Mining has always been a physical industry.

When we want to test a new idea, we often install equipment, modify a process, and see what happens. But what if we could test those decisions before touching the operation?

In this episode of MineWarp, Empie Strydom sits down with Michelle Ash, CEO of SIMULIA at Dassault Systèmes and one of the mining industry's most respected technology leaders.

Michelle explains how engineering simulation, virtual twins, AI, and physics-based modelling are changing the way companies design, optimize, and operate complex systems. Drawing on more than 30 years of mining experience, from blasting engineer to executive leadership roles at BHP, Barrick, MMG, Oz Minerals and Dassault, she shares why the future belongs to digitally enabled companies that happen to produce minerals.

Topics include:

1. Simulation-driven enterprises

2. Virtual twins vs traditional digital twins

3. AI and physics-based modelling

4. Why mining still relies heavily on physical experimentation

5. Democratizing simulation through cloud and automation

6. The future role of engineers

7. How virtual testing can reduce risk, cost and time-to-value

8. Opportunities for mining, energy and infrastructure industries

If you are interested in mining innovation, digital transformation, engineering technology, AI, or operational excellence, this episode is for you.

Mining companies have never had more operational data — yet many mines still struggle with fragmented systems, reactive decision-making, and limited real-time visibility.In this episode of MineWarp, I speak with Jason van der Watt, CEO and Co-Founder of AVA Solutions about the evolution of Fleet Management Systems (FMS), operational intelligence, and what modern mining operations actually need from digital technology.We explore:

• Why many FMS deployments fail to deliver operational value
• The difference between enterprise-scale and mid-tier / contract mining requirements
• How smaller mines can now access advanced operational intelligence
• The shift from siloed data toward integrated operational visibility
• Why operational adoption matters more than software features
• The future of real-time mine optimisation

This conversation goes beyond software and dashboards — into the operational realities of modern mining and what it truly means to become data-driven.

Digital mining transformation starts with connectivity—and few understand this better than Dr. Jeannette McGill.From LTE networks in mines to summiting Mount Everest, this is a story of technology, leadership, and resilience.

Jeannette’s career spans underground gold mines in South Africa, digital transformation roles in global mining companies, and the deployment of LTE networks enabling autonomous mining operations.

In this conversation we explore:

• Why connectivity is the hidden backbone of digital mining
• What it was like to be among the first women working underground in South African mines
• How boards should think about technology risk and value

And some bonus material about the leadership lessons learned from climbing Mount Everest! Don't miss this fascinating discussion about technology, resilience, and long-term ambition in the mining industry.#MineWarp #mininginnovation #LTE in Mining

In this episode of MineWarp, we explore one of the most extraordinary mining regions on Earth — the Talnakh ore cluster near Norilsk in the Russian Arctic.Our guest Andrei Gritesenko explains why these deposits are among the richest nickel-copper-platinum group metal resources ever discovered — and why that richness creates its own operational challenge.We discuss:

• The geology of the Siberian Traps that formed these massive sulfide deposits
• The Talnakh, Oktyabrsky, Taymyrsky and Skalisty mines, extending more than 2 km underground
• Why grade control becomes extremely difficult in high-grade, highly variable ore bodies
• How small mistakes in ore/waste boundaries can destroy value
• The unique challenge of mining complex orebodies deep inside the Arctic Circle

This episode highlights how geology, data, and operational discipline intersect in one of the most strategically important mining districts in the world.

Mechanical engineer turned global mining technology leader, David Dickson traces the journey from aerospace engineering to industrial automation and quantum research.We unpack:- OT/IT convergence- The future of autonomous decision layers- The physics behind quantum computing- Why metallurgy may be one of quantum’s first industrial use cases

In this episode of MineWarp, Empie Strydom speaks with Edward Murray, CEO of iGlobe, about how spatial data has evolved from maps and CAD into a core decision-making platform for modern mining.Edward shares his entrepreneurial journey, from early GIS and surveying work through building, selling, and rebuilding technology businesses, and explains why bespoke mining solutions eventually fail at scale. The conversation dives into platform thinking, drones and sensors, real-time data, AI, and why spatial context is essential for turning disconnected datasets into trusted, living assets.Challenging the idea that mining is slow to adopt technology, Edward argues that the industry is now one of the most advanced digital adopters—and offers a forward-looking view on AI, connectivity in Africa, and what the next decade of mining technology could look like.

In this episode of MineWarp, Gary Lane (President of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, SAIMM) unpacks what it takes to build and attract the skills and talent needed for a strong and resilient Southern African Mining industry.Drawing on decades of entrepreneurship and systems-thinking experience, he discusses the need for stewardship, governance and "making mining sexy" again to professionals both young and old.Also under the spotlight is the up and coming role of AI, and what kinds of changes mining should prepare for to remain a valuable contributor to the economy.Don't miss this insightful episode with a highly respected voice in South African mining.

In this episode of MineWarp, host Empie Strydom is joined by Corné Yzelle, Advisory Lead for Business Transformation & Operational Excellence at AMC Consultants, for a deep, practical discussion on what real mining transformation actually means.Moving beyond the usual narratives of digitalisation and technology adoption, the conversation explores delivering sustained, transformational value supported by technology —and what leading organisations do differently. Corné explains why transformation is not about deploying more tools, but about redesigning operating models, decision-making structures, and performance governance so that value is intentionally created and protected over time.The discussion unpacks the critical role of experienced advisors in shaping transformation journeys—providing structure, contextual benchmarking, and continuity that internal teams often struggle to maintain amid operational pressures. Together, Empie and Corné explore concepts such as value flow, value driver alignment, leadership accountability, and why benchmarking must be grounded in the realities of each asset rather than generic “best practice.”This episode is essential viewing for mining executives, transformation leaders, and METS professionals seeking to move from fragmented initiatives to sustained operational excellence—and to understand why consulting-led transformation remains a cornerstone of meaningful, measurable change.

In Part One of this conversation, Emilie Ditton unpacks why the journey toward a low-carbon mine is far more complex than simply electrifying equipment or adopting new technologies. Drawing on her experience working across mining, energy, and industrial environments at Schneider Electric, she explains how decarbonisation efforts are layered on top of already-strained business and operating models, where consistency, profitability, and reliability remain constant pressures.The discussion explores why many sustainability initiatives struggle to scale, highlighting the gap between ambition and execution. Emilie reframes the energy transition as a business transformation challenge—one that demands organisational readiness, cross-functional alignment, and a clear understanding of how energy, operations, and digital capability intersect. This first part sets the foundation for understanding why progress is hard, even when intent is strong.

“Before You Buy More Tech, Use What You Have”A disciplined operations-led view on mining digitalisation with Felipe de Brito Pereira, VP Operations at AngloGold Ashanti.

Felipe discusses this and other interesting topics, including letting mining strategy lead technology selection, and his personal fitness regimen!