A Rock and A Hard Place

In episode two of my conversation with Simon Jowitt, we explore the ongoing geopolitical challenges facing the extractive sector. Whether it is global pandemics, competition with China, human rights challenges, or political insecurity in key mining regions, supply chains are facing increased political attention. It is becoming increasingly difficult as a geologist and mining engineer to be fully isolated to larger political dynamics at play across the mining sector going into the future. Simon also talks about his recent research looking at quantifying global critical mineral supply and some of the gaps and key pieces of evidence his team found during the process.

Join us for season four of A Rock & A Hard Place! In this first episode, I sit down with Dr. Simon Jowitt, associate professor of economic geology at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. We look at the field of economic geology, or the scientific discipline concerned with the distribution of mineral deposits, the economic considerations involved in their recovery, and the assessment of the reserves available. Simon also discusses some of his latest work on looking at the impact of COVID-19 on the mineral supply chain and how the global pandemic and geopolitical tensions with China may change the way we think about raw materials and their supply chains.

Join us on this episode as we speak to Libby Pritchard, the Occupational Health, Safety and Sustainability Director for the National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association (NSSGA).  In this episode we will discuss the role of aggregates (stone, sand, and gravel) in society and how they will literally "pave" the way for the infrastructure necessary to facilitate the energy transition. Whether it is the roads that you will drive your electric vehicle on, the construction materials for the smart cities of tomorrow, or the grit in your toothpaste, aggregates are an essential part of the mining industry. 

Libby emphasizes that aggregates have a very unique role given their predominance in the domestic extractive sector and their local community impact. Unlike metal operations, aggregates have to be mined locally as the economic costs to ship and transport become too expensive after 30-50 miles from the mine. This puts aggregate operations as key local players in helping inform the public about the role of mining in society and reducing NIMBY domestically. 

Join us for part two with Corby Anderson as we discuss the challenges of NIMBY, or "Not In My Backyard," which threatens the successful development of mines and facilities to help reduce foreign influence in material supply chains. Corby also talks about his past work in Ukraine and how disruption to critical supply chains in the region have brought increased awareness around energy independence and mineral supply chain vulnerabilities. Finally, Corby talks about whether or not a fully integrated and independent material supply chain could be possible and if it is truly desirable in a global economy. 

Corby Anderson, director of both the Kroll Institute for Extractive Metallurgy and the Center for Resource Recovery and Recycling at the Colorado School of Mines, joins us once again to discuss some of the generational workforce gaps in the mining sector and the "timeline problem" of domestic critical mineral development. For over 30 years, the US disinvested in the skills necessary to take on todays critical mineral challenges.  Now, as universities and geological surveys across the country are tasked with leading the research and producing the workforce to meet national demands, a major timing problem is presenting itself.  US policies and government announcements are moving in the right direction, but as Corby notes, it will be highly unlikely for the US to achieve these goals in the limited timespan given as geopolitical tensions across the world rise and regional power dynamics shift. The time to act was yesterday, so today and tomorrow require strong action and mining education  to develop a strong domestic mining sector. 

In Part 2 with Adam Simon we discuss several components of effective geoscience communication and some of the current research projects Adam is involved with at the University of Michigan. We also discuss some of the current issues around the perception of mining, permitting timelines, and general NIMBY challenges which could impact the successful implementation of recent political announcements. Finally, we have a brief conversation about the geopolitics around mineral supply chains, specifically the Ukraine conflict and rising tensions with China over Taiwan. 

Join us for season 3 of A Rock & A Hard Place! Dr. Adam Simon joins Thomas Hale to speak about the current challenges of labor shortages in the mining sector and the importance of educating new generations about the essential role mining plays in society. Dr. Adam also speaks about one of his personal passions, the history of mining and how it shaped the future of the industry. 

Our host Thomas Hale continues his discussion with Dr Sarah Carmichael, professor at the Department of Geological and Environmental Science at Appalachian State University. They cover the often unexpected political bipartisanship both for and against mining, the legal loopholes exploited by some irresponsible mine operators, and the need to engage with communities respectfully in areas with potential for mineral extraction.

Our host Thomas Hale is joined by Dr Sarah Carmichael, professor at the Department of Geological and Environmental Science at Appalachian State University. They discuss biological mineral formation, the untapped potential of microbiology in helping us fight climate change, and how to teach of students about the past, present and future of mining in Appalachia and beyond.

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 Steve LeVine, editor of EV battery publication The Electric, continues his conversation with our host Thomas Hale. They address the need to educate the next generation about critical mineral security, the effect of the Ukraine invasion on global supply chains and the challenges of NIMBYism about mining in the USA.

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