Dig Deep

By Rob TysonBusiness News Education Investing Business News Careers

Dig Deep episodes

February 16Tim Foden On The Evolving Role of Trial Lawyers in the Mining Industry
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:        ⁠[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
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/
37 min
February 12From Rocks to Riches: The Importance of Data and People in Junior Mining Exploration
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- [email protected]
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
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/
1 hr 4 min
February 09Revolutionising Tungsten Production: The Impact of Innovative Ore Sorting Technology at EQ Resources
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:        ⁠[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
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
February 05From Medical Instrumentation to Mining: Aymone Schendel's Unique Career Journey
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:        ⁠[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
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/
26 min
February 02Balancing Act: The Technical and Political Challenges of the Pebble Mine Project
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:        ⁠[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
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
January 29High Stakes and High Rewards: Meridian Mining’s Brazilian Venture
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:        ⁠[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
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/
32 min
January 26The Human Element of Reliability: Why Tradies Culture is the Backbone of Mining Success
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:        ⁠[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
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/
36 min
January 22Building a Gold Royalty Business in Today’s Mining Market with Chancery Royalty CEO Jeremy Gray
In this episode, we chat with Jeremy Gray, a highly active mining executive and entrepreneur currently serving as CEO of Pilar Gold, Pure Tungsten, Tucano Gold, and Gold Road and most recently the founder of Chancery Royalty, who are building a portfolio of producing gold & silver royalty assets to become a significant player in the industry.
Jeremy is operating across multiple commodities, jurisdictions, and business models at a time when gold, critical minerals, and alternative financing structures are all firmly back in focus. In this conversation, we’ll explore how he thinks about building and running multiple companies simultaneously, why gold and tungsten matter right now, what royalties offer that traditional mining doesn’t, and how he sees the next phase of the mining cycle unfolding.
For more information and to request an investor pack, please visit this link: https://www.chanceryroyalty.com/chancery-royalty-equity-raise?SQF_LEAD_SOURCE=deep
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Jeremy attributes his success in managing six companies simultaneously to finding strong management teams and "letting go" of control

The royalty business is significantly less stressful than mine operation. Jeremy views the gold royalty model as a "deal-making" pinnacle that avoids the 24/7 operational burdens of being a producer.

Unlike many popular minerals, tungsten hasn't seen a new mine built in nearly 40 years. Because China has shifted from a dominant exporter to a net importer, the lack of new supply has created a high-value, strategic opportunity

Chancery Royalty differentiates itself by moving faster than traditional firms. They avoid charging high due diligence fees and aim to close funding deals within weeks rather than months
BEST MOMENTS
"The key... is to delegate and to let go and not to control everything that comes in the company... My job was to find them the money to start the gold mines or to start the tungsten mine in South Korea and just let them run with it."
"Don't be too quick to sell... I think we're in early stages of a very, very big move and don't be scared by these high prices. They're not coming down anytime soon." (On the gold market)
"Being a gold miner is like being a doctor on 24-hour, seven-day-week call, and a royalty guy is lots of long lunches."
GUEST RESOURCES
For more information and to request an investor pack, please click on this link:
https://www.chanceryroyalty.com/chancery-royalty-equity-raise?SQF_LEAD_SOURCE=deep
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
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/
25 min
January 19Michael Rawlinson On The Journey Through Decades of Mining Cycles and Capital Markets
In this episode, we chat with Michael Rawlinson, one of the most experienced and well-known figures in mining finance and our industry. Michael’s career spans multiple decades and cycles, from growing up in a mining family to early roles in investment banking and equity research, co-founding Liberum, senior roles at Barclays, and now a portfolio career as a non-executive director across the mining sector.
Few people have seen the industry from as many angles: advisor, analyst, investor, and board member and in this conversation, we’ll reflect on how mining, capital markets, and leadership have evolved, what’s genuinely different about the current cycle, and what still hasn’t changed at all.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Michael’s extensive career was heavily influenced by growing up in a mining family and witnessing the inherent volatility of the industry firsthand across Africa.

The mining industry has undergone a massive shift from a "Wild West" mentality to a highly regulated environment where ESG and safety standards are fundamental to operations.

Modern mining finance has transitioned from a reliance on traditional London equity markets to more sophisticated private equity firms and the robust superannuation system in Australia.

Despite technological advancements and new ESG requirements, the industry remains governed by 20-30 year "metronomic" cycles of supply and demand
BEST MOMENTS
"The world of mining is the oldest, most boring, most basic of industries, and in a sense, it never changes. It is the most volatile sector there ever was... the cycles are brutal, they are relentless."
"We’ve gone from a Wild West to having better safety, environmental, better governance, and regulation. It’s overall a better place, a smaller industry in terms of people and share of GDP, but the tons grow for most commodities."
“The globalisation of Britain has actually just meant that money's gone elsewhere."
"The next 20 years, for the people who’ve learned the skills in these technical industries, they’re going to do well... This is revenge of the high-viz vest land."
GUEST RESOURCES
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-rawlinson-244750101/
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
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/
49 min
January 15Hotspur Helium: Powering the Future of Technology
We're joined by Tom Elliott, the founder of Hotspur Helium, who holds the largest multinational primary helium portfolio globally.
We discuss what Hotspur Helium is building and the ambition behind the company, before stepping back to look at why helium has become such a compelling focus for investors and operators alike. Tom shares insight into the critical uses of helium — from healthcare and advanced manufacturing to space and technology, and the demand trends reshaping the global supply landscape.
We also discuss how Hotspur Helium thinks about where to operate globally, what differentiates the company in an increasingly competitive space, and where it currently sits in its growth journey. Finally, we dive into the commercial realities of helium projects, including off-take interest, project economics, payback potential, and what the outlook looks like over the coming years.
This is a practical, forward-looking conversation about a niche commodity that plays an outsized role in modern industry, and how Hotspur Helium is positioning itself within that opportunity
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Hotspur Helium differentiates itself by targeting "elephant" prospects—large-scale deposits (at least 5 BCF of recoverable helium) in the Middle East and Southern Africa, rather than the smaller pockets often found in North America.

While 95% of global helium is currently a byproduct of the oil and gas industry, Hotspur is focused on "primary helium" exploration. This ensures a stable supply that isn't subject to the volatility of LNG market prices.

Helium is irreplaceable in high-growth sectors, specifically semiconductor manufacturing, MRI scanners, and space exploration. Each SpaceX launch, for instance, consumes roughly 6% of daily global helium production.

Since its founding in 2024, the company has acquired 20,000 square kilometres of acreage. They aim to finalise surface exploration in 2026, begin drilling in 2028, and bring the first helium online by 2030.
BEST MOMENTS
"Hotspur Helium... holds the largest multinational primary helium portfolio globally."
"Someone said to me the other day, 'Oh, so you're elephant hunting.' And that's essentially what we're doing... we're the first people through the door and we're able to acquire the best acreage."
"Right now, is helium the tail on the dog or is it the flea on the end of the tail of the dog? Right now, given the size of the LNG industry, it's pretty small... "
"It's an extremely lucrative commodity... worth something like 200 to 300 times that of natural gas”
GUEST RESOURCES
Web: www.hotspurhelium.com
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn (Hotspur): https://www.linkedin.com/company/hotspurhelium/
LinkedIn (TE): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-elliott-230731316
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
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/
26 min

About Dig Deep

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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…