Dig Deep

In this episode, we chat with Tim McCutcheon, CEO of Talisman Metals, to talk about building a copper exploration company from the ground up. We start with Tim’s career and how it’s shaped his approach at Talisman, before diving into early field results from Fougnar, what they’re seeing on the ground, and how it compares to known systems like Tizert. We also explore how he evaluates projects, allocates capital in the early stages, and builds teams to maximise discovery success. Finally, we’ll zoom out to discuss sediment-hosted copper, Morocco’s growing role in critical minerals, and how to create value across a portfolio without losing focus.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Talisman Metals chose its project in Morocco because the copper mineralization outcrops at the surface, which eliminates the initial high-cost risks typically associated with finding a deposit. The project is located in the same sedimentary basin and just 25 kilometres away from the successful Tizert deposit, allowing the company to use similar geological models and local infrastructure. While the goal is to develop a standalone mine producing 20,000 to 30,000 tons of copper annually, the proximity to the major player Managem provides a natural "downside protection" through potential consolidation. Success in junior mining relies on a strict, step-by-step pyramid of risk removal, starting with low-cost mapping and geophysics before moving into expensive diamond drilling and feasibility studies. BEST MOMENTS "I got tired of basically commenting on what other people were doing—particularly in watching people make mistakes and seeing train wrecks way ahead of time." "The most important characteristic at this stage of exploration is enthusiasm. You can't be an entrepreneur and be pessimistic; it just doesn't work." "If the orientation of a sedimentary deposit is such that it's amenable to mining, you know exactly what you're pulling out of the ground... there's really no ambiguity between the two." GUEST RESOURCES https://talismanmetalsplc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/talisman-metals-plc/ https://x.com/TalismanMining 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 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.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, we chat with Andy Dennan, CEO of Halo Minerals to explore the story behind their Playa Verde copper project in Chile and what sets it apart in today’s evolving mining landscape. We start with an overview of Halo Minerals and what drew the team to Playa Verde, before diving into why this tailings project could represent a more sustainable approach to copper development. Andy shares insights on the environmental advantages, as well as the key challenges the project faces as it moves forward. We also discuss the growing importance of copper in the global energy transition, and how projects like Playa Verde fit into the broader conversation around critical minerals, supply chains, and resource security. Finally, we touch on Chile’s role as a mining jurisdiction, common pitfalls around permitting and community engagement, Halo’s recent IPO in London, and what success looks like for the next 12 months. KEY TAKEAWAYS Halo Minerals focuses on ESG metals by reprocessing surface-accumulated legacy mining waste, effectively turning environmental liabilities into critical resource assets. Beyond copper recovery, the Playa Verde project includes a commitment to reduce arsenic concentrations to 47 parts per million or less, eventually returning the beach to the local community for recreational use. With copper demand driven by AI data centres, renewable energy, and EVs, projects in stable jurisdictions like Chile are becoming essential for global supply chain security. By processing pre-crushed tailings at the surface rather than traditional hard-rock mining, the project avoids the high energy costs, blasting, and long lead times associated with greenfield developments. BEST MOMENTS "It feels a lot less lonely being in the mining industry than the oil and gas industry... in the wake of that sort of ESG movement, people were really focused on the footprint globally of these heavy industries." "We get to make money while doing good for the world or operating with a lower environmental footprint than new greenfield mines." "We’re sort of one supply disruption away from $20,000 a ton copper price." "The value of a copper deposit today is more weighted by where it is and who it can be sold to without a 50% penalty... jurisdictions with free trade agreements with the US, like Chile, have become the most valuable real estate in the mining world." GUEST RESOURCES https://halominerals.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/halominerals/ https://x.com/HaloMinerals 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 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.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, we chat with Mostafa Talaat, CEO of Ankh Resources, a company gaining attention for its exploration success at the Wadi Dara project in Egypt. With recent drilling and trenching delivering encouraging gold-copper results, Ankh Resources is positioning itself at the forefront of Egypt’s re-emerging mining sector. Mostafa brings extensive experience in the region, combining strong technical expertise with a clear vision for building a modern exploration company. In this conversation, we’ll explore the potential of Wadi Dara, the broader opportunity in Egypt, and how exploration companies like Ankh are navigating the path from discovery to development. KEY TAKEAWAYS Ankh Resources is leveraging a homegrown expert team to navigate Egypt’s new mining code and accelerate the transition from discovery to development. The Wadi Dara project has yielded significant high-grade gold and copper results, including a recent drill hole showing 102 meters of continuous mineralization. Egypt’s strategic location and established oil and gas infrastructure provide unique logistical advantages, such as the 7-to-7 to Dara accessibility from Cairo. The Egyptian government is actively working to increase the mining sector's contribution to the GDP from 1% to 5% through improved fiscal terms and international promotion. BEST MOMENTS "I was lucky to join the industry at that exciting time for Egypt's first gold mining history... in the modern history." "We are lucky that so far our drill rate success is like almost 100%... the results are bringing back better than what we expect them to find." "Egypt offers a North Africa stable region with a fresh mining code built for attracting investments and serious mining investors." "You can’t complete the AI technology required, you can’t go into the green energy transformation required, all this without having enough copper supply." GUEST RESOURCES https://ankhresources.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/ankhresourcesltd/ https://x.com/Project_Ankh 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 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.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, we chat with Alan Carter, CEO of Cabral Gold, to discuss the company’s flagship Cuiu Cuiu gold project in Brazil and the strategy driving its development. With a strong background in geology and extensive experience operating in Brazil, Alan brings deep insight into both the technical and commercial aspects of advancing gold projects in the region. In this conversation, we’ll cover Cabral’s two-stage development approach, what differentiates Cuiu Cuiu from other gold projects, and the recent share price momentum. We’ll also explore why Alan believes Cabral represents a compelling investment opportunity at current levels, and what investors can expect in terms of upcoming news flow and key catalysts over the months ahead. KEY TAKEAWAYS Cabral Gold is implementing a unique two-stage approach at Cuiú Cuiú. Phase 1 focuses on mining the weathered saprolitic soil (mud) layer, Because the initial phase targets soft mud material, it eliminates the need for expensive drilling, blasting, or crushing. Mother Nature has effectively pre-processed the rock over millions of years Cuiú Cuiú is located in the Tapajós region, home to one of the world's largest historical gold rushes. The project has a vast footprint with a 7km gold-in-soil anomaly The project recently yielded one of the most impressive drill holes in the industry. Remarkably, this discovery was made 3km away from the nearest known gold deposit, highlighting the district-scale potential. BEST MOMENTS "We want to get off that what I call hamster wheel [of share dilution] and start self-funding all of our exploration work going forward." "We're not crushing and grinding rock because Mother Nature's done all the work for us over a millions of years." "The gold rush that happened in the Tapajós in the 1980s was ten times larger than the California Gold Rush." "I've put $2 million of my own money into the company... so I am very, very heavily invested. I'm aligned with my shareholders and we’re on a mission." GUEST RESOURCES https://cabralgold.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cabral-gold/ 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 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.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this special series (Part 1 of 3) around HR and recruitment, we bring together three experienced HR leaders from across the global mining industry: Leanne Holmes, Head of People at Central Asia Metals, Paul Eagle, Vice President People & Culture at Evolution Mining, and Bridget Hunter, Group Manager Shared Services at Ivanhoe Mines. Together, they share practical perspectives on recruitment, careers, and what it takes to stand out as a candidate in today’s mining industry. Drawing on experience across operational and corporate environments, they highlight common mistakes candidates make, from generic CVs to lack of preparation and a limited understanding of mining’s unique challenges. The conversation also explores what differentiates strong candidates, including tailoring applications, demonstrating outcomes over activities, and showing genuine curiosity in interviews. Whether you're already in mining or looking to transition into the sector, this episode offers clear, actionable advice to help you better understand employer expectations and position yourself more effectively. KEY TAKEAWAYS Generic CVs are a major red flag; candidates must specifically link their skills and achievements to the unique operational context and safety requirements of the mining industry. Successful candidates demonstrate deep curiosity by researching the company's specific operations, recent financial results, and regional challenges before the interview. HR managers are more impressed by candidates who can articulate the tangible business benefits and results of their work rather than just listing daily tasks. In the high-stakes, collaborative environment of a mine site, a candidate’s alignment with core values (like safety, respect, and accountability) is often considered more important than pure technical competence. BEST MOMENTS "A CV is probably only 10% of the recruitment process... It should be a snapshot of a profile of yourself to get you that interview." "Mining is a very specific industry with unique challenges, and generic CVs don't really tell us how someone's experience relates to what we do."  "I think what impresses me most is when candidates don't just share successes, but they also talk about challenges, what they learned, and how they grew from that experience." "Understand the basics of mining—the life cycle of a project and the safety and environmental considerations—then make it clear how your skills can transfer." GUEST RESOURCES Paul Eagle: paul.eagle@evolutionmining.com https://au.linkedin.com/in/paul-eagle-80128740 Leanne Holmes: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/holmesleanne Bridget Hunter: https://za.linkedin.com/in/bridget-hunter-3a000230 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 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.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, we chat with Chris Hopkins, CEO of Canadian Energy Metals, a company advancing the Thor project, one of the more exciting emerging critical minerals developments in North America. Thor is attracting attention not only because of the scale of the deposit, but also because of its strategic importance. With North America currently importing most of its alumina, projects like this could play a significant role in strengthening domestic supply chains. Add to that a strong local infrastructure, including rail, power, and nearby hydro, and it becomes a very interesting development story. Chris brings a wealth of technical and leadership experience to the project, guiding it from early concept through testing and toward potential production. We talk about the discovery itself, the technical milestones that proved the project could work, and the broader role it could play in the future of critical minerals in North America. KEY TAKEAWAYS Initially thought to be 30 meters thick, the Thor deposit is actually over 90 meters thick. It represents approximately one-third of the world’s known aluminium supply in an area the size of a medium city. Currently, North America has no major domestic sources of aluminium. The Thor project is positioned to transform local supply chains and decrease reliance on imports. The processing techniques used for the Thor project are cleaner, more effective, and use less energy than traditional bauxite recovery. The project benefits from existing rail, power, and nearby hydro-infrastructure in Saskatchewan, which allows investment capital to go directly into development rather than remote site preparation. BEST MOMENTS "The magnitude, the sheer magnitude, was overwhelming." "I can't understate how important the potential for North America to have a domestic source of aluminium can be." "Every step is a de-risking step... the risks don't go away, they change." "For me, mining is the most exciting industry in the world. It has been a spectacular career." GUEST RESOURCES https://www.canadianenergymetals.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadian-energy-metals-corp/  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 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.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, we chat with Janina Elliot, Segment Director of Mining at Seequent, a global leader in subsurface software that supports the mining and mineral exploration industry. Seequent’s technology helps geoscientists and engineers better understand the earth beneath our feet, enabling smarter decisions around resource discovery, development, and management. In this episode, we’ll discuss some of the innovative work Seequent is doing across the sector, including insights from their recently released Geoprofessionals Data Management Report. We explore the challenges the industry faces in managing and integrating geological data, where technology is creating new opportunities for exploration and production, and how digital innovation is shaping the future of mining. Janina will also share Seequent’s perspective on the emerging ideas and technologies that could define the next chapter of the industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS More than one-third of geoscientists struggle with "data wrangling," spending significant time managing data rather than performing expert analysis. Seequent emphasises an open ecosystem approach, partnering with other technology providers to ensure seamless data integration across the entire mining lifecycle. New cloud platforms like Seequent allow for faster feedback loops, enabling explorers to adjust drilling patterns and targets in real-time based on live data. The ultimate goal of emerging mining technology is to automate mundane tasks, freeing geoscientists to be the "creative thinkers" the industry needs to solve complex problems. BEST MOMENTS "What we’re trying to do is to bring clarity to the complexity that is the underground." "A lot of our geoscientists in the field really struggle with the idea of having to spend a predominant amount of their time with data management and not being able to think about the problem." "Geoscientists truly are creative individuals... the idea is to provide technology that supports them every step of the way." "We’re all under a lot of pressure these days... to be able to open a conversation and to be open to the idea of integrating new technologies, new ideas, into existing systems." GUEST RESOURCES Website - https://www.seequent.com/ LinkedIn –               https://www.linkedin.com/in/janina-elliott-a0679212/               https://www.linkedin.com/company/seequent/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Seequent X - https://x.com/seequentglobal Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/seequent.software/ 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 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.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, we chat with Jorgen Evjen, CEO of Akobo Minerals, a Scandinavian-based gold producer and exploration company with operations in Ethiopia. They have quietly taken one of the most unconventional paths in modern gold mining, from years of uncertainty and capital pressure to the high-grade Segele discovery. This story is as much about judgment, discipline and trust as it is about geology. We talk about the moment the project became real, what “responsible mining” actually means when decisions have consequences on the ground, and why Ethiopia’s perceived risk often differs from reality. We’ll also explore execution where plans met friction and how leadership assumptions had to change when operating far from a typical Nordic environment. Finally, we look forward: investor pressure, maintaining integrity under acceleration and what Akobo’s next phase truly depends on over the coming 12-24 months. KEY TAKEAWAYS Akobo Minerals has taken an unconventional path in gold mining, transitioning from years of uncertainty and capital pressure to achieving significant discoveries, particularly the high-grade Segele discovery in Ethiopia. Building strong relationships with local authorities and understanding the cultural context are crucial for navigating the regulatory landscape. The company's approach to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) has shifted from a theoretical framework to practical, on-the-ground actions. Akobo Minerals faced significant operational challenges, including delays due to external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and local conflicts. BEST MOMENTS "In 2015, we did an RC drilling campaign. It didn't come up with much. At that point, we were a bit like, okay, this is hard, this is difficult. But we kept on going." "Trust is undervalued or underestimated. It's number one in my book. I cannot compromise, even though I'm being told to compromise." "You have to work within the local framework. In Norway, we have an extremely flat management structure. In Ethiopia, you have an extremely silo-based management system." "We’re cash flow positive, we can finally lift site from the mine and back on to exploration. The mine will produce, we’re doing a new vertical shaft that will close to 10 double the output by the end of the year." GUEST RESOURCES Website: https://www.akobominerals.com Email: jorgen@akobominerals.com  LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/akobominerals/ LinkedIn (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorgen-evjen X - https://x.com/akobominerals 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 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.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, we chat with Dominic Duggan, CEO of Patriot Resources, a junior miner exploring for precious metals, copper and lithium across South America (Tassa), Zambia, Africa (Kitumba project) and in Canada. Dom has moved from the technical and operational side of mining into the CEO role, so we talk about how that changes the way you think from evaluating rocks to allocating capital and prioritising projects across multiple jurisdictions. We also get into what actually needs to be proven early to turn a project into a real development opportunity, the technical signals that justify expanding a drilling program, and why time on site often tells you more than a presentation ever can. We also discuss permitting, community engagement, capital discipline, and the kind of leader he’s consciously trying to be and much more.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Engaging meaningfully with communities can facilitate permitting processes and create mutual benefits, rather than viewing community engagement as a hurdle. Patriot Resources is prioritising its Tassa project in Peru, which has shown promising results with a maiden resource of 31 million ounces of silver equivalent Before committing to larger drill programs, the company looks for specific technical signals, such as consistent mineralization and the presence of sulfides Dom aims to be an authentic and approachable leader, focusing on understanding the operations and engaging with the investor community BEST MOMENTS "We're fortunate that there's been a relationship there for a number of years with the local community, but it's certainly something that we're looking to build on and get right from the outset." "The silver price has been really well supported. We certainly share a long-term view around a new price equilibrium or floor, away from the historical lows." "There are some technical signals that the team are seeing there, like the presence of sulfides in multiple locations, sort of consistent mineralization." "I certainly want to live the experience and spend as much time with the teams and in the assets as possible." GUEST RESOURCES Website:https://www.patriotresources.com.au Email (general enquiries):info@patriotresources.com.au Email (CEO)dduggan@patriotresources.com.au LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/patriot-resources-limited/ X (Twitter):https://x.com/Patriot_ASX 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 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.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, we chat with Rob Crayfourd and Keith Watson, Co-Fund Managers for CQS Natural Resources Growth and Income, the Geiger Counter Funds and Golden Prospect Precious Metals, where all funds provide shareholders with exposure to a broad portfolio of mining and resource-focused equities, aiming to deliver both steady dividend income and capital growth. We are discussing their Geiger Counter fund, which focuses on the uranium market and the investment case behind it. We discuss the fund and mandate, where they’re currently seeing opportunities across the sector, and what’s been driving the recent momentum in the uranium price. We also explore whether that momentum is sustainable, the fundamentals supporting uranium long-term, and how a potential supply deficit could shape global nuclear ambitions. Finally, we look at policy and regulatory shifts, and the thinking behind some of their key portfolio holdings. KEY TAKEAWAYS The uranium market is currently experiencing a supply deficit, driven by low inventory levels and increasing demand from nuclear reactors The funds focus on undervalued uranium assets, particularly in North America, with a significant emphasis on companies like NextGen and Denison There is a strong belief that the momentum in the uranium market will continue, driven by structural demand growth and the need for new uranium mines to come online Recent policy shifts in the U.S. and other Western countries are increasingly supportive of nuclear energy, which is seen as a critical component of energy security BEST MOMENTS "Nuclear power is now very strategic in that there is a clear shortage of base-load capacity in most regions around the world." "We want to be in those names that have full participation into a rising price environment... if the uranium price goes to 150, 200, 250, then they get full participation in that." "In western markets, the established nuclear markets, nuclear represents something like 20% of electricity capacity... that makes it all the more strategic." "We're seeing reactor lives being extended. There's a real shift to a much more positive political support backdrop for nuclear." GUEST RESOURCES Geiger Counter: https://www.linkedin.com/company/geiger-counter/ https://ncim.co.uk/geiger-counter-ltd/ CQS Natural Resources Growth and Income Plc https://www.linkedin.com/company/cqs-natural-resources-growth-and-income-plc/ https://ncim.co.uk/cqs-natural-resources-growth-and-income-plc/ Golden Prospect: https://www.linkedin.com/company/golden-prospect-precious-metals-investment-fund/ https://ncim.co.uk/golden-prospect-precious-metals-ltd/ 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 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.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, we chat with Mark Sumner, CEO and Chairman of Daura Gold, a TSX-listed junior miner, advancing high-impact exploration projects in Peru’s renowned Ancash region. We discuss what attracted the team to the country, how a re-evaluation of historic drilling at Antonella significantly upgraded the dataset without drilling a single new hole, and what that means for confidence in the scale of the system. We also talk about district context, upcoming drilling plans at Antonella, the discovery potential behind the first systematic drill program at Cerro Bayo, and what Peru is like as a mining jurisdiction.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Daura Gold achieved a 51% increase in gold equivalent gram meters at their Antonella project without drilling a single new hole Despite political shifts, Peru remains a premier mining destination because of its world-class mineral endowment (Top 3 in copper and silver) and its proactive stance on promoting foreign investment  The Antonella project is located in the prolific Ancash Department, immediately adjacent to Highlander Silver’s Bonita project and near the legendary San Luis deposit While focusing on Peru, Daura is also actively exploring the Cerro Bayo project in Argentina. This represents the first systematic drill testing of 15 priority targets in the Deseado Massif BEST MOMENTS "Peru has that really exciting combination of incredibly prospective geology... yet so much of the country is still under-explored."  "We managed to materially enhance the data set without drilling a single hole... it’s completely changed the profile of the project for us."  "The mineral endowment of the Ancash is incredible... we’re surrounded by these incredibly rich, high-grade epithermal vein systems." "We think there’s potential for a multi-million ounce deposit at Antonella... that’s really what the next 12 to 18 months looks like for us." GUEST RESOURCES Website: https://www.dauragold.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/daura-gold-corp/  X: https://x.com/DauraGold 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 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.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In today's episode, we chat to Shaun Bunn, Managing Director at Empire Metals, an AIM and OTC-traded exploration & resource development company who are developing Pitfield, an emerging giant titanium project in Western Australia.  We talk about titanium, a critical mineral the West desperately needs more of and dive into the scale and purity of the Pitfield discovery in Western Australia and the upcoming drill programme. Why its location and government backing matter, and what makes this deposit fundamentally different from most titanium projects worldwide. Most importantly, we discuss how that difference could give Empire a serious strategic advantage as secure supply becomes a global priority. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Pitfield project is described as one of the world's largest titanium systems, with a 2.2 billion-tonne mineral resource that covers less than one-fifth of the identified anomaly. Titanium is a critical mineral for the West, particularly for NATO defence and aerospace; currently, supply is heavily concentrated in China (60%) and Russia. Unlike 90% of the world's supply which comes from ilmenite, Pitfield consists of anatase and rutile in sandstone, which lacks common impurities like chrome or uranium. Because the minerals are already oxidised, they can be processed at lower temperatures (just over 100°C) without the intensive acid and energy requirements of traditional smelting. BEST MOMENTS "We’ve found what is clearly the world’s largest titanium system on the planet... it probably represents at least a third of the world’s total resource in one spot." "Titanium is as strong as steel and half the weight... but the concentration of supply sits in, firstly China—something like 60% of all the metal—and Russia." "Metals is one of the key cornerstones of the mining industry... you need innovation, you need courage amongst all things to tackle some of these projects." "It's like replicating the chemistry that’s already happened over time, only trying to do it in 24 hours and not 600 million years." GUEST RESOURCES Website: https://www.empiremetals.com/ Contact: https://www.empiremetals.com/contact/ X: https://x.com/Empiremetalsltd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empiremetals/ 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 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.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, we chat with Beth Borody, who is the founder of Maven, a platform putting real capital and real decision-making power into new hands, particularly women, in a sector where access to opportunity has traditionally been tightly controlled. Last time Beth was on the show, we talked about why women should be investing in mining. This time, we’re talking about what happens when you stop asking for a seat at the table and start building a new table altogether. We’ll get into resistance, capital flows, ESG reality versus rhetoric, and whether changing who controls money might change mining itself. KEY TAKEAWAYS After identifying that women were often excluded from mining investment due to systemic barriers and a lack of specific research, Beth transitioned from educational advocacy with Femina Collective to founding Maven, a female-led mining company. Maven distinguishes itself by building in the open, intentionally making the mining process and investment opportunities accessible to those outside the traditional industry inner circle. Maven prioritises a proactive ESG approach, emphasising community partnership and environmental due diligence from day one  he venture aims to tap into the $1 trillion wealth transfer currently moving into the hands of women, directing that capital toward the mining sector BEST MOMENTS "Why aren't we actually building a mining company that's based on the values and ethos of what we've built with Femina?” "We want to turn that on its head and say, 'No, we don't think so. We think that everyone should have access to mining. Mining's happening in everyone's backyard, especially here in Canada and the US.'" "The fact of the matter is we need mining so badly right now, and we need so much more mining right now that that pie is only going to get bigger." "We don't want to have to retrofit later down the road social issues or environmental issues that come up because we just ignored them at the front." GUEST RESOURCES Website - www.mavenexploration.com  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/maven-exploration/ Instagram - radically_maven  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 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.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, we chat with Tim Foden, a partner at Boies Schiller Flexner, one of the most well-known and formidable litigation firms in the world. Tim has built a reputation for tackling complex, bet-the-company disputes and navigating some of the most challenging legal battles across industries. We’ll explore Tim’s path to Boies Schiller, what it takes to succeed in an elite litigation environment, and how lawyers think about strategy when the pressure is on and the consequences are real. We’ll also talk about the evolving role of trial lawyers, lessons learned from major cases, and what young attorneys and even business leaders can take away from the way top litigators approach decision-making and risk. Whether you’re a lawyer, a founder, or simply curious about how major legal battles are fought and won, this episode offers a rare inside look. KEY TAKEAWAYS Mining companies are increasingly recognising the importance of involving legal counsel early in the process, especially when facing potential disputes or changes in mining codes The mining industry is heavily influenced by geopolitics, with major international powers becoming more involved in the politics surrounding mining projects Companies often make critical errors, such as failing to document agreements properly or engaging in corrupt practices like bribery, which can jeopardise their legal claims in the future When investing in mining, especially in regions like Africa and South America, it's crucial to establish a holding structure that provides treaty protection BEST MOMENTS "If you take, for example, Mali, this is a perfect example. Mali enacts a new mining code in 2023, and everyone has these existing mineral development agreements that suggest they should be immune from any changes." "Junior mining companies are run by frontiersmen... The problem is sometimes they start to get into problems with the sovereign and all of a sudden, having done everything on their own, they think they know best in that arena too." "If you pay a bribe to get a license... you might really have deprived yourself of the opportunity to bring a claim down the road." "Sovereigns are increasingly putting diplomatic pressure on states to avoid the kinds of outcomes... to get more involved, to restore licenses." GUEST RESOURCES Tim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-l-foden-6a12496/ YouTube video of the cross-examination from day three of the Winshear Gold vs Tanzania hearing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9bX0yvyCas&list=PLTPAfLBOjfQJS8VymC4os9jvefqE7rMHO&index=5 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 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.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, we chat with Jeremy Gillis, Director of Capital Markets at Sendero Resources, a junior exploration company focused on unlocking the vast mineral potential in Argentina. We dig into how truly differentiated opportunities are identified at the earliest stages, and why strong marketing can never compensate for weak fundamentals. Jeremy shares why capital structure is often the silent killer of otherwise good projects, why people matter more than rocks in early-stage companies, and why disciplined capital allocation is especially critical for non-cash-flowing explorers. We also explore why Sendero is not just a “closeology” story. From integrated data and system-level thinking to local knowledge, stakeholder alignment, and jurisdictional risk, this is a discussion about mining projects viewed through the lens of operators—not just explorers. We’ll talk about balancing discovery upside with a clear path to development and exit, what Sendero is doing differently with data integration, and how experience on the ground changes outcomes. KEY TAKEAWAYS Projects with well-utilised data significantly increase the chances of making successful discoveries, while poor data can lead to misguided efforts and wasted resources. Building relationships with local stakeholders, including governments and communities, can facilitate smoother operations and project advancement. Poor capital structures can hinder growth and lead to significant challenges, especially in a market where every dollar raised must be carefully managed. In the early stages of mining exploration, the expertise and experience of the team are often more critical than the geological potential of the site BEST MOMENTS "In a very crowded market of 1,700 companies, not just being dependent upon metal prices has sort of set us apart." "If you know what to do with data... you are building a pathway to finding something." "The rocks are exceptional. Now, the government... has certainly made strides. There is a mining pedigree there." "If you have an idea... you could waste a lot of money." GUEST RESOURCES Socials- Sendero Resources (@SenderoRes) on X, (Sendero Resources) on LinkedIn, and (@sendero_resources) on Instagram.  Website- https://senderoresources.com/ Email- info@senderoresources.com 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 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.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode we chat to Craig Bradshaw, Managing Director of EQ Resources, a company that has become one of the most talked-about names in the tungsten space.   After nearly two decades working overseas, he’s now back in Australia and back in the mining industry at a time when critical minerals and geopolitics are firmly in the spotlight.   EQ Resources operates across Spain and Australia, is already producing, and has seen its market capitalisation grow from under $100 million to over $600 million in a relatively short period. Meanwhile, tungsten prices have surged dramatically, and governments globally are paying closer attention to secure supply chains. We talk about Craig’s return to Australia, EQ’s journey and challenges, their assets, what’s driving the tungsten market, and what the future looks like for EQ Resources. KEY TAKEAWAYS The tungsten market is currently experiencing a surge in prices, driven by a supply-demand imbalance. China dominates the market, supplying 83-85% of the world's tungsten, while geopolitical tensions and increased defence spending are further straining supply. EQ Resources operates two key assets: Barruecopardo in Spain and Carbine in Australia. Both assets have significant historical production and potential for resource expansion, with ongoing improvements in recovery rates due to advanced sorting technology. EQ Resources utilises proprietary sorting technology that allows for a 90% rejection rate of waste while achieving a 99% recovery of ore. This technology enhances the efficiency and profitability of their operations. The company aims to increase production significantly, targeting an annual output of 3,000 to 4,000 tonnes of contained tungsten by mid-2026.  BEST MOMENTS "The market is short of tungsten. We're on a trajectory that's going to take us to be the number one producer in the rest of the world by the end of 2026." "If it wasn't for the sorters, the sorters are the differentiator that makes our operations viable." We've got a number of customers who are looking for increased production. We've got the ability to double the production at our carbine asset." GUEST RESOURCES Company: EQ Resources Limited (ASX: EQR)Website: https://www.eqresources.com.au/ASX announcements: https://www.eqresources.com.au/site/investors/asx-announcementsEmail alerts sign-up: https://www.eqresources.com.au/site/contact/email-alertsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eq-resources-ltd/X: https://x.com/EQResourcesASX 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 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.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, we chat with Aymone Schendel, a connector, community builder, and one of the most influential voices shaping the future of mining networks in the UK and beyond.   She is an inspiration behind The Oxford Mining Club, a global network designed to connect students, professionals, and leaders around thoughtful discussion, innovation, and responsible development in the sector. She also plays a key role in Women in Mining UK, an organisation dedicated to advancing gender diversity, visibility, and leadership across the industry. She is also behind MinSouth, a fast-growing initiative focused on connecting mining professionals and investors with opportunities across the Global South.   What sets her apart is her ability to bring people together across disciplines, generations, and geographies to create spaces where ideas, opportunities, and leadership can thrive. She has focused her career on building platforms that strengthen collaboration and inclusivity in mining, and we’ll explore what inspired her to build these communities and the impacts they’ve had. What achievements she’s most proud of, and the lessons she’s learned along the way, including the advice she would give her younger self starting out in this career. KEY TAKEAWAYS Individuals from non-technical backgrounds can successfully enter the mining industry, as demonstrated by Aymone’s journey from medical instrumentation to mining through various roles. Building impactful networks is crucial in the mining industry. Quality connections and active listening are emphasised as key components of effective networking. Organisations like the Oxford Mining Club and Women in Mining UK focus on creating inclusive spaces for professionals to connect, share ideas, and foster collaboration New entrants to the mining field are encouraged to seize opportunities, engage with industry professionals, and not shy away from networking events, as these can lead to valuable relationships and career advancements. BEST MOMENTS "I'm proof that anyone can work in the industry, even if you do not have a technical background. Don't let anyone tell you you can't work in mining." "Networking with impact requires focusing on quality connections, not quantity. Create spaces of value. It's your time. It's their time. It's precious." "If the opportunity is presented to you to work in the mining industry, don't dismiss it. Get all the facts, get out there, network, talk to people." "We strive to make the industry as rewarding and fulfilling a place to start and grow a career, especially now, creating safe spaces for women to come together." GUEST RESOURCES The Oxford Mining Club: Website: http://www.oxfordminingclub.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oxford-mining-club-limited/?viewAsMember=true  Women in Mining UK: Website: https://www.womeninmining.org.uk/LinkedIn: Women In Mining UK (WIM UK) MinSouthWebsite: https://minsouth.org.uk/LinkedIn: MinSouth Aymone Schendel:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aymone-schendel-48202a3/  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 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.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, we chat with John Shively, CEO of Pebble Partnership, to discuss what is widely regarded as one of the most scrutinised and controversial mining projects in the world. John has spent decades working in Alaska, from his early career through senior public service roles, to leadership positions on some of the state’s most significant mining operations. Today, he leads a project that sits at the intersection of technical feasibility, environmental sensitivity, community engagement, and shifting political realities. We talk candidly about what the mining industry still misunderstands about Pebble from a technical and operational standpoint, how engagement with Alaska Native corporations and communities has evolved over time, and what it’s really like to lead a project where engineering solutions and political outcomes don’t always align. Finally, John shares personal reflections on leadership under pressure, resilience in the face of prolonged uncertainty, and what he would say to the next generation of mining professionals considering a career on projects that are technically sound but politically complex. KEY TAKEAWAYS The design of the tailings impoundment facility at Pebble is unique, focusing on draining liquid through the tailings to minimise risks associated with moisture and potential failures Building credibility with local communities and stakeholders is essential. Effective engagement strategies, such as the Elders Conference, have been implemented to foster dialogue and address concerns The Pebble project has the potential to significantly contribute to the U.S. copper supply, addressing the growing demand for critical minerals necessary for energy transition and technological advancements Leading a controversial project requires patience, resilience, and the ability to navigate shifting political landscapes. BEST MOMENTS "I don't know whether this project can be done environmentally responsibly or not. So if you want a cheerleader, find somebody else."  "Our Environmental Impact Statement... says we can do the project without harming the fish."  "The biggest risk is price. So, you know, today that price looks pretty good."  "You have to believe in the product and what it can do. And that's what keeps me going." GUEST RESOURCES https://pebblepartnership.com  https://www.linkedin.com/company/pebble-ltd.-partnership  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 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.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, we speak with Gilbert Clark, CEO of Meridian Mining, a mineral exploration and development company focused on unlocking high-value copper, gold, silver and other metal resources in Brazil. Meridian’s flagship asset is the advanced Cabaçal Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide project in Mato Grosso.    We discuss Meridian’s recent resource milestones, how the company is positioning itself for execution and growth, the de-risking of the project, skills within the Brazilian mining industry, an update on the Brazilian mining industry and what the outlook could look like as it moves toward becoming a meaningful copper-gold producer in a critical global market. KEY TAKEAWAYS Gilbert transformed Meridian Mining from a manganese-focused company into a high-value copper and gold explorer by leveraging the historical data of a decommissioned BP/Rio Tinto project. The Cabaçal project is uniquely positioned as a "brownfield restart," meaning it has established infrastructure and historical production data that significantly mitigate geological, metallurgical, and permitting risks. Mato Grosso offers a mature mining environment with affordable hydroelectric power, established logistics from the agricultural sector, and a supportive local community and government. The greatest risk to the industry is "generational change" and a lack of skilled engineers. Meridian addresses this through deep local university partnerships and a culture of independent decision-making BEST MOMENTS "We are a fundamental building block of everyone's daily going about their business. It is mining." "For me, as a reasonably experienced private equity investor in natural resources, my fundamental concern is risk. If I'm going to deploy capital, do I risk it?" "My greatest concern long-term... is demographics. You’ve got to extract as much knowledge from the 45-to-50-year-old guys and transfer that into the 20-year-old men and women." "There’s a fundamental rule in mining: You go to work with ten fingers and ten toes, and you go home at night with ten fingers and ten toes." GUEST RESOURCES https://meridianmining.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/meridian-mining/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzVr6ILYF_Ax2hI6oBoCaOw https://x.com/meridianmining 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 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.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In today's episode, we speak with Gerard Wood, founder of Turbo Leadership Coaching and Wood & Media, and someone well known across the mining and industrial sectors for his practical, no-nonsense approach to leadership, culture, and performance. Gerard has spent decades working alongside leaders, frontline teams, and tradespeople, helping businesses close the gap between strategy and execution. Many of you will know him as the author of 'Simplifying Mining Maintenance', a book that challenged how our industry thinks about reliability, accountability, and systems. Our conversation centres on Gerard’s new book, 'Only Tradies Improve Reliability', due to be released in late-February which takes those ideas further, focusing on leadership, culture, and the often-overlooked role of tradies in building high-performing organisations. We’ll be unpacking why this book needed to be written, what prompted Gerard to write it now, and how leaders can extract real, practical value from it in their own businesses. We’ll also explore why Gerard cares so deeply about tradies, how leaders can recognise when cultural change is required, and how this book builds on the foundations laid in Simplifying Mining Maintenance. If you’re a leader looking to improve performance, engagement, and culture, particularly in operational environments, this is a conversation you’ll want to stay tuned for. KEY TAKEAWAYS While technical reliability tools (like RCM or RCA) are essential, they are ineffective without a positive trades culture. True reliability is built on the floor, not just in an office. Reliability issues often stem from "normalised" defects. Tradies and leaders may stop noticing problems because they have become part of the daily environment, requiring a shift in standards to correct. High turnover is a primary indicator of a poor culture. A healthy environment is one where leaders genuinely care for their teams and employees feel valued enough to speak openly about problems. BEST MOMENTS "If you can't talk about the problems openly and honestly, you have no ability to improve." "Reliability of equipment... is all centred around getting the culture around trades to be effective and doing good quality work." "Culture is not something that you just let happen. Because if you just let it happen, you may not get the one you want." GUEST RESOURCES https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerard-wood-146a3212/ https://gerardwood.com.au/ 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 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.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/