Dig Deep

By Rob TysonBusiness News Education Investing Business News Careers

Dig Deep episodes

July 23De-Risking Gold Exploration Through Bulk Sampling with Wesley Whymark
In this episode, we speak to Wesley Whymark, President and CEO of Inventus Mining, to discuss the company's Pardo Gold Project in Ontario, Canada.

We explore what makes this unique gold deposit stand out, why bulk sampling has been central to its development strategy, and how Wesley's geological background influences both technical and commercial decision-making. We also discuss the potential for a low-capital path to production, the realities of permitting and Indigenous engagement in Ontario, and the key lessons learned from advancing an unconventional gold project.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Inventus Mining utilises bulk sampling to combat the "nugget effect" of paleo-placer gold systems, proving that early drill data aligns with actual resource extraction.

By opting for a mine-and-haul model using existing regional processing mills, the company minimises high upfront capital expenditure and avoids complex on-site infrastructure.

Revenue generated from initial bulk sampling programs helps fund ongoing exploration and drilling without relying heavily on dilutive equity financing.

Project proximity to established infrastructure—such as Sudbury, Ontario's roads, mills, and labor pool—is critical to transforming small-to-mid-size gold deposits into economically viable mines.
BEST MOMENTS
"Bulk sampling allows you to test that in real time... it's sort of like a trial mining, and it gives you confidence that you can extract the material at a profit."
"I like to put more money into the ground and a slightly less budget on marketing, because I think successful results are a stronger impact than a sort of empty story."
"You could have a great project of high-grade gold, but if it doesn't have good access... the ability to turn it into a mine gets diminished."
"Our strategy at the moment is to generate cash flow that can be used to further develop the gold system... so we don't need to keep doing equity raises and diluting shareholders."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Mail:        ⁠[email protected]⁠
LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/⁠
X:              ⁠https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast⁠
Web:        ⁠http://www.mining-international.org⁠
GUEST RESOURCES
E-mail: [email protected]
https://x.com/InventusMining
https://ca.linkedin.com/company/inventus-mining
https://www.youtube.com/@inventusmining
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587627317147
CONTACT METHOD
⁠[email protected]⁠
⁠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/
24 min
July 20From Compliance to Value Creation: The Reality of Cultural Governance and ESG in Mining
In this episode we seek to Louise Porteus, ESG Manager at Thor Explorations, a TSX-V & AIM listed gold producer and explorer focused on West Africa with operations and exploration assets in Nigeria, Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire
We explore how environmental, social and governance practices have evolved from a compliance function into a key driver of value creation in the mining industry. Louise reflects on the pivotal moments in her career, discusses how ESG expectations differ across jurisdictions, shares how Thor Explorations is leading by example, and offers her perspective on the future of ESG over the next decade.
We also discuss her work supporting Women in Mining and hear her advice for anyone looking to build a career in international ESG and the mining sector.
This episode is brought to you by Mining International, a global executive search partner to the mining industry. For bespoke search and advisory services, please visit www.mining-international.org
KEY TAKEAWAYS
ESG has successfully shifted from a rigid box-ticking exercise into a core driver of long-term value creation and operational viability in the mining industry.

True project stability relies on integrating local community dynamics and cultural governance into decision-making rather than just depending on written local legislation.

Implementing ESG successfully requires a practical, step-by-step approach to data gathering that builds local trust and capacity, rather than overwhelming teams with massive theoretical toolkits.

Advancing women in the mining sector involves moving past token representation and actively training them for hands-on, technical roles that fundamentally transform lives.
BEST MOMENTS
"Most projects didn’t fail because of technical reasons, they failed because of social."
"There’s a better understanding that it’s not a tick-box, it’s not just a spreadsheet, it’s actually people that have to put the work behind it and do it."
"I’ve been emphatic about bringing what I call cultural governance into our decision-making."
"It's not just what you did, but so what? What did that mean? What did that lead to? Did it give more confidence to people?"
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Mail:        ⁠[email protected]⁠
LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/⁠
X:              ⁠https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast⁠
Web:        ⁠http://www.mining-international.org⁠
GUEST RESOURCES
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thor-explorations-ltd/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-porteus-65b2801/
Website:
https://thorexpl.com/
Email Address:
[email protected]
[email protected]
CONTACT METHOD
⁠[email protected]⁠
⁠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/
48 min
July 16Data Before Drilling: Revitalising the Paris Mountain Project with Anglesey Mining
In this episode, we chat to Andrew Fulton and Jim Williams of Anglesey Mining, an AIM listed mineral exploration and development company focus on advancing the Parys Mountain poly-metallic project on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales.
Andrew has built a career leading mining operations, developing projects and turning technical challenges into practical solutions. Now, he’s helping shape the next chapter of Parys Mountain with Jim Williams, where the focus is on taking a disciplined, technically driven approach to unlocking the project's potential.
In this episode, we explore why understanding geology comes before drilling, how decades of historical data can reduce risk, the role of modern technology in project development, and why leadership, community engagement and strong technical foundations are critical to building successful mining projects in today's industry.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Following a comprehensive corporate restructuring and recapitalisation, Anglesey Mining has shifted its primary focus to advancing the Paris Mountain polymetallic project in North Wales.

The management team is strategically prioritising a thorough analysis of decades of historical geological data to ensure every future drilling dollar answers a specific technical question.

Anglesey Mining defines responsible mining as building trust by consistently meeting the exact expectations set for investors, regulatory bodies, and local communities.

The UK mining industry is experiencing a notable resurgence, driven by the government's critical mineral strategy to secure domestic supply chains for essential metals like copper and zinc.
BEST MOMENTS
"The focus is taking on a disciplined, technical-driven approach to unlocking the project's potential."
"Right now, I don't think we need to immediately grow the resource. We need to grow confidence into actually where we're going to target to build this mine."
"Responsible mining is about meeting the expectations that we've set."
"Technology doesn't replace geology, it enhances it."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Mail:        ⁠[email protected]⁠
LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/⁠
X:              ⁠https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast⁠
Web:        ⁠http://www.mining-international.org⁠
GUEST RESOURCES
https://www.angleseymining.co.uk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/anglesey-mining-plc/
CONTACT METHOD
⁠[email protected]⁠
⁠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/
41 min
July 13Breaking Boundaries: How Andrada Mining is Redefining Africa’s Critical Minerals Landscape
In this episode, we chat with Anthony Viljoen, who returns to the podcast to provide an update on the progress being made at Andrada Mining as the company continues to advance its ambition of becoming a leading African critical minerals producer.
We discuss the operational improvements behind record tin production at the Uis Mine, the impact of the new ore-sorting circuit, exploration progress at Brandberg West and Lithium Ridge, strategic partnerships with global industry leaders, and the key operational, technical and corporate milestones investors should be watching over the remainder of the year.
This episode is brought to you by Mining International, a global executive search partner to the mining industry. For bespoke search and advisory services, please visit www.mining-international.org
KEY TAKEAWAYS
By integrating an innovative X-ray transmission (XRT) ore-sorting circuit, Andrada Mining aims to eliminate 80% of waste upfront and boost operational throughput by approximately 60%.

Distinct exploration programs at Brandberg West have revealed a rich blend of tin, tungsten, and copper, effectively shielding the project from single-commodity market volatility.

The extensive drilling initiative at Lithium Ridge, conducted in partnership with SQM, has confirmed high-grade, near-surface mineralization spanning a 6km strike.

Anthony believes that surging global interest in critical minerals offers a unique opportunity to revitalise liquidity and rebuild retail investor trust on the London AIM market.
BEST MOMENTS
"What started off as this consolidation of historic tin mines is turning into a district-scale mineralised province."
"We’ll get rid of 80% of the waste upfront... that makes the whole concentrated part of the circuit a lot more efficient."
"Having the different array of minerals that we've got allows any sort of fluctuations [in the commodity game] to be smoothed out."
"I think that with the flurry of interest in critical minerals, there is a unique chance now for AIM to reassert itself as the dominant mining market globally."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Mail: ⁠[email protected]⁠
LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/⁠
X: https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson⁠
YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast⁠
Web: ⁠http://www.mining-international.org⁠
GUEST RESOURCES
https://andradamining.com/
linkedin.com/company/andrada-mining
https://x.com/Andrada_Mining
https://www.youtube.com/@andradamining
CONTACT METHOD
⁠[email protected]⁠
⁠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/
24 min
July 09Unlocking The New Saudi Arabian Frontier in Global Mining - with Adam Oehlman
In this episode, we chat with Adam Oehlman, CEO of Sierra Nevada Gold, a junior advancing a portfolio of high-impact precious and base metal projects across Nevada in the USA and in Saudi Arabia
We discuss his transition from African Gold, where he helped grow the resource base and deliver a successful corporate transaction, to leading a company with ambitions in one of the world's fastest-emerging mining jurisdictions. We explore why Saudi Arabia has become the company's strategic focus, the potential of the Al Safra copper-gold project, and what it's really like operating on the ground in the Kingdom.
Adam also shares his approach to disciplined capital allocation, balancing technical geology with corporate strategy, and his views on why Saudi Arabia could become one of the mining industry's most attractive destinations for exploration investment over the coming years
This episode is brought to you by Mining International, a global executive search partner to the mining industry. For bespoke search and advisory services, please visit www.mining-international.org
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Sierra Nevada Gold's strategic transition to Saudi Arabia is fueled by the region's incredibly low exploration costs and immense, under-explored geological upside.

The company’s flagship Al Safra project has high-impact potential, backed by strong historical copper and gold mineralization and active fast-tracked drilling.

Saudi Arabia provides a highly supportive operating environment with substantial government financial incentives, competitive drilling rates, and efficient asset turnaround times.

Successful junior exploration requires balancing robust technical fundamentals with a practical, value-driven investor mindset to ensure every dollar counts.
BEST MOMENTS
"The more money you can get into the ground and the further it goes, the higher the likelihood you have to succeed..."
"We've had our license at Al Safra for seven weeks, and we've got three drill rigs completed almost 5,000 meters of drilling. The majors that are there at the moment aren't able to move that fast."
"In a world of finite capital, you can't get too bogged down in sort of technical theory. You want to be making every drill meter count."
"...what I like to base all my capital outlays on is, you know, strong technical fundamentals overlayed with an investor mindset."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Mail:        ⁠[email protected]⁠
LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/⁠
X:              ⁠https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast⁠
Web:        ⁠http://www.mining-international.org⁠
GUEST RESOURCES
Website: https://sngold.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/74504946
Email: [email protected]
CONTACT METHOD
⁠[email protected]⁠
⁠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/
20 min
July 06From Oil & Gas to Hydrogen: The Next Frontier in Energy Exploration
In this episode, we chat with Andrew Hume, Managing Director of Thor Energy, a company operating at the crossroads of critical minerals exploration, natural hydrogen, and the evolving energy transition.

We revisit Andrew's career journey and discuss what motivated him to leave the major energy company environment to lead a junior exploration company. We'll explore the challenges of transitioning from oil and gas into mining, how Thor Energy is positioning itself within the rapidly changing energy landscape, and the progress being made across its project portfolio, including the flagship HY-Range natural hydrogen project.

We'll also take a closer look at the growing interest in natural hydrogen, its potential role in the global energy mix, and whether it could emerge as a significant new commodity class. Finally, Andrew shares insights into how Thor is combining techniques from both the mining and oil and gas industries, the role of AI in exploration, and some of the key lessons he's learned throughout his career.

This episode is brought to you by Mining International, a global executive search partner to the mining industry. For bespoke search and advisory services, please visit www.mining-international.org

Download this free whitepaper to uncover how ExxonMobil is redefining strategic approaches to energy transition in the mining sector: https://bit.ly/wp-mining-forward-lower-emission-mining-operations
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Thor Energy successfully integrates traditional mining techniques with oil and gas exploration methodologies to unlock complex transition commodities.

Recent shallow geochemical evaluations at the flagship HY Range project revealed an impressive 3% natural hydrogen enhancement in the soil.

Thor has partnered with Velseis to initiate a 2D seismic program in late Q3 or early Q4 to map out subsurface structures for future drilling targets.

As a lean operator, the company leverages AI tools for advanced data pattern recognition to dramatically increase exploration efficiency and optimise workflows.
BEST MOMENTS
"We're looking at some of the commodities that sit in between. The intersection of oil and gas exploration, conventional mineral exploration, and equally for development and production."
"The headline figure is that we, in one location, we find 3% natural hydrogen in the soil. It really gives us a lot of hope and it really speaks and is a soft clue to the potential volumes."
"If you can find natural hydrogen close to mine sites, this allows you to use the hydrogen as an energy source when you oxidise, when you burn hydrogen, you produce water. It's the ultimate clean power."
"When you're given opportunities, I recommend everyone to explore. Life's too short."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Mail:        ⁠[email protected]⁠
LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/⁠
X:              ⁠https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast⁠
Web:        ⁠http://www.mining-international.org⁠
GUEST RESOURCES
https://thorenergyplc.com/
https://x.com/ThorEnergyPLC
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thor-energy-plc/
CONTACT METHOD
⁠[email protected]⁠
⁠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/
34 min
July 02The Green Horizon: Innovations in Tailings Filtering and Sustainable Mining with BOKELA's Jürgen Hahn
In this episode, we chat with Jürgen Hahn, Senior Manager in Product and Business Development at BOKELA, a company renowned for its expertise in advanced filtration, dewatering, and process technologies for the mining and minerals sector. With more than three decades of experience and a strong scientific background, Jurgen has played a key role in the development of innovative tailings management solutions and has authored numerous technical papers on the subject.

We discuss the growing importance of tailings filtration, the balance between operational costs and long-term sustainability, and how the industry is responding to increasing environmental and regulatory pressures.

We will also look ahead to the future of mining, covering topics such as recycling and the role mining will play in supporting the global energy transition. Finally, Jurgen will share his key insights and advice for professionals working in tailings management and mine waste stewardship.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Jürgen began his professional journey with BOKELA as a student assistant in 1986 and has risen through the ranks to lead product and business development.

BOKELA transitioned to being a 100% owned subsidiary of Tsukishima Holding in 2013, finding a strong cultural and psychological fit between German and Japanese business mentalities.

Increasing industry pressure and awareness of annual dam failures are pushing mining operations away from wet disposal systems and toward advanced tailings filtration.

Standard financial comparisons overlook crucial factors like property requirements, rehabilitation costs, and long-term water treatment, making a strong case for lifecycle cost calculations.
BEST MOMENTS
"Our high-performance disk filter already includes all the knowledge about bottlenecks and how to overcome the bottlenecks."
"The ground that you need to build a wet disposal is about three times bigger than what you need for a filter tailings stack."
"Things would change if we really talk about lifecycle cost."
"Do it and think that this property where you put the tailings on is your own property... and then think about that your family is living downstream."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Mail:        ⁠[email protected]⁠
LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/⁠
X:              ⁠https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast⁠
Web:        ⁠http://www.mining-international.org⁠
GUEST RESOURCES
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jurgen-hahn-037b59167
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bokela
Website: https://www.bokela.com
https://www.tailings-filtration.com
CONTACT METHOD
⁠[email protected]⁠
⁠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/
31 min
June 29Traversing the Permitting and Execution Pathway at Black Pine
In this episode, we chat with Jon Gilligan, CEO & Director of Liberty Gold. Jon brings more than three decades of experience in mine construction, operations, and project development, having helped build and operate a number of successful mining projects throughout his career.
Jon is leading the advancement of Liberty Gold’s flagship Black Pine Gold Project in Idaho, a project that has become the company’s clear strategic focus as it transitions from an exploration-led story to a feasibility-stage gold developer. We'll discuss why Liberty Gold has streamlined its portfolio around Black Pine, what management believes the market may still be overlooking about the asset, and how the project’s inclusion in the FAST-41 federal permitting program is helping provide greater visibility around the permitting pathway.
We also explore the operational and cultural shift required to move from exploration into project development, the importance of building a team capable of advancing engineering, permitting, stakeholder engagement, technical studies, and financing in parallel, and how Jon’s mine-building background influences decision-making at every stage of the project.
In addition, we examine capital discipline in today’s market environment, whether investors are beginning to place greater value on permitting certainty and execution capability over pure exploration upside, common misconceptions about developing mines in the United States, and Jon’s outlook for the gold development sector and the characteristics that will define the companies best positioned to succeed over the coming years.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Liberty Gold streamlined its portfolio to concentrate capital and management resources almost entirely on the large-scale, scalable Black Pine oxide gold system in Idaho.

The inclusion of the Black Pine project into the federal Fast 41 process has introduced vital transparency and accountability into the permitting timeline, enhancing investor confidence and allowing for aligned engineering efforts.

Transitioning from an exploration-focused company to a development company requires a significant cultural shift, supported by bringing in technical leaders with hands-on mine construction and operational experience.

Liberty Gold has successfully protected shareholders from dilution by funding its progression toward a construction decision through the progressive divestment of non-core assets.
BEST MOMENTS
"The decision to streamline the portfolio was all about focus and sort of capital efficiency. Management attention in Black Pine was going to yield us the biggest bang for our buck."
"It doesn't change any of the rules, but what it does is it creates a much clearer framework."
"The mindset of explorer-discoverers generally is quite different to the mindset of developers and builders. If you want to shift from one to the other, it's as much a cultural shift as it is a technical shift."
“When you have other options to be able to fund your company in a non-dilutive way, that really adds value to the company"
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Mail:        ⁠[email protected]⁠
LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/⁠
X:              ⁠https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast⁠
Web:        ⁠http://www.mining-international.org⁠
GUEST RESOURCES
Website: https://www.libertygold.ca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liberty-gold-corp/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LibertyGoldCorp
X Account: https://x.com/LibertyGoldCorp
CONTACT METHOD
⁠[email protected]⁠
⁠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/
43 min
June 25Dig Deep: How The Mining Sector Is Adapting To The Energy Transition And Emerging Solution Set
The practical challenge is that mines are high-energy, high-utilisation, long-life operations. Haul trucks run 16–18 hours a day, processing plants consume enormous power, and assets stay in service for decades.
Diesel has very high energy density and fast refuelling — so any alternative has to compete on uptime, not just emissions.
On top of that, many mines are remote and off-grid. Electrifying equipment means redesigning the entire power backbone — generation, storage, charging infrastructure — not just replacing engines.
So the real challenge isn’t technology availability, it’s integrating new energy systems into capital-intensive operations without compromising safety, productivity or cost per tonne.
So, what then are the key opportunities for operators to lower lifecycle GHG emissions from mining operations? And what are some practical actions the industry can take?
Hear from Andy Hattersley, Senior Global Product Advisor for ExxonMobil and Julian Soles, who has extensive sector experience from his work with FLSmidth, Anglo and First Mode, in a one-off podcast hosted by ExxonMobil on 21 April. The discussion will explore how mining companies are adapting to the energy transition, key barriers to reducing emissions and practical steps to take the industry into a lower-emissions future. Veteran mining podcast host Rob Tyson will moderate.
Learning objectives:
Barriers to progress in reducing GHG emissions in mining.
Choices and pathways operators are exploring to reduce emissions while optimising productivity.
The anticipated energy mix of the mining haul fleet of 2040.
Practical steps mining operators can take this year to shift their businesses into a lower emissions future.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
As human population and technological reliance grow, the global mining output must increase despite facing the continuous operational challenge of declining ore grades.

The processing of large rocks into fine powder consumes a massive 40% to 60% of a mine's continuous energy, making simple choices like powering down the process incredibly difficult.

Mining operators have historically been risk-averse regarding new infrastructure because core assets are capital-intensive and designed to last for up to 50 to 100 years.

Early data shows that incorporating quick-charging plug-in hybrid battery systems into current diesel fleets can reduce overall diesel consumption by upwards of 30%.
BEST MOMENTS
"Mining is incredibly diverse... whether your mine is on-grid, whether it's off-grid, whether it's above ground, whether it's below ground”
"Because of all those things, mining is generally very risk-averse at adopting new technologies. They want to see it—has it worked somewhere else? Has it worked for that particular ore type?”
"The best thing you can do is not consume—don't consume the kilowatt-hour if you can avoid it"
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Mail:        ⁠[email protected]⁠
LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/⁠
X:              ⁠https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast⁠
Web:        ⁠http://www.mining-international.org⁠
GUEST RESOURCES
ExxonMobil LinkedIn channel: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/exxonmobil-global-land-fuels/
ExxonMobil Whitepaper Download Link: https://bit.ly/wp-mining-forward-lower-emission-mining-operations
CONTACT METHOD
⁠[email protected]⁠
⁠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/
45 min
June 22The Boron Boom: Securing America’s Critical Mineral Frontier
In this episode, we chat with Paul Weibel, Chief Executive Officer of 5E Advanced Materials. Since Paul’s last appearance on Dig Deep, both the company and the broader critical minerals landscape have evolved significantly. As governments and industry increasingly focus on supply chain security, energy transition materials, and domestic resource development, boron has emerged as a strategic mineral receiving far greater attention than ever before.
In this conversation, we discuss the progress being made at the Fort Cady Project in California, the significance of boron’s addition to the U.S. Critical Minerals List, and what that designation means in practical terms for financing, customer engagement, and government support. We’ll also explore why boron is becoming increasingly important across a range of advanced technologies, where demand growth is coming from, and how shifting geopolitical dynamics, trade tensions, and supply chain fragmentation are strengthening the case for domestic sources of critical minerals.
In addition, we’ll look at the financing environment for critical minerals projects, how 5E is navigating the intersection of private capital, strategic investors, and government-backed funding opportunities, and the key milestones stakeholders should be watching over the next 12 to 18 months. Finally, Paul shares his perspective on what policymakers and investors still may not fully appreciate about boron, its strategic importance, and what is at stake as countries work to secure critical mineral supply chains for the future.
This episode is brought to you by Mining International, a global executive search partner to the mining industry. For bespoke search and advisory services, please visit www.mining-international.org
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Boron's recent designation as a US critical mineral highlights its vital importance to national defense, green energy, and industrial supply chains.

Global boron supply is exceptionally tight and dominated by a fragile duopoly, making the establishment of independent domestic sources a pressing geopolitical priority.

Beyond its primary boron focus, 5E Advanced Materials' Fort Cady project possesses a highly lucrative lithium byproduct stream that unlocks versatile non-dilutive financing opportunities.
BEST MOMENTS
"Boron really is important... It had always sat as a strategic material per the Defense Logistics Agency. This was validation that boron really is now more mainstream."
"The boron supply deficit is here. We're seeing an uptick in prices... All markets that use a boric acid are domestically very, very tight."
"Now, in addition to boron being critical, we'll also produce a lithium byproduct stream... You have a more diversified critical minerals portfolio."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Mail:        ⁠[email protected]⁠
LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/⁠
X:              ⁠https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast⁠
Web:        ⁠http://www.mining-international.org⁠
GUEST RESOURCES
●      X - https://x.com/5EAMaterials
●      Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/5EAdvancedMaterialsInc/
●      LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/5e-advanced-materials-inc/
●      YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtaY2C7EDECuT_RRqDC-pIVcqcKO1tAQd
CONTACT METHOD
⁠[email protected]⁠
⁠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/
27 min

About Dig Deep

From the publisher's feed

In this podcast, we discuss, educate and talk about industry news and hot topics, company reviews and live interviews with mining professionals and leading figures in the mining industry. Introducing…