Nubian Shield area of Saudi Arabia. There are 2 major projects with a further 20 exploration licenses under the application. Brian has a long career in the mining industry and even worked in the headhunting space so I’m keen to hear more about his background, the work GMCO has done, mining in Saudi Arabia, and what the outlook is for the company. We discuss how the mining industry is developing in Saudi Arabia and what companies need to be wary of if they are looking to explore in the country. KEY TAKEAWAYS GMCO's Background: GMCO, a mining company in Saudi Arabia, was established in 2009 to explore and develop gold and base metal projects in the Arabian Shield area. The Saudi government is highly supportive of the mining industry, providing infrastructure, regulatory support, and enabling a conducive environment for exploration and development. While there is a need for international expertise in the mining industry in Saudi Arabia, there is also a focus on developing local talent through training programs and internships. GMCO is focused on continued growth and development, with plans to expand their projects, engage with the community, and contribute to the mining sector in Saudi Arabia. BEST MOMENTS "I think the challenge is to grow this industry. And we've been lucky in the sense that, you know, Gold and Minerals kind of restarted, if that's the right word, at a time when the government of Saudi Arabia recognised the need to develop this industry."  "Watch this space. There are, I think some, we're looking forward to some exciting developments in the next six to twelve months, but you know, there is, as they say in the classics, many a slip between cup and lip."  "We're no longer a junior company, we're a development company. When you look at our financial backing, there's no way you could describe us as a junior. We're a company in development and we will continue to grow." 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 Website: https://gmco.com.sa/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gmco-ltd/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Chris Griffith, CEO of Base Metals at Vedanta Resources, a global powerhouse of minerals, power, and energy companies within the group where these businesses have multiple subsidiaries within a portfolio of operations and projects comprising of operations in Zinc, Lead, Silver, Copper, Iron Ore, Steel, Nickel, and Aluminium. Chris has a wealth of experience in the mining industry and previously served as the CEO of Gold Fields and also two major mining business, Anglo American Platinum and Kumba Iron Ore. Now with Vedanta, he tells us more about the company and the demerger of its business into 6 separately listed companies. He also discusses the critical minerals space in general and the geo-politics impacting on the critical minerals industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS Vedanta Resources is planning to demerge into six separately listed companies, each focusing on specific commodities, which is expected to unlock substantial value. The base metals division of Vedanta, has significant growth plans, aiming to increase zinc and copper production to over a million tons each by 2030. Geopolitics is impacting the critical minerals industry, with countries like the US, Canada, and China focusing on securing critical mineral assets and investing in African mining projects. Vedanta's mines and processing plants are strategically located in favourable mining jurisdictions like South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, India, and the Middle East to capitalise on growth opportunities. Vedanta has made significant progress in ESG initiatives, ranking among the top three globally in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and responsible mining practices. BEST MOMENTS "I think the potential for Africa growth with the demand for critical minerals, and as we see the growth of the world needing growth in mining, you'll continue to see expansion of mining in Africa." "We've already seen 100% growth in the share price in this past year. I think as the demerger happens, which I think is one of the key things to watch for, I think that's all lined up to happen."  "The real jewel in the crown is the fact that KCM, the Konkola copper mines in Zambia, which has been sort of under government control for the past five years, we announced at the end of last year that we had reached agreement with government and now just needed to go through the regulatory approval process." 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 https://www.vedantaresources.com/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Brian Menell, Chairman and CEO at TechMet, who acquires and manages projects that produce, process, and recycle the critical metals that are key components of batteries, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems across a range of commodities including cobalt, lithium, nickel, tin, tungsten and rare earth metals. Brian is a businessman who, over the last 25 years, has been involved in energy and natural resources projects across Africa, South/North America, and Europe and founded TechMet back in 2017. On the podcast, Brian talks about the growth of TechMet, their work with the US government, and the importance of securing criteria mineral supply chains across the world. Brian is also going to be attending and speaking at the upcoming London Indaba at the InterContinental Park Lane London on 25th & 26th June titled “Investing in resources and mining in Africa” with a focus on Africa’s critical role in the minerals and metals of the future. So book your tickets below and we will see you there: https://www.londonindaba.com/other-indabas/the-london-indaba-2024?book=1 The event: https://www.londonindaba.com/other-indabas/the-london-indaba-2024 KEY TAKEAWAYS Brian is the chairman and CEO of TechMet, a company focused on acquiring and managing projects that produce critical metals for batteries, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems. TechMet invests in projects that uphold high ESG standards, have low carbon footprints, and support transformative technologies to meet the growing demand for critical minerals. TechMet has 10 operating companies across North America, South America, Africa, and Europe, with a focus on metals like nickel, cobalt, tin, tungsten, and rare earth metals. The company has received direct equity investment from the US government, allowing them to accelerate their programs and gain preferential access to other US government departments for further funding. Brian will be speaking at the upcoming London Indaba event, focusing on beneficiation in Africa and turning mined resources into high-value products to support global industry. BEST MOMENTS "We're at the beginning of a 20-year supply-demand dislocation for lithium-ion battery metals, for rare earth metals, for energy infrastructure metals, that is really unprecedented in our lifetimes."  "We only invest in projects that have the potential to uphold high ESG standards and low carbon footprint in regions where we can ensure that is the case."  "It's been massively important for us, not only in terms of the quantum of investment, but in terms of the de-risking and credentialising impact of U.S. government investment."  "It's very difficult to compete with China in specialty metal chemical processing. And to do that in a way that doesn't retard investment in primary resource extraction."  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 https://www.techmet.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/techmet-ltd/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmenell/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode we chat to Marty Knauth, CEO of Zanaga Iron Ore Company (ZIOC) who are an iron ore exploration and development company with their flagship asset Zanaga Iron Ore Project which is located in the Republic of Congo. I’ve known Marty for more than 10 years now and has a strong reputation for building teams, turning visions into reality and generally getting things done in numerous cultures and countries. He has recently joined Zanaga Iron Ore as CEO and joins us to talk about an exciting project he is leading in the Republic of Congo, some of the challenges the project is developing solutions for, and a general discussion about leadership in the minerals sector. KEY TAKEAWAYS Marty has over 30 years of experience in the mining industry, with a strong reputation for building teams and turning visions into reality in various countries and cultures. Zanaga Iron Ore Project in the Republic of Congo has a compelling investment case, with well-understood geology, low strip ratio, and a two-stage capital profile for hematite and magnetite processes. Clear and consistent communication has been key to building trust with the government of the Republic of Congo and other stakeholders, demonstrating the importance of integrity in relationships. The mining industry faces a major challenge in attracting and retaining skilled individuals with the right attitude and aptitude for the work, highlighting the need for better promotion of the industry's value. Zanaga Iron Ore is focused on partnerships and front-end engineering and design phase in the next 15-18 months, aiming for a construction decision in mid-2026 and commissioning in the first half of 2030 for the phase one hematite process. BEST MOMENTS "We need to work harder. We need to train harder. We need to communicate harder around that mining, materials management, bulk materials handling through quality products that we all, all of our raw feed goes into actually does make a difference to the planet."  "The key challenge is reminding people who Zanaga are, what we're about, and the scope and the scale of this project." "Obviously, what you've been talking about is branding of our industry. And I suppose and I hear often that we're not good promoters of our own industry." 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 https://www.zanagairon.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/zanaga-iron-ore-company-ltd/about/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Emanuel Proença, CEO of Savannah Resources who are one of Europe’s leading conventional lithium development company with one of the most significant lithium raw material assets within the European Union. Emanuel is an experienced business executive and an expert in the energy transition in mobility with a strong track record of managing transformation and generating growth within sectors including, green fuels production and market development, electrification of mobility, liquid fuels hedging, trading, logistics and retail of liquid fuels, and digitalisation.  Emanuel gives us an overview of Savannah Resources and how the project is going to help with Portugal’s energy transition. KEY TAKEAWAYS Savannah Resources' Barroso Lithium project in Portugal is crucial for Portugal's energy transition and Europe's energy transition. The project aims to be in production by the end of 2026, contributing significantly to the European lithium supply chain. The project has a strong management team with experience in the mining and lithium sectors, positioning it well for success. Savannah Resources is actively engaging with the local community, aiming to bring economic benefits and support to the region. BEST MOMENTS "The project alone can deliver a third of the Critical Raw Materials Act objective for lithium. So a target that seemed ambitious given the tradition that Europe has in mining becomes totally achievable."  "The project is positioned in a location that allows us to be very well positioned to serve the refining sector throughout Europe."  "The level of urgency, the speeds at which the CRMA was delivered after it started, make me conclude today that yes, Europe will be able to deliver on its strategy and will be able to speed up."  "The board helps us with execution, ensuring that we are doing things right and that we are executing to the best standards."  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 Website:https://savannahresources-wwwsavannahresourcescom.azurewebsites.net/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/savannah-resources-plc/ X: https://x.com/savannahres ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat to Rob Mosig, Non-Executive Technical Director for Alien Metals who are a global minerals exploration and development company that will shortly make the transition to iron ore producer. The company now holds a collection of high-quality projects within its portfolio, spearheaded by its Hancock DSO (direct shipping ore) iron ore project in which it has a 90% holding, through its 100% owned subsidiary the Iron Ore Company of Australia (IOCA). Rob is a geologist with over 30 years of experience in lateritic terrain, platinum group metals, diamonds, and precious metals and has been previously a founding CEO and MD of a few ASX-listed companies during his career. He talks about Alien Metals, its projects, exploration activities, and the strategic outlook for the company. KEY TAKEAWAYS Rob has over 30 years of experience in the mining industry, particularly in platinum group metals, diamonds, and precious metals. Alien Metals is a small junior exploration company with two significant brownfields projects in iron ore and platinum group metals, focusing on imminent development. The strategic vision for Alien Metals includes transitioning to a miner in the near term by prioritising iron ore production while also developing the Pinderi Hills project for platinum and silver mining. The key ingredients for Alien Metals to transition to a miner include building a strong team, focusing on quality projects, and managing finances carefully. The exploration industry has evolved over the years with advancements in drilling technology and geophysical methods, providing opportunities for Alien Metals to enhance their exploration activities. BEST MOMENTS "I think teamwork is one of the big ingredients that's necessary. Then I think we need projects that we believe in."  "There's been some excellent discoveries made by office interpretation. But overall, I think there has been less field time."  "I believe that iron ore will be in focus. And I believe that with regards to Pinderi Hills and its silver and platinum, my main aim now is to assist the team."  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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-mosig/ Website: https://www.alienmetals.uk/ Email address: robertwmosig@gmail.com ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with JC Grobbelaar, Director of Integrated Technology Solutions at GardaWorld International who are a global leader in security services, GardaWorld with a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals to protect their clients’ businesses, employees, and assets in a for complex regions and industries, such as the mining industry. With a background in the military, JC leads the Integrated Technology Solutions Division for GardaWorld International and heads up a team of experts that is responsible for the design, project management, and deployment of integrated technology solutions across a range of industries. JC talks to us about GardaWorld, and what they do in the mining industry, and discusses using more advanced technology to minimise risk in our industry. Plus an update on the African mining industry around risk. KEY TAKEAWAYS JC Grobbelaar is the Director of Integrated Technology Solutions at GardaWorld International, a global leader in security services for high-risk conflict zones, including the mining industry. GardaWorld focuses on integrating technology solutions to minimise risk and enhance productivity in mining operations. Smart mining, as defined by GardaWorld, involves integrating various technologies to improve communication and efficiency across different aspects of mining operations. Human capital management plays a crucial role in ensuring safety and compliance within mining companies, with a focus on payroll, time and attendance, and HR management. BEST MOMENTS "I think the critical part is to have strategic alignment with head office to the P&L owner of the mine operation itself."  "Mining has been able to survive in most harshest and the highest conflict areas in the world across many, many, many years."  "We operate in more than 50 countries. Currently, globally, we've got about 150,000 people working for us."  "Smart mining for us is integrating all of the silos between HR, IT, production, planning, mine planning, health and safety and security."  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 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/gardaworld-africa/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/gardaworld X https://x.com/GardaWorld Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@GardaWorldSecurity ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Gordana Slepcev, COO at Lomiko Metals. A listed Canadian company with a vision to create a new energy future in line with the Quebec Plan for Development of Critical and Strategic Minerals in the region. The company has a graphite and lithium project in Quebec which we will discuss today. Gordana is a Professional Mining Engineer with more than 25 years of global mining experience in developing, building, and leading safe mining operations and brings considerable experience in mineral exploration, permitting, corporate and regulatory/First Nations/ Indigenous relations, and project financing to the company. We discuss recent updates the company has announced and chat about the latest mining news coming out of Quebec. KEY TAKEAWAYS Lomiko Metals received a $8.35 million grant from the U.S. DOD Title III and a $4.9 million grant from the federal government for pilot planting. Lomiko Metals is focused on developing a graphite project in Quebec, with a significant resource base and successful battery-grade material testing. They have also been working on a lithium project. The company has achieved high-grade carbon content and recoveries in their metallurgical testing for producing flake graphite and battery anode material. Lomiko Metals emphasises the importance of sustainable mining practices and aims to contribute to decarbonising the Canadian and Quebec landscape. The company plans to raise funds to complete pre-feasibility studies and methodological testing, aiming to develop the project efficiently and contribute to the North American graphite market. BEST MOMENTS "We all say, it's a kind of old saying, if it's not grown, it's mined. And the mining shaped human development from the Iron and Bronze Ages and ever since."  "Mining is not what people think or was a hundred years ago, picturing the guy with a pick, you know, it's a really different industry nowadays. It's very technology heavy and very much digitised." "The graphite has to be processed to the certain level to meet the battery requirements. And all these consumer electronics like computers, cell phones, they all need graphite." 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 https://lomiko.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/lomiko-metals/ https://x.com/lomikometals https://www.instagram.com/lomikometals/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Mike Stark, CEO of Arizona Gold & Silver, a publicly traded company engaged in junior mining exploration primarily in Arizona and Nevada. They have 3 projects, the Philadelphia property, the Silverton Gold Project, and the Sycamore Canyon Project. Mike has as over 35 years of business experience in the private sector as an owner and operator of two successful companies. His background includes corporate financing, investor relations, market support and corporate strategic development. Mike tells us more about the company, their projects, what they are looking to achieve, and what the mining environment is like in Arizona and Nevada at the moment. KEY TAKEAWAYS The company has three projects - Silverton, Sycamore Canyon, and the flagship Philadelphia property, with promising exploration results. Led by experienced individuals like Greg Hahn and Gene Spiering, the team brings decades of expertise in the mining industry. Arizona and Nevada are recognised as top mining jurisdictions globally, providing a stable and favourable environment for mining operations. The company is expecting a BLM permit in the near future, enabling deeper exploration and potentially uncovering significant mineral resources. With a tight share structure, successful drilling results, and upcoming milestones, Arizona Gold & Silver presents a compelling investment opportunity with potential for growth. BEST MOMENTS "We have a very stable, Arizona is number two in the world, Nevada being number one. So that in itself is very stable."  "We've never had a disappointment with the BLM. We have given them no reason to turn us down."  "I think we're at a turning point right now. I believe gold is going to continue just because of the global economy."  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 https://arizonagoldsilver.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/arizona-goldandsilver-exploration Email: mike.stark@arizonagoldsilver.com ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Basil Botha, co-founder, CEO, and Director of Greentech, a fast-growing recycling  company for the processing and recycling of electronic waste. Basil is an experienced mining operator with over four decades of experience in mining minerals and metals and has been involved in a number of boards during his career. He tells us more about Greentech, what they are looking to achieve in recycling waste, and the timeframe in which you can start an operation like this up. KEY TAKEAWAYS Green Tech is a fast-growing recycling company focused on processing and recycling electronic waste, extracting valuable metals like gold, silver, palladium, platinum, copper, and tin. The process of recycling electronic waste is more cost-effective and time-efficient compared to traditional mining methods. Green Tech's process requires significantly less capital expenditure and time to start production. Green Tech's recycling process is clean and sustainable, with zero emissions and no discharge, in contrast to traditional methods that involve burning materials and creating environmental hazards like tailings ponds. The global e-waste market is growing, providing a consistent and increasing source of raw materials for Green Tech's operations. The company focuses on printed circuit boards due to their high metal concentration. BEST MOMENTS "It made so much more sense to recycle electronic waste as opposed to digging holes in the ground... the ramifications as opposed to mining are so much better."  "The benefits of electronic waste recycling, as opposed to mining, is mining is a tough, tough business... It takes a long time, costs an inordinate amount of money."  "The process, although we spent about four years perfecting the process, it's purely mechanical in the front end. And then in the back end, it's a refining process."  "We didn't want to go down that route at all. We wanted a clean process. That's the difference." 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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/basil-botha-91ab1027/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with a returning guest who appeared back in November 2020 (episode 104). Merlin Marr Johnson, CEO of Fitzroy Minerals, who are focused on exploring and advancing commercial copper and gold discoveries in Chile, Argentina, and Canada. Merlin is a geologist by trade and has over 25 years of experience in the resources sector in technical, corporate, and capital markets roles. Merlin’s belief is that old primary industry principles of economic theory which says that wealth can only be created with ‘Land, Work, Ideas and Capital’ are still very relevant.  Today, he tells us more about Fitzroy Minerals, their projects in Chile and Argentina, and the storybehind “The Con”, a series around investing in the natural resources sector. KEY TAKEAWAYS Fitzroy Minerals has a diverse portfolio of projects in Chile and Argentina, including a high-grade copper and gold project in Chile and a promising gold exploration project in Argentina. Investment Strategy: Merlin emphasises the importance of near-term catalysts, scale potential in geology, a competent team, financial stability, and operational independence when considering pre-discovery companies for investment. The Con is a series of educational lectures by Merlin that aims to provide a nuanced and unbiased understanding of the resources sector, encouraging investors to conduct thorough due diligence and avoid confirmation bias. Over the next six to 12 months, Fitzroy Minerals plans to focus on drilling programs, exploration activities, and potential discoveries in their projects in Chile and Argentina, presenting significant growth opportunities. BEST MOMENTS "I think when one gets to a certain age, you start putting over 25 years, because otherwise you just seem really old." "We've got a cracking portfolio of projects... high-grade copper and high-grade gold, and there just are not these kinds of deposits." "You have to be careful when you're investing. You have to do your own due diligence. You have to ask questions." 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 https://fitzroyminerals.com https://fitzroyminerals.com/contact/contact-info/ https://x.com/Fitzroyminerals https://www.linkedin.com/company/fitzroy-minerals-inc ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we have a returning guest returning guest who appeared in April 2020 (Episode 73), although with another company. Marcus Brewster, Chief Operating Officer at Tristar Gold, who are advancing Brazil’s premier gold development project, its 100% owned flagship property Castelo de Sonhos, in mining-friendly Pará State. Listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, TriStar has completed a pre-feasibility study and is now advancing permitting while evaluating optimization options. Marcus is a competent geologist and mining engineer who has over 30 years of experience in both technical and managerial positions operating large-scale gold mines across South America, Africa, and Asia. As the COO at Tristar, he talks about company, what they are they are currently doing, and what they are looking to achieve. KEY TAKEAWAYS Tristar Gold is advancing Brazil's premier gold development project, Custodel Sonos, in a mining-friendly state. The company has a strong executive and management team with a diverse range of expertise, including geologists, miners, and mining engineers. The project is a paleoplacer deposit, similar to the Tarkwa deposit in Ghana, with significant growth potential along strike and down dip. Tristar Gold is focused on environmental permitting, expecting to receive their preliminary license in quarter two. The outlook for Tristar over the next six to 12 months includes completing drilling to convert reserves, starting the feasibility study, and potentially reaching a construction decision within 15 to 18 months. BEST MOMENTS "We've got reserves of 1.4 million ounces at 1.1 grams per tonne, of which 1 million ounces of about 1.3, most of which is in our Esperanza South pit." "We've decided to focus entirely on environmental permitting." "It's very, very similar to Tarquin and very, very similar to the, especially the Western domain of the domain anticline." 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 Twitter: https://twitter.com/tristar_gold LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tristar-gold/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ-dQX6zJBHMXEInBWS9dSQ  Website: www.tristargold.com ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Neil Herbert, who is the executive chair for Atlantic Lithium, who are a lithium focused exploration and development company advancing its flagship Ewoyaa project in Ghana, West Africa to production.  Neil is a Chartered Certified Accountant with over 30 years of experience in finance and has been involved in growing mining and oil and gas companies, both as an executive and an investor, for over 25 years. He is also involved in a number of board positions but as chair of Atlantic Lithium, he gives us an overview of the company and its flagship project, what's currently happening in the lithium market, and what the company ultimately wants to achieve. KEY TAKEAWAYS Neil Herbert has over 30 years of experience in finance and has been involved in growing many mining and oil and gas companies. Atlantic Lithium's flagship project in Ghana, is a straightforward operation with low operating costs and industry-leading numbers. The lithium industry is experiencing rapid growth due to the increasing demand for electric vehicles, presenting both opportunities and challenges for companies like Atlantic Lithium. Ghana is a stable and prosperous nation with a long history of mining experience, making it an attractive location for mining projects. Atlantic Lithium is actively looking to expand its footprint in Ghana and potentially explore projects in Africa that align with their focus on low-cost operations and straightforward exploitation. BEST MOMENTS "We have electricity and all the resources we need locally. And Ghana is a great country. We have an enormous depth of experience and education in terms of the personality and country." "We do this by far, I think the simplest project in terms of being able to take it to production. It's a very straightforward operation."  "We hope over time that we'll get that interest. And finally, this was a commitment we made to the government because this is one of their initiatives in terms of building Ghana to get more companies onto the exchange sooner."  "Obviously, the listing forms a number of catalysts that the company has ahead of it during this obviously immensely important year" 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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atlantic-lithium-limited/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AtlanticLithium Website: https://www.atlanticlithium.com.au/ Email address: IR@atlanticlithium.com.au ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics.