This episode of The ReThink Mining Podcast dives into mining, innovation, technology, and the leadership required to transform a startup in this traditional industry.

Carl Weatherell is joined by Sonia Couto, Managing Director at Konverge and founder of Field Eagle, a software platform that digitizes field data collection, and Aaron Lambert, founder and CEO of RIINO, a company pioneering a zero-emission monorail system for material transport in mining.

Sonia and Aaron share their journeys, from the inception of their ideas to the current state of their companies. In this episode, they discuss the importance of customer feedback in product development, the challenges of introducing new technologies to a conservative industry, and the critical role of building a supportive team.

Aaron emphasizes the need for a pragmatic approach, focusing on developing a minimum viable product and integrating existing technologies to reduce risk. Sonia highlights the value of customer involvement in shaping product roadmaps and the importance of adapting technology to user needs. As founders, they reflect on their leadership styles and how they have evolved to meet the demands of their growing companies.

The episode demonstrates that mining is not just about extracting resources; it’s a complex logistics business that requires innovation and adaptability to thrive in the modern world. Join us as we continue to explore the fascinating intersection of mining and technology, and the people who drive this industry forward

Themes:

The innovative technologies being developed in the mining industry, such as zero-emission haulage systems and digitized data collection tools

The personal journeys, motivations, and challenges of mining leaders as they navigate the world of startups and technology development

The importance of listening to customer feedback, product development, and prioritizing needs in shaping technology solutions

The importance of learning from failures, adapting to feedback, and pivoting when necessary to align technology solutions with industry needs and customer expectations

The value of continuous learning, adaptation, and collaboration with industry experts, mentors, and advisors to drive innovation, improve products, and achieve success in the mining sector