Rob Tyson is joined by Rocky Smith, CEO of Peak Resources, who’s agreed to talk about the company’s exciting rare earth projects in Tanzania and England.

He explains why this unique project is coming into fruition and why they selected the UK as a base of operation, along with their aims, core principles and plans for the future.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Mining’s effect On Electric Vehicles - Rocky points out that the people who lead the electric vehicle revolution in years to come, will have to realise that additional resources will be needed to meet the demands of EV manufacturing; a fact that the mining industry is already planning for.

 

What makes Rocky’s projects different from other rare earth properties? Rocky identifies not just the size of the rare earth deposits he’s working on, but also the quality of the deposits. His have less phosphates and carbonates than usual, along with a rare lack of radionuclides. Rocky says that the revolutionary processes he is using means that their acid consumption is much lower, as well as the down-streaming costs. This reduces operational costs and makes his team a world leader in terms of cost position.

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How does Brexit impact Rocky’s operations in the UK? Rocky’s reasons for choosing to mine in the UK were numerous, including readily available resources, the welcome of the community and suitable waste treatment, which is incredibly important. The infrastructure is there, which means less investment was needed. Economically and environmentally it makes sense to be there.

Rare earth metals are critical metals, and especially so to the EU. The mining of rare earth metals will not, in Rocky’s opinion, be significantly impacted by Brexit. They are mainly exempt from tariff issues. Any costs that arise from importing necessary elements into the UK can be absorbed by careful costing.

 

How are Peak Resources hoping to provide a sustainable business model, going forward? Sustainability has many different aspects. In Tanzania, Rocky works extensively alongside the local communities, building schools and investing in water supplies. Having a positive impact in the area is invaluable. It’s vital to invest in not just the current generation, but also future ones, which comes back to Rocky’s point about his operations being “generational”

 

.BEST MOMENTS

“It’s difficult to be really successful at this”

“To get the maximum value, you need to get to the finish line”

“To get to the finish line, you need to know what you’re doing”

“Our operations are really a generational entrerprise”

“Resources are not a sexy investment”

“The electric vehicle transition is going to put a big pinch on the metals being produced”

 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Dig Deep – The Mining Podcast on iTunes

Peakresources.com.au

 

ABOUT THE HOST

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 insight to peoples experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics.

Rob 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 the first world to third world countries from Africa, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia. We source, headhunt and discover new & top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisation 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

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/

www.mining-international.org

https://twitter.com/MiningConsult

https://www.facebook.com/MiningInternational.org

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC69dGPS29lmakv-D7LWJg_Q?guided_help_flow=3