In this episode, Sarah Gordon speaks with Laura Mallabone, a chemical engineer turned risk and sustainability specialist, about the critical role of risk management in shaping responsible mining. From her early career in engineering and insurance to working within major mining companies, Laura shares how her perspective evolved - and why integrating risk across organisations remains one of the sector’s biggest challenges.  

The conversation explores how decisions are really made in mining, and why risks are still too often treated in isolation rather than as interconnected systems. Laura highlights the importance of values-driven decision-making, trust, and transparency, arguing that sustainability is not just about recognising risks - but actively managing them in ways that shape long-term outcomes.  

Together, they unpack complex topics including investor behaviour, the lasting lessons of major industry events, and the growing influence of “critical minerals” narratives. The discussion also dives into the realities of energy transitions, the role of coal and nuclear, and why context matters when defining what is truly “critical.”  

In this episode, Sarah Gordon speak with Josephine Weston about the future of mining, sustainability, and the energy transition.

Originally from Perth, Jo shares her journey into environmental engineering and discusses the growing importance of mine rehabilitation, cultural engagement, and collaborative decision-making across the mining sector.

We also explore the Capital Matters initiative - a program bringing together leaders from across the industry to tackle project inefficiencies, encourage open dialogue, and rethink how mining can evolve for a more sustainable future.

A fascinating conversation on innovation, responsible raw materials, and why the next 20 years will be critical for the industry.

The Responsible Raw Materials podcast explores the systems, decisions, and people behind the materials that underpin modern life. Hosted by geologist and sustainability specialist Sarah Gordon, this series takes a deep dive into the complex, interconnected world of raw materials - spanning mining, recycling, agriculture, finance, policy, and community impact.

From the buildings we live in to the technologies driving the energy transition, raw materials are essential, yet often overlooked or discussed in isolation. This podcast aims to connect the dots, bringing together diverse voices from across the ecosystem to examine how decisions are made, how risks are understood, and how outcomes shape our world.

Through candid conversations with engineers, investors, policymakers, community leaders, and on-the-ground operators, the series explores not just successes, but also the challenges, trade-offs, and tensions inherent in the system. Topics range from responsible mining and investment dynamics to community impacts, risk management, and the material demands of a rapidly changing world.

Balancing technical insight with human stories, Responsible Raw Materials is not about simple answers - it’s about better questions, broader perspectives, and more informed conversations. Whether you work in the field or are simply curious, this podcast offers a space to learn, reflect, and engage with one of the most important and complex systems shaping our future.