Today we’re sharing an enlightening discussion into the world of making discoveries, African exploration and having an edge, with First Quantum’s Mike Christie.

We explore whether mining companies have lost the plot, where he’d explore if he had a blank canvas, how the approach of the Chinese differs and a whole heap more. 

Sign-up for the Director’s Special

Please read our Privacy Policy and Disclaimer here

Discounted tickets available for AUSIMM Underground Operators conference exclusively via Money of Mine. Get $100 off using the code MOM100.

Adelaide, 7 - 9 April 2025 (Matty will be there in full conference mode)

Thank you to our Partners:

Mineral Mining Services – Your preferred mining contractor

[email protected] - 1300 546 117

Grounded - Infrastructure for remote mining and civil projects Australia wide

Paul Natoli - [email protected]

Sandvik Ground Support – The only ground support you’ll ever need

http://www.rocktechnology.sandvik/groundsupport

CRE Insurance – Insurance Brokers for the Construction, Resources and Energy sectors

[email protected] - +61 2 9493 6100

K-Drill – Safe, reliable, and productive surface RC drilling

[email protected] - +61 416 015 876

Saltbush Contracting - Bulk Haulage (Mine to mill) and earthmoving specialists

[email protected] - +61 400 722 059

Swick - Seventeen million metres drilled. Twenty-plus global sites. Ninety rigs. 

[email protected] - +61 8 6253 2310

Quattro Project Engineering - Global Engineering partnerships delivered with efficiency, innovation and energy

[email protected] - +61 8 9373 1140

Cross Boundary Energy – Independent Power Producer for the global mining industry

[email protected] - +61 466 184 943  

Buy Money of Mine MERCH

Join our exclusive Money Miners Facebook Group & request access to the Hooteroo chat group.

Money of Mine on YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn & Instagram

(0:00:00)Introduction

(0:02:22)Have western mining companies lost the plot?

(0:05:25)Permitting and approvals

(0:07:30)Who has the best chance of discovery?

(0:13:22)AI and machine learning for exploration

(0:16:35)Where are the hot spots?

(0:20:15)Tech advancements in processing

(0:25:50)First Quantum's exploration success

(0:35:50)Reliance on NPV and IRR analysis