Dig Deep

In this episode, we chat with Scott Vincent, President of the Critical Ocean Minerals Research Center, who are an organisation representing a group of stakeholders who have been studying seabed mineral extraction, and take a closer look at some of the important issues surrounding this method of mining. The organisation aims to provide balanced information on the environmental and economic aspects of deep-sea mining, addressing both its potential benefits and concerns. Scott’s background combines extensive experience in finance and investment with a focused interest in marine resource management, positioning him to contribute significantly to discussions on sustainable ocean mineral extraction. On this podcast, Scott talks about the benefits, negatives, and impacts of harvesting polymetallic nodules, some of the misperceptions about nodule harvesting, what it means for this industry with a new administration in power, and a lot more. KEY TAKEAWAYS Deep sea mining primarily targets resources located below 1,000 meters, focusing on three main types of formations: polymetallic nodules, seafloor massive sulfides, and cobalt crusts. Polymetallic nodules are considered the most attractive due to their ease of extraction and lower environmental impact. Harvesting polymetallic nodules can have negligible to positive impacts on human health and welfare. It offers a potential solution to reduce reliance on terrestrial mining, which often has severe negative effects on human health and the environment. Additionally, deep sea mining can lead to lower CO2 emissions and less toxic waste compared to traditional mining methods. There is significant opposition to deep sea mining, largely driven by environmental groups advocating for a moratorium. Common misconceptions include exaggerated claims about the destruction of ocean ecosystems and the potential release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which are not supported by scientific evidence. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) governs deep sea mining in international waters, but the presence of countries that rely on terrestrial mining for their economies complicates the regulatory process. Some nations, like the Cook Islands, are moving forward with regulations for deep sea mining. BEST MOMENTS "We found that there was just a lot of misinformation, omitted information, and there was kind of a void in the marketplace where there wasn't a response from industry to counter some of the narratives out there." "The first benefit I always talk about is the fact that it looks like the impact on human health, human welfare, from harvesting nodules is negligible to positive." "The interesting thing in my book is that WWF looks the other way when we have these atrocities in the DRC and Indonesia." "If we fulfilled all those requirements with nodule harvesting tomorrow onward for the next 20 years, we would only touch 0.06% of the abyssal plains." 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 This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS https://comrc.org/ https://x.com/COMRC_ORG https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556584570043 ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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,

In the episode, we chat with Adrian Dance, Principal Consultant at SRK Consulting, an independent and international multi-disciplined mining consultancy focused on providing advice and solutions to clients, mainly in the earth and water resource industries. They offer services from exploration to mine closure and are specialists and leaders in fields such as due diligence, technical studies, mine waste and water management, permitting, and mine rehabilitation. Adrian’s expertise is in metallurgy and mineral processing and he's worked for the likes of Mount Isa Mines, Highland Valley, and Bisha Mining before joining SRK back in 2010 and is going to be talking about technology in mineral processing, using XRT over traditional sorting methods, AI, SRK’s partnership with Base Metallurgical Labs and why grade engineering plays a critical role in resource extraction. KEY TAKEAWAYS The mining industry is slow to adopt new technologies, which can significantly improve efficiency and processing. Embracing advancements like X-ray transmissive sensing (XRT) and AI can lead to better decision-making and operational flexibility. Implementing pre-concentration techniques to reject waste material early in the processing stage can enhance the economics of mining operations. This approach allows for the removal of waste before it enters the processing plant, reducing costs and environmental impact. The concept of grade engineering emphasises the need to actively manage and improve the quality of ore being processed. By utilising various techniques, such as differential blasting and sorting, mining operations can optimise the value extracted from their resources. Future mining operations will require more flexible processing systems that can adapt to the variability of incoming material. This includes the ability to make real-time adjustments based on the characteristics of the ore being processed. There is a need for the mining industry to break down silos between different disciplines. By fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge, companies can improve overall efficiency and innovation in mining practices. BEST MOMENTS "What we really need to be considering now more than ever is improving the quality of the material coming in to really improve the economics." "We are losing expertise; we are not really getting a lot of traction of people coming to the industry." "If you take somebody outside of the mining industry and say, we're going to process 99.999% waste to get to that .001% valuable, someone would say, check your head." "The biggest thing we want to do is to avoid people from shooting themselves in the foot with this technology." 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 This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS Adrian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-dance/ SRK's website: https://www.srk.com/ SRK's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/srk-consulting/ Adrian's SRK profile: https://www.srk.com/en/consultants/adrian-dance ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Tony Reda, Founder, President, and CEO of Tectonic Metals, a mineral exploration company, focused on the acquisition, exploration, discovery and development of mineral resources from district-scale projects in politically stable jurisdictions that have the potential to host world-class orebodies in North America. Tony has been in mining for 20+ years in investor relations and corporate development roles before taking the helm at Tectonic back in 2018 and shares his journey, give us an update on the company, their key partnerships and the broad milestones and strategy the company is looking to execute. KEY TAKEAWAYS Tony's career in mining began at the age of 21 when he invested in mining stocks, leading to a significant loss during the Bre-X scandal. He returned to the industry in 2005, focusing on corporate development and investor relations, which laid the groundwork for his role as CEO of Tectonic Metals. Tectonic Metals emphasises early-stage discovery opportunities and aims to partner with local communities and Indigenous groups from the outset. This approach includes forming impact benefit agreements to ensure community support and involvement in the exploration process. The Flat Gold Project, located in Alaska, has shown promising results, including a new gold discovery with significant grades. The project is situated in a mineral belt that hosts one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in the world, indicating strong potential for further exploration and development. Tectonic Metals has established key partnerships with organisations like Doyon, the Alaska Native Regional Corporation, and Crescat Capital. These partnerships not only provide financial backing but also streamline the permitting process and enhance community relations, which are crucial for project success. BEST MOMENTS "We are partnered up with one of Alaska's largest leading native regional corporations... they’ve invested over $4 million supporting our efforts to explore on their land." "If you can hit gold in a kilometre-long target on your first attempt and hit grades as high as that, that tells you the system is huge." "We want something that's at least 5 million ounces or larger... this is not a one deposit system. Now there's potential for six of them." "The Trump administration is vocal about sort of, you know, homegrown resources and reducing their reliance on other countries for their natural resources." 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 This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS https://www.tectonicmetals.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/tectonic-metals/ https://www.youtube.com/@TectonicMetalsInc https://x.com/TectonicMetals ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with James Fryer, an experienced mining underwriter for Inigo, who are global specialists in high-risk, high-capacity insurance and reinsurance lines – serving some of the world’s largest commercial and industrial enterprises including the mining and resources sector. James explains more about the insurance industry, what mining companies could do better from a risk prospective, how insurance companies can improve their negative reputations, what are the current risk challenges in our industry, and what makes a good mining client from an insurance perspective. KEY TAKEAWAYS It's crucial for mining companies to fully understand the details of their insurance policies, including what is covered and what is not. Misunderstandings often lead to conflicts during claims. Insurance for mining companies should be bespoke, as each mining operation has unique risks and challenges. Insurers work closely with mining companies to develop tailored insurance products that meet their specific needs. Insurance companies need to adopt a more proactive approach to risk management by learning from past losses and providing clarity in policy wording. This helps ensure that mining companies have certainty in their coverage when losses occur. The mining industry faces new risks due to technological advancements, such as automation and electrification. Insurers must adapt their policies to address these emerging risks while also leveraging technology for better risk assessment and monitoring. A successful partnership between mining companies and insurers is built on trust and transparency. Long-term relationships allow both parties to better understand each other's risks and needs, ultimately leading to more effective risk management and support during claims. BEST MOMENTS "Insurance is just another method of risk management. It's that transfer of risk from the company to a third party, in this case being the insurance company." "Not every mine is the same. Our job is to work with insurance brokers and the mining companies to develop something that is suitable for them." "Insurance is very reactive. There are those losses that will occur that a 60-page insurance wording contract just isn't able to respond to." "The best insurance policy is one that you will never have to claim on because it means that you haven't had that financial loss." 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 This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS https://uk.linkedin.com/in/james-fryer-71177913 www.MIRAassoc.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/mining-insurance-group/ https://inigoinsurance.com/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Alex Langer, CEO of Sierra Madre, a Canadian listed junior miner with 2 metals projects in Mexico, with their flagship project, La Guitarra Mine in Mexico’s Silver Belt recently going into production. Alex is a successful public markets specialist with 20 years of experience, starting his career as an Investment Advisor with Canaccord Genuity, where he helped fund over 100 private and publicly listed companies including the IPOs for Endeavour Silver, Fortuna Silver, and Great Panther. He’s on the podcast to discuss the history of the company, now in production what’s next for the business, an update on the current silver market, and an update on the Mexican mining industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS Sierra Madre has successfully transitioned into full commercial production at its flagship LaGuitarra mine in Mexico, which was previously on care and maintenance. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the company, allowing it to generate cash flows. The LaGuitarra mine covers approximately 28,000 hectares and has a rich history of silver and gold production. The company plans to allocate around $3 million for exploration to drill key areas, particularly the East District, which includes historically significant mines with high-grade material. Current high prices for gold and silver are beneficial for Sierra Madre, providing significant revenue opportunities. The company has structured its operations to maintain low costs, which allows it to be resilient in fluctuating market conditions. Recent changes in the Mexican government have led to a more favorable regulatory environment for mining, with new permits being issued and a renewed focus on the importance of the mining sector for the economy. This shift is expected to bolster confidence in mining projects within the country. BEST MOMENTS "We really wanted something that was fully permitted. And so we were quite fortunate that La Guitarra was fully permitted. First Majestic did an amazing job in terms of their community relations and environmental permitting." "We have now actually identified over 60 kilometres of vein material at surface. This area used to be one of the most prolific and historic producers of silver gold from the 16th, 17th, 1800s." "Every dollar a silver price goes up is really significant to our bottom line. It's straight revenue, which is wonderful." "We feel quite confident we can increase production relatively quickly and hopefully out of cash flows." 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 This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS https://sierramadregoldandsilver.com/contact https://x.com/sierramadresm [email protected] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERWQNg-1wABjaexIj_U6yA https://www.linkedin.com/company/sierramadre/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Beth Borody, a seasoned leader in the mining industry and a trailblazer in driving diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the Founder and CEO of Femina Collective, Beth champions a community where women in natural resources can find connection, mentorship, and a supportive environment that fosters progress. Her vision is to transform the industry by creating safe spaces where women can collaborate, grow, and push for meaningful change. We are going to discuss Femina Collective and what they do and the challenges females in our industry are faced with which may not always be obvious to all. KEY TAKEAWAYS The mining industry is traditionally male-dominated, with women making up only 14% of the workforce globally. There is a pressing need for intentional efforts to increase female representation in all areas of the industry. The Femina Collective aims to radically change the experience of women in the mining industry by providing a supportive community that fosters connection, mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth. Women are encouraged to engage in mining investments, as they tend to be more risk-aware and make long-term investment decisions. The Femina Collective is launching an investment arm to educate women about investing in mining and to create a private investment club. Increasing the number of women in leadership roles within the mining sector is not just a diversity initiative; it is a smart business strategy. Diverse leadership teams lead to better decision-making and improved company performance. The organisation aims to expand its reach globally, enhance its membership offerings, and eventually establish an owner-operator model in mining, demonstrating the positive impact of female leadership and investment in the industry. BEST MOMENTS "Our goal since day one, our mission is always to radically change the experience of women in the mining industry." "We know that when women are looking at health and safety, that sites tend to be safer, that trucks aren't destroyed as quickly and women drive safer." "We believe that if we can impact one woman and we can grow her confidence, we can work with recruiters to get her her next role, that's going to have a rippling effect." "It's not actually a diversity thing that we're trying to achieve here. It's just actually smart business." 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 This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS https://www.thefeminacollective.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-femina-collective/ https://www.instagram.com/feminacollectivegroup/ https://www.thefeminacollective.com/blog ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Cailey Barker, an experienced analyst and portfolio manager who started his career as a geologist getting experience in the field before moving into a senior position with the likes of Numis Securities and then more recently at Blackrock as their Director and Portfolio Manager. An active listener to the podcast, Cailey wanted to come on and talk about his insights into the gold market, the current state and outlook of mining, investment thesis in the industry and how Trumps tariff wars look to affect our industry and much more. KEY TAKEAWAYS The mining sector faces significant challenges, including cyclicality, poor past discipline among companies, increasing regulations, and public perception issues. Despite these challenges, companies are now in better shape with robust balance sheets and clear strategies focused on shareholder returns. While gold prices have reached all-time highs, interest in gold equities has waned. Factors such as high interest rates, geopolitical uncertainties, and a shift in investor focus towards sectors like technology and critical minerals have contributed to this trend. Junior mining companies struggle to secure financing due to a risk-averse capital market that favours large-cap established producers. This has led to a reliance on alternative funding sources, such as private equity and larger mining companies, for exploration projects. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors remain crucial in the mining industry, although they may not be as prominently discussed as before. Companies are now expected to have clear, actionable plans for sustainability rather than just making broad claims. BEST MOMENTS "To have that sort of focus, attention to detail, and whatever situation you're in... you can always sort of relate back to the fact that it's not as bad as being in a ring with an 18 stone monster trying to take your head off." "The opportunity set is incredibly compelling... I don't see it sort of returning to those lows that we've seen." "There's been a dearth of mining investment over the last decade... the risk-averse capital markets have just sort of moved to favour large cap established producers mainly." "If you can find something similar where you basically don't need to build a processing plant, all these sort of ESG considerations become a lot lower and the economics change dramatically." 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 This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS Website: https://caileybarker.com/ Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caileybarker1/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Gordon Stein, CFO of CleanTech Lithium, whose mission is to be a leading supplier of clean battery-grade lithium for the global energy transition by advancing direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology, supplying green lithium to the EV and battery manufacturing market. Gordon has over 30 years of expertise in energy, natural resources, and other sectors in both executive and non-executive director roles. A chartered accountant who has worked with start-ups to major companies, including board roles of six LSE companies. He discusses the history of the company, the DLE process and technology behind CleanTech and financing options for technology companies and the Lithium market in general. KEY TAKEAWAYS Cleantech Lithium is advancing DLE technology, which allows for the extraction of lithium from brine sources in a more efficient and environmentally friendly manner compared to traditional methods like evaporation ponds. This process can extract lithium in just two days, achieving a recovery rate of 99.7%. The demand for lithium is projected to increase by 20% to 30% annually, driven by the electric vehicle (EV) market and battery storage needs. This growing demand highlights the importance of developing cleaner and more efficient lithium extraction methods. Successful financing for DLE projects requires a strong operational strategy, including demonstrating a viable resource, conducting independent economic studies, and securing government support. Establishing partnerships with car manufacturers and battery producers is also crucial for securing funding. The capital markets have become more receptive to DLE technology as successful projects emerge, such as those in Argentina and Germany. Investors are increasingly recognising the economic viability of DLE projects, even in a low lithium price environment. BEST MOMENTS "They set up Cleantech with a view of finding assets in Chile where they felt it was a good mining jurisdiction." "Direct lithium extraction... you can clearly see in every analyst it's going to be a dearth of supply over the course of time." "We will use 100% renewable power... and we will re-inject the spent brine back into the aquifer area." "Nobody is going to fund your project unless you've identified and delivered a resource." "The markets have been skeptical, but I think now they'll start to look." 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 This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS https://ctlithium.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleantechlithium/ https://www.youtube.com/@ctlithium https://x.com/ctlithium ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Marc Sale, CEO of First Class Metals, a junior miner focused on gold and critical exploration in Ontario, Canada. They are dedicated to unlocking the potential of untapped resources, providing innovative solutions to the supply shortage, and making a lasting impact in the mining industry. A geologist by background and a competent person for JORC and NI-43 101, Marc is an experienced explorer working in exploration and development across Africa, Americas, Europe, and Australasia during his career. He gives us an overview of First Class Metals and what they have been up to, talks about a recent partnership with the 79th Group they have secured, and an overview of the current exploration market. KEY TAKEAWAYS Marc has a diverse career in geology and corporate management, having worked in various regions including Australia, Africa, and South America. He transitioned from being an exploration geologist to holding several management roles, ultimately becoming the CEO of First Class Metals. First Class Metals is a junior mining company focused on gold and critical mineral exploration in Ontario, Canada. The company aims to unlock untapped resources and has a business model centred around developing properties to either joint venture or sell them. The company has two flagship projects, North Hemlo and Sunbeam, both of which are district-scale plays with significant potential. North Hemlo features the Dead Otter Trend, which has shown promising gold and molybdenum results, while Sunbeam has historical production and mineralization. A strategic partnership with the 79th Group is expected to provide First Class Metals with funding for exploration activities. This partnership will allow the company to pursue its exploration goals without the typical funding challenges faced by many small-cap explorers. First Class Metals emphasises responsible exploration and environmental stewardship. The company actively engages with local First Nations communities to maintain transparency and build trust, ensuring that their exploration activities are conducted ethically and responsibly. BEST MOMENTS "I would really like to find one more decent multimillion ounce gold deposit. I've been very fortunate in my career in that I've been associated with three multi-million ounce discoveries." "I think it's important to re-mention zigzag, the hard rock lithium target, which again has multimeter plus one percent lithium values and associated gallium, niobium and cesium on it." "I have to say one of the hardest billets I had was in Sardinia, where the landowners were equally as passionate, but they might only own two fields." "In these challenging markets, we can negotiate on properties at, shall we say, bargain basement prices." 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 This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS https://firstclassmetalsplc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-class-metals-plc/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Brooke Bibeault, CEO of Makor Resources, an African junior miner exploring developing the next generation of world leading mines across the artisanal and small-scale sector. They enable Artisanal and Small-Scale businesses in the raw materials value chain - from "Mine to Main Street", Production to Retail - to manage risks, build resilient sourcing strategies, capture value, and invest for social impact to address some of today’s most pressing concerns. Brooke has a diverse background in leadership development and business strategy and became the CEO of Makor Resources in 2019 when she moved to Africa. She gives us the background to the company, its mission in helping artesian miners develop locally and ethically sourced materials, her new A1 platform Sensr 360, her new podcast Mine to Main Street, and more. KEY TAKEAWAYS Makor Resources aims to transform ASM into a legitimate and investable sector, recognising its significant contribution to global mineral production and the economic potential it holds for local communities. The introduction of Sensor360, an AI-driven platform, allows for real-time monitoring and verification of ESG compliance, helping to identify discrepancies and mitigate risks associated with mining operations. Makor Resources emphasises the importance of engaging local communities in the mining process, ensuring that they benefit from the resources extracted and that their needs and priorities are considered in decision-making. The approach to mining should prioritise long-term stability and community development over short-term profits, focusing on building sustainable ecosystems that outlast the life of the mine. There is a need to shift the perception of mining from being a "dirty" industry to one that plays a crucial role in global economic resilience, innovation, and sustainable development, highlighting the positive impacts and stories from the sector. BEST MOMENTS "My career really has always been about solving high stake problems at the intersection of power, and looking at economics and global impact." "Artisanal and small-scale mining represents one of the largest untapped economic potentials in the global resource sector." "Mining depends on communities, and it's not about charity; it's about strategic alignment." "I think the biggest failures of traditional mining is that too much value gets extracted and too little gets reinvested into the communities." 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 This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS https://www.makorresources.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookebibeault/ https://www.instagram.com/brookebibeault/ https://x.com/brookebibeault ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Mark Austin, who is the COO and Senior Geologist of Alba Minerals Resources, who are a minerals exploration company with a portfolio of projects in the UK and Greenland. Their focus is on unearthing hidden value from previously drilled or mined projects in gold, graphite and ilmenite. Mark discusses Alba Mineral’s journey and in particular the history behind their Clogau Gold Mine, a royal connection, the challenges of bringing an old UK mine into production and the emergence of the UK mining industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Clogau Gold Mine has a rich history dating back to 1854, originally starting as a lead mine before transitioning to gold mining. It produced a total of approximately 88,000 ounces of gold over its operational years, with significant production occurring between 1890 and 1910. Alba Minerals Resources recognised the potential for extracting remaining gold from the Clogau mine, which had been left largely undeveloped. Their initial focus was on safety and compliance, addressing the mine's deteriorating conditions before moving on to exploration and production. The company faced environmental challenges, particularly concerning the presence of lesser horseshoe bats in the mine. They implemented measures to protect the bats, including specialised gates and regular surveys, while also ensuring compliance with Natural Resources Wales. Clogau Gold is sought after not only for its quality but also due to its historical significance, including its use in royal wedding rings. This connection contributes to a premium price above the standard market rate for gold. BEST MOMENTS "Alba saw the opportunity of looking at what has been left behind from Clogau... there's always ore left behind, whether it's in pillars or the old timers have missed the extension of a pay chute." "The ore body that has been mined is a quartz vein... the gold mineralization is very nuggety. It's little pods of gold... finding these pods of gold has been the history of Clogau Gold Mine." "Clogau gold can fetch a significant premium... the Queen Mother married the Duke of York with rings made from Clogau gold. That tradition continues today with Prince William and Kate." "Safety was a big factor... a mine 150 years old has degraded over time... making it legally compliant was quite a challenge." 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 This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS https://albamineralresources.com/ [email protected] 0203 950 0725 https://www.linkedin.com/company/alba-mineral-resources-plc/ https://x.com/AlbaMinerals ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Spencer Cole, CDO and CFO of Xanadu Mines, a copper exploration company with projects in the South Gobi and Western Mongolia. They aim to develop porphyry and intrusion-related deposits and are committed to Mongolia and its potential as one of the last great copper frontiers. Spencer has qualification in Mech and Material Eng (BS), Business & Finance (MBA), Finance (CPA) and has worked in various industries including mining, aerospace, Oil & Gas across the Americas, Australia, and SE Asia. He’s been with Xanadu for coming up to 5 years now and gives us an overview of the company, their flagship project Kharmagtai and will educate us more on the Lassonde Curve and how that has an impact on the company plus much more. KEY TAKEAWAYS Xanadu Mines is an ASX and TSX-listed exploration company focused on copper and gold in Mongolia, with its flagship project, Kharmagtai, currently at the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) stage. The company has transitioned from coal exploration to copper and gold since 2013-2014. The Lassonde curve illustrates the typical life cycle of a junior mining company, showing how market capitalisation fluctuates through different stages of project development. Xanadu's journey reflects this curve, having experienced peaks and troughs as it moved from exploration to commercialisation. Hermagti faces challenges such as funding, permitting, and the need to identify high-grade zones to minimise negative cash flow. However, opportunities exist in the form of potential sequential heap leaching of weathered deposits and the possibility of expanding the resource through further drilling. Zijin Mining, a top global copper and gold miner, has partnered with Xanadu to advance the Kharmagtai project. This partnership is seen as beneficial due to Zijin's experience in advanced metallurgy and their aggressive growth model, which aligns with Xanadu's goals. Over the next 6 to 12 months, Xanadu aims to complete a bankable feasibility study for Kharmagtai and navigate the Mongolian permitting process. The company is also exploring funding options and planning further exploration activities for its other projects, Sant. Tolgoi and Red Mountain. BEST MOMENTS "Xanadu is an ASX and TSX, so dual listed exploration company... focused on copper and gold in Mongolia." "The Lassonde curve illustrates the typical life cycle of a junior mining company, showing its market capitalisation over the different stages of development." "Kharmagtai is a big, low-grade copper-gold porphyry. Its economics work on scale, low strip ratio, and byproduct credits." "Zijin is a top five copper miner... they have a very aggressive growth model and are really experienced at building value through advanced metallurgy." 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 This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS Website: www.xanadumines.com X/Twitter: @XanaduMines_ASX Linkedin: au.linkedin.com/company/Xanadu-mines-limited Email: [email protected] ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Taj Singh, CEO and Director of First Nordic Metals, who are a district scale gold miner in Northern Europe and one of the largest mineral claimholders in Sweden. The Company’s flagship asset is the Barsele gold project in Sweden, which is a JV with tier 1 gold producer Agnico Eagle Mines. Taj is a mining executive with over 22 years of experience in corporate development, capital markets, finance, project development, engineering, and operations. He is a Professional Engineer, holds a degree & masters in Metallurgy and Minerals Processing and a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). He has previously founded and made discoveries with Discovery Silver and NOA Lithium Brines and now at the helm of First Nordic Metals, he gives us an overview of the company, discuss their partnership with Agnico, an overview of mining in Northern Europe and the exciting things they have planned over the coming years. KEY TAKEAWAYS First Nordic Metals is focused on exploration and development in the Nordic region, primarily Sweden and Finland. Their flagship asset is the Barsele Gold Project, which is a joint venture with Agnico Eagle Mines, holding significant potential with an estimated 2.4 million ounces of gold. The company boasts a robust executive team with extensive experience in the mining sector. Key members include Taj Singh (CEO), Adam Cegielski (President), and several others with backgrounds in successful mining ventures, enhancing the company's strategic direction and operational capabilities. Sweden and Finland are recognised as top-tier mining jurisdictions due to their pro-mining regulatory frameworks, low corporate tax rates, and rich geological resources. The region has a long legacy of mining, making it an appealing location for exploration and development. First Nordic Metals is planning one of the largest drill programs in Europe for 2025, with a focus on testing multiple drill-ready targets along the Gold Line Belt. The program aims to advance their exploration efforts and potentially discover new deposits. BEST MOMENTS "We believe that with 100 kilometers of the Gold Line Belt, there are two to three more deposits to be found, at least, with a similar size and scale to Barsele." "Sweden has become very pro-mining, really pushing projects ahead... They’re focusing on developing a strong industry where we can be leaders in sustainable mining." "Having Agnico there, both as a shareholder and as a joint venture partner, is fantastic... It's just been great in terms of info sharing." "We're trying to create Europe's next gold camp... We think there can probably be 2-3 other deposits to support a big complex." 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 This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS https://fnmetals.com/about/ https://x.com/fnmetals https://www.linkedin.com/company/firstnordicmetals/ https://www.youtube.com/@firstnordicmetalscorp https://www.facebook.com/FirstNordicMetals ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Tim Clark, CEO and Director of Fury Gold Mines, a Canadian focused high grade gold exploration company strategically positioned in 2 prolific mining regions in Quebec and Nunaveut in Northern and Eastern Canada. Tim is a senior executive with extensive experience in capital markets working for the likes of Barclays Capital and BMO. He has helped the transition of Fury Gold’s strategy to move from a hybrid development company into a dedicated high-grade gold exploration company focused on working with several of the largest gold producers globally. On the podcast, Tim shares his journey and that of Fury Gold, the exploration programme they will be undertaking, the capital markets industry, and how they are helping the local communities with their initiatives. KEY TAKEAWAYS Learning from experienced professionals helped Tim develop essential skills and navigate the complexities of the capital markets. Fury Gold Mines operates in Canada, focusing on high-grade gold exploration in regions with supportive regulatory environments, such as Quebec. This strategic positioning reduces geopolitical risks and enhances the potential for successful exploration. The company is set to begin drilling at the Éléonore South property, which has promising geological indicators similar to the nearby Éléonore mine. Successful drilling could significantly enhance the company's value and attract interest from larger mining firms. Fury Gold Mines prioritises building strong relationships with local Indigenous communities, recognising the importance of collaboration and support. This approach not only fosters goodwill but also helps in navigating regulatory landscapes and ensuring sustainable development practices. BEST MOMENTS "The risk is you get out there and you run out of money; the reward is if you find something, this is the part of the market you can make the most money and the most upside." "When I got into New York, they used to say a lot of your career is if you get lucky enough to sit next to a really great senior person that can teach you the ropes." "We have probably one of the better high-grade mines in the area. We've got 1.9 million ounces and around six and a half grams of gold, and that's very high-grade." "The interesting part about gold is it's the one currency that no one owns. It's here to stay as much as Bitcoin is up and down." 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 This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS Website: https://furygoldmines.com/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/furygoldmines X: @FuryGoldMines E-mail: [email protected] ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we have a returning guest who appeared back in June 2024 (Episode 444). Emanuel Proença, CEO of Savannah Resources, one of Europe’s leading conventional lithium development companies, with one of the most significant lithium raw material assets in the European Union. With a background in industrial engineering, Emanuel is an experienced executive and an expert in the energy transition in mobility with a strong track record of managing transformation and generating growth within sectors including green fuels production and market development, electrification of mobility, liquid fuels hedging, trading, logistics and retail of liquid fuels, and digitalisation. Emanuel gives us an update on Savannah Resources, how the project is going to help with Portugal’s energy transition, and an overview of the lithium market in Europe. KEY TAKEAWAYS The lithium market is expected to grow significantly from 2025 onwards, driven by increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and battery storage systems. The company anticipates starting production in 2027, positioning itself to capitalise on this growth. Savannah Resources has focused on improving relationships with the local community by enhancing local facilities, employing local residents, and actively engaging in community events to foster understanding and support for the project. Europe is emerging as a key player in the lithium market, with several projects underway, including Savannah's in Portugal. The region is working to develop a complete battery value chain, from mining to battery production, to reduce reliance on imports. The company has secured strategic partnerships, including a deal with AMG Critical Materials, and is actively working on financing options to support its development plans. This includes potential backing from European development banks, which could significantly aid in capital expenditures. BEST MOMENTS "The fundamentals that drive growth in these two markets are just becoming stronger. The prospects for a very good opportunity from 27 and beyond become stronger also." "We have improved some of the facilities that we have in the villages... just the fact that you show a work area that is proper, tidy, neat, makes a big difference." "We know that we are still significantly undervalued versus some of the international peers on a price-to-net-asset-value comparison." 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 This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS Website: https://savannahresources-wwwsavannahresourcescom.azurewebsites.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/savannah-resources-plc/ X: https://x.com/savannahres ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In our 500th Episode, we bring you another distinguished guest that most of you will know. Rob McEwen, Chairman and Chief Owner of McEwen Mining, an exploration, development, and production mining company that mines and produces gold and silver in jurisdictions such as the US, Canada, Mexico, and Argentina. Rob is a prominent figure in the mining industry, known for his innovative leadership and entrepreneurial approach. He was the former CEO of Goldcorp taking the company from a market capitalization of $50 million to over $8 billion. Rob has won numerous awards and achievements including the “Order of Canada” back in 2007 and was inducted into the Mining Hall of Fame in 2017. We share his mining journey, the ups and downs of our industry and what you can learn, the history of McEwen Mining and what they have been doing more recently, and the outlook of our industry and so much more. A wealth of knowledge and wisdom so don’t miss this episode. KEY TAKEAWAYS Rob McEwen shared his extensive experience in the mining industry, detailing his transition from the investment sector to mining, and his success in growing Goldcorp significantly before founding McEwen Mining. McEwen discussed the complexities of the mining industry, including the difficulties of labor relations, as exemplified by a lengthy strike, and the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and expectations. There is a pressing need for the mining industry to improve its public image by demonstrating environmentally responsible practices and engaging with communities to change negative perceptions about mining. Rob emphasises the potential for technological advancements, such as automation and AI, to address labor shortages and improve operational efficiency, while also highlighting the exciting prospects of their large copper project in Argentina, which aims to set new standards for sustainable mining practices. BEST MOMENTS "I noticed there was a very different way of dealing with problems in the mining industry... it felt like I just stepped into a vat of quick-drying cement." "The union chose to no longer represent the workers and decertified... we went from producing 50,000 ounces a year at a cost of $360 an ounce to producing 500,000 ounces a year at a cost of $60 an ounce." "I think the industry needs to spend a lot more time showing the public that the work that's being done today is much more environmentally sensitive." "I'm a big believer that management... should have a large investment in their company... it keeps you focused on what is important." 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 This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS https://mcewenmining.com/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we have a returning guest who has appeared on the show three times previously: Eldur Olafsson, Founder and CEO of Amaroq Minerals, a Greenland-focused mining company engaged in the identification, acquisition, exploration, and development of gold properties and other strategic mineral assets in Greenland. They recently poured their first gold, which is a significant milestone in the mine's development. A geologist by background, Eldur has worked around Greenland and Iceland for well over a decade and started Amaroq Minerals back in 2017 and has certainly come a long way since then. He gives us an update since pouring their first gold, some of the exploration they have been conducting and results achieved, and what his thoughts are on recent comments made by Donald Trump about taking control of Greenland plus much more. KEY TAKEAWAYS The company is actively exploring multiple sites in Greenland, particularly the Nanoq project, which has shown promising geological results. Plans are in place to deploy additional drilling rigs to further assess the potential of this deposit. Amaroq is committed to sustainable mining practices, including the development of a small-scale hydropower plant to reduce reliance on diesel and lower carbon emissions. The company aims to create a positive environmental and social impact in the communities where it operates. Amaroq Minerals is positioned as a key player in Greenland's mining sector, being the largest private investor and the most active developer and explorer in the region. The company aims to become a proxy for Greenland's mineral resources, attracting investment and interest. Looking ahead, the company plans to increase cash flow and production while continuing to explore for world-class deposits. The company is focused on building a portfolio of gold production sites and enhancing its operational capabilities in Greenland. BEST MOMENTS "We are the most active developer, now a producer, and an explorer. We believe that there is vast potential within the next five to 10 years to build up production off the range of 150 to 300,000 ounces." "To put this into perspective, we are the only mine that was built and operated this year in the Arctic. There are logistical challenges, but thanks to our team, we've managed to be successful." "We think this could be an absolute beast in terms of scale and in terms of size. We feel quite confident on that and excited about the prospect there." Elda Offison: impact on Greenland's resources, it's more likely we are able to open up the next mine with the same methodology." 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 This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS Website - https://www.amaroqminerals.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/amaroqminerals/ X - @Amaroq_Minerals or https://x.com/Amaroq_Minerals Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075745824312 Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@AmaroqMinerals/videos ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Warren Beech, CEO at Beech Veltman, a leading mining, natural resources and energy focused law firm with a specialist team in mining, infrastructure, and natural resources. Warren is a highly accomplished and recognised mining, natural resources, infrastructure, and environmental law specialist. He provides multi-disciplinary legal and related services to the mining industry which includes health and safety, environment, anti-bribery and corruption / human rights, fair employment practices, community and social aspects, Black Economic Empowerment and transformation. He covers some of these topics above and discusses the challenges that the African mining industry is facing from many different angles. He will be also attending the Mining Indaba in February so be sure to reach out to him if you have any questions. KEY TAKEAWAYS The African mining industry faces systemic challenges such as regulatory uncertainty, infrastructure issues, and energy supply constraints. Political changes and the demand for greater citizen participation in mineral wealth are also significant factors impacting the sector. Compliance with safety regulations is crucial, and understanding the human impact of mining accidents can drive better safety outcomes. The approach to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in mining has often become a tick-box exercise, which undermines its effectiveness. A more substantive approach is needed to ensure that ESG principles genuinely contribute to sustainability and community well-being. The Stilfontein illegal mining crisis highlights the socioeconomic drivers behind illegal mining activities, which are often linked to poverty and unemployment. Addressing these root causes and facilitating small-scale mining licensing could help mitigate the issue of illegal mining. BEST MOMENTS "The biggest challenge at the moment in Africa and the mining sector are the changes that are happening all along... political change is going to be one of the key themes for 2025." "Illegal mining has been around for a long time... What is unique and new about it is just the sheer scale of it." "If we were able to make it easier for small-scale miners to get licensed, then you'll start pushing out the illegal miners." "Health and safety is critical... The adoption of the zero harm principle is vital. I mean, everybody must be able to go home safely every day." 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 This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS www.beechveltman.com [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/company/beech-veltman-inc/ https://x.com/BeechVeltman ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Juan Carlos, President and CEO of Canstar Resources, a TSX-Venture listed junior miner focused on mineral exploration in Newfoundland, Canada. Juan has 15 years of experience in executive management, capital markets, finance, and commercial and strategic development. He has recently stepped into the CEO role at Canstar and in this podcast, he shares his journey, the progress Canstar has made and discusses the political and economic landscape within mining and North America as the new US president takes position. KEY TAKEAWAYS Canstar Resources is focused on mineral exploration in Newfoundland, Canada, with a vision to create a diversified mining company that can capitalise on undervalued assets and leverage advances in data science and technology for efficient exploration. The company has three main project areas: the Buchans-Mary March project, which is rich in VMS deposits; the Mary March project, known for high-grade zinc; and the Golden Baie project, which has significant gold and antimony potential. Each project presents unique opportunities for exploration and discovery. The current geopolitical landscape, including national security concerns and the shift towards de-dollarisation, is expected to drive demand for critical minerals. The guest anticipates a new commodity super cycle, with increased investment in the mining sector as countries seek to secure their mineral supply chains. Canstar plans to build on its foundational work in 2024 by advancing exploration efforts in 2025. This includes conducting geophysical surveys, leveraging new technology for exploration, and potentially making acquisitions to enhance its asset base and capitalise on market opportunities. BEST MOMENTS "I think we are on the cusp of the next major commodity super cycle... we're going to see increases in commodity prices that are going to be sustained until we get supply that's in balance with the demand." "I think there's something in mining for everyone... whether your focus is on electrification and on the environment and climate change, whether your focus is on national security and the defense industrial base." "The way that we think about exploration, it's really about the acquisition of data and the interpretation and understanding of that data." "I think the companies that are going to be successful in this next cycle are going to be the ones that effectively tell that story." 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 This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS ● LinkedIn: ○ Canstar: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/canstar-resources ○ JCG: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcgironjr/ ○ Will Upshur: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willupshur/ ● X (Twitter): https://x.com/Canstar_Rox Contacts: ● JCG: [email protected] ● Will: [email protected] ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Stephen Mullowney, CEO and Director of TRX Gold, a Canadian listed miner who are rapidly advancing their flagship Buckreef project in Tanzania, Africa. Stephen has over 20 years of experience in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and investments working for the likes of PwC and National Bank financial. He has been in the CEO role since 2020 and he shares his journey, what TRX Gold have been up to, the challenges they have faced including adopting new technologies, and discusses how they are working and helping the local communities and much more… KEY TAKEAWAYS The company faced significant challenges, including financial losses and a strained relationship with the government. Strategic capital raising and restructuring were essential to turn the situation around and achieve operational success. TRX Gold prioritises local employment and community benefits, ensuring that a significant portion of the workforce comes from the surrounding areas. This approach helps build strong relationships and secures the social license to operate. The company is leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency, such as using drone surveying and advanced planning software, while balancing the need for local employment opportunities. With a positive outlook on gold prices driven by geopolitical risks and inflation, TRX Gold aims to increase production and exploration efforts, focusing on cost management and cash flow generation to support growth initiatives. BEST MOMENTS "My leadership style is one of consensus building and consensus decision making. I like to have individuals that have an opinion and that will want to add an opinion to come forward." "When I joined, the company was losing money. It didn't have a lot of treasury. Its relationship with the government needed improvement." "We're 100% local people operating the asset. The team on the ground has done a great job of staying out ahead of the bottlenecks." "I think gold prices are going to continue to perform in an upward direction and continue to move higher." 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 This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations.For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trx-gold-corporation/ Website: https://trxgold.com/ X: @TRXGoldCorp Stephen Mullowney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mullowney-b9b63320/ X: @StephenMullown1 ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Steve Virtue, a communications and public affairs executive within the mining industry with deep expertise providing leadership to the sector, whether junior miners, producers, and mining suppliers. He brings a 25 year career as a public affairs professional, having spent much of the past 15 years working in and around the sector, helping to improve outcomes for some of the largest brands in mining. He brings exceptional skills as a government relations, communications, and stakeholder engagement professional. As an active listener to the podcast, Steve discusses political risks in mining as we have seen a recent surge in government intervention around the world within our industry and wanted to provide some content around this and how mining companies could possibly navigate their way around certain situations and how to best market yourselves in the media. We also speak about branding and social media in our industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS Public affairs play a crucial role in supporting mining operations by managing relationships with government stakeholders, ensuring smooth operations, and mitigating political risks. Effective public affairs strategies can help mining companies navigate regulatory changes and maintain profitability. Governments are seeking genuine partnerships with mining companies rather than transactional relationships. Mining companies need to be proactive, ambitious, and constructive in their engagement with government officials to foster trust and collaboration. The political landscape is increasingly volatile, with significant changes in government leadership around the world. Mining companies must be prepared to adapt to these shifts, as new administrations may introduce unpredictable policies that can affect operations and profitability. The media industry is undergoing significant changes, with a decline in traditional outlets and a rise in citizen journalism. Mining companies need to adapt their communication strategies to effectively engage with audiences through digital platforms and social media, ensuring their narratives are heard amidst the noise. BEST MOMENTS "Governments are looking for partners. They want a real meaningful relationship, not just a transactional one where you come to me, solve my problem, and then move on." "The reality is that they do still require a very human touch. Public affairs is the exclusive domain of the relationship." "If you're tired of hearing your own voice, then let somebody else's voice speak for you. Talk about your social license to operate in the community." "There's a real education process that needs to happen. Mining is an environmentally friendly cause in many respects." 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 This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations.For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS www.linkedin.com/in/stevevirtue/ https://x.com/stevevirtue Email - [email protected] ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Joe David, MD of Elementos, a resources development company focused on the exploration and development of tin projects into operations, with a focus on jurisdictions that demonstrate a high level of governance and foster a responsible approach to mining. Their assets are in Spain and Australia. With qualifications in Mine Engineering, Civil Engineering, and a degree in Finance, Joe’s career has spanned executive roles with private equity, listed and private mining companies, as an Associate Director within M&A advisory and running his own project development consulting company. During his career, he has managed the development of mining projects, bankable feasibility studies, exploration and metallurgical programs, project financing, corporate finance advisory, corporate strategy, and mergers and acquisitions. He gives us an overview of Elementos, their Oropesa Tin Project and Cleveland Project, the tin market, and advice for those seeking c-suite roles in mining. KEY TAKEAWAYS Elementos is a resources development company focused on tin projects in Spain and Australia. The company aims to become a vertically integrated tin producer within the European Union, addressing the current lack of domestic tin supply in the region. The flagship asset, the Oropesa Tin Project in Andalusia, Spain, is positioned to produce approximately 5,400 tonnes of tin concentrate per year. The project benefits from a supportive regulatory environment and is expected to receive necessary permits by the end of 2025 or early 2026. The Cleveland Tin Project in Tasmania has a rich history of tin mining and significant resources. Recent drilling has revealed promising tungsten mineralization, indicating potential for additional valuable resources alongside tin and copper. While developing mining projects in Europe can be challenging due to regulatory hurdles, Spain is seen as a favourable location due to its historical mining background and government support for revitalising the industry. The European Union's Critical Raw Materials Act further encourages domestic production, making it an attractive environment for mining investments. BEST MOMENTS "For me, I want to explain how I've got to where I am in my career, certainly took the generalist path, which can certainly be a frustrating path when you don't feel like maybe you're progressing as much as the specialist early in your career." "There's currently no operating tin mines within the European Union at all. There's no domestic supply." "The tin industry has been screaming out for vertical integration for a while... we're just not a company that's prepared to sit around and wait." "Spain is a bit of an outlier... the Iberian Peninsula has had a long history of mining... and the Andalusian government is putting huge investment effort into rebuilding the Spanish mining industry." 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 This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations.For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS https://www.elementos.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/elementos-limited/ https://x.com/ElementosTin ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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 advi

In this episode, we chat with Mark Sawyer and Mike Stuart of Omico Mining Corp who are a joint venture between Greenstone Resources LP, a private equity fund specialising in the mining and metals sector, and International Base Metals Limited, an Australian natural resources unlisted public company and advancing the development of the copper asset in central Namibia. Mark has a background in finance and law and Mike’s background is in geology. Today we talk about the history of the business, their recent released BFS, the project and discuss what’s happening in the market. KEY TAKEAWAYS Omico Mining Corp is a joint venture between Greenstone Resources LP and International Base Metals Limited, focusing on the development of a copper asset in Namibia. The company aims to leverage its expertise in finance, law, and geology to advance the project. The project will utilise solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX/EW) processing technology, specifically a chloride heap leach method. This approach has been optimized over four years of metallurgical testing, resulting in reduced acid consumption and shorter leach cycle times. The project is situated in a mining-friendly jurisdiction with existing infrastructure, including access to power and water. A 70-kilometre power line will be built, and a significant aquifer has been identified for water supply, which is crucial for the heap leaching process. Omico Mining Corp already holds a valid mining license until 2036. The company has completed the environmental and social impact assessments and is awaiting environmental clearance, which is expected in the first quarter of the following year. BEST MOMENTS "We see this time and time again... corners were cut. A lot of money was wasted. I think there was a missed opportunity to look at this from an entirely different perspective." "The advantage of using heap leach over the previous ideas of using flotation was that it uses about a third of the water previously." "This is a project that will get built. The challenge for us is to put the right structure in place to move the project forward." "There is exploration potential around the whole dome. We haven't focused on it in the last few years... but there is some potential." "Given the scarcity of shovel-ready copper projects out there, there's a lot of interest in it right now." 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 GUEST SOCIALS https://www.greenstoneresources.com/ https://www.omicomining.com/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Nick Bell, Global Sector Lead Mining, Minerals, and Metals at Worley, who are a global leader in engineering, project delivery, and consultancy for the energy, chemicals, and resources sector and helps customers achieve sustainable transformation, net-zero targets and innovative solutions. Nick has a background in metallurgy and engineering and has worked for some of the leading engineering consultancies during his career. We talk about some of the biggest challenges that the mining industry is facing, trust in our industry, the risks and opportunities in automation and long-term global trends that will shape the mining industry over the next decade. KEY TAKEAWAYS The mining industry faces significant challenges in meeting the growing demand for critical minerals, particularly due to a decline in major deposit discoveries and lengthy mine development timelines, which average around 16.9 years. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) requirements are becoming increasingly stringent, complicating the permitting process and increasing costs for miners. The industry must find ways to balance the need for more metals with these elevated ESG standards. Trust between mining companies, local communities, and regulators is crucial for project success. Establishing a common purpose and practicing the four legs of trust—reliability, openness, acceptance, and congruence—are essential for fostering collaboration. Automation presents significant opportunities for improving safety and productivity in mining operations. However, the industry must carefully manage the change associated with automation, as it can impact employment and community relationships. BEST MOMENTS "Projects move at the pace of trust... finding a common purpose against which everybody can align is very, very difficult." "We're simply not finding enough major deposits that... proved to be economically viable in today's environment." "If you can't find... a common purpose, it's our job as the industry to build that trust." "The elevated ESG requirements... mean that it lengthens the time and the costs of getting that metal to market." "Now is still a good time to be in mining compared to any time in my history." 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 GUEST SOCIALS https://www.worley.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/worley/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-bell-383b919/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Richard Osmond, CEO of Element 29 Resources who are an emerging junior resource company with a highly experienced management team and board focused on exploring and growing its porphyry copper-molybdenum-silver resource deposits in Perú, one of the lowest-cost, lowest-risk mining jurisdictions globally. Richard has over 25 years of experience in the mining sector across North America, Europe, and Scandinavia, working for companies like INCO, Falconbridge and Anglo American. Richard discusses the history of Element 29, the projects they are involved in, Peru as a mining jurisdiction, the challenges they have faced, and the leadership qualities needed for a junior miner. KEY TAKEAWAYS Element 29 is an emerging junior resource company focused on exploring and developing porphyry copper, molybdenum, and silver deposits in Peru. The company was spun out from Globetrotters Resource Group, which spent seven years building a copper portfolio before listing in late 2020. Peru is recognised as one of the lowest risk mining jurisdictions globally, being the second-largest copper producer. The country has a strong mining sector that contributes significantly to its economy, with a free trade agreement and bilateral investment treaties that protect foreign investments. Elida is the flagship project of Element 29, featuring a porphyry copper-molybdenum-silver deposit. The project has shown promising initial resource estimates, and the company is currently drilling to expand the resource base and improve the quality of the starter pit. Copper Market Outlook: There is an anticipated supply crunch in the copper market, driven by increasing demand for copper in renewable energy and technology sectors. The company expects copper prices to rise due to the imbalance between supply and demand, with a focus on making new discoveries to meet future needs. BEST MOMENTS "Peru is, generally speaking, it's held a position as the second largest copper producer globally... Mining makes up about 60% of Peru's exports and about 10% of the country's GDP." "We feel that, you know, we've been looking for copper for quite a long time. We've sort of known that this copper crunch was coming." "We outlined an inferred mineral resource estimate of about 321.7 million tons of 0.32 copper, 0.03 molybdenum, and 2.6 grams per ton silver." "We do a lot of work on health, safety and security, implementing best practices... We want to make sure that we do best practices from a sustainability perspective." 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 GUEST SOCIALS https://www.linkedin.com/company/element-29-resources-inc/ https://x.com/CopperE29 https://e29copper.com/ https://e29copper.com/_resources/presentations/corporate-presentation.pdf?v=112103 888-246-7881 (toll free in North America) [email protected] ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we have a returning guest who appeared back in December 2019 (Episode 55). Martin Horgan, formally the CEO of Centamin, a gold producer with an operation in Egypt who have recently been acquired by Anglo Gold Ashanti as of 22nd November. A mine engineer by background, Martin has 30 years of experience in the industry working in the field, consultancy, and on the banking side before starting his own mining company, Toro Gold before selling this to Resolute. For the last 4 years, he has been at the helm of Centamin, transforming the company and its flagship operation Sukari into what it is today. Martin takes us through his career and journey and talks about his more recent success with Centamin and what he did to change the fortunes of the business. KEY TAKEAWAYS Martin has a diverse background in mining, spanning over 30 years, including roles in operations, consultancy, and investment banking. His experience has equipped him with a broad understanding of the mining sector, which he leveraged to transform Centamin. Upon joining Centamin, Martin focused on improving geological understanding, which led to a significant increase in the underground reserve from 400,000 ounces to 1 million ounces. This foundational change allowed for better mine planning and execution, ultimately enhancing production capacity. It's vital to build strong relationships with local communities, regional authorities, and national governments. Effective stakeholder engagement is crucial for navigating the complexities of operating in riskier jurisdictions, particularly in West Africa. The launch of Centamin's decarbonisation roadmap was driven by both a moral imperative to mine responsibly and investor expectations for transparency and sustainability. Martin believes that mining must demonstrate its role in decarbonisation and societal benefit to maintain its social license to operate. BEST MOMENTS "I think the thing that sort of surprised me within the West African sphere is that it was the rate of change... it's how quickly they changed as well." "If you get the right people in place... that's what drives success to my mind, you know, ore bodies are ore bodies." "We went from zero to in excess of 50 female professional employees at Sukari in a couple of years." "If you're focused on that, if that's your primary driver, then that does a couple of things for you if you end up in a transaction phase." 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 GUEST SOCIALS https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-horgan-038b298/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Stuart McDonald, President and CEO of Vancouver headquartered Taseko Mines, a dynamic and growing mid-tier mining company, driven to unlock the true value of copper for a complex and changing world. The companies corporate strategy has been to grow the company sustainably and profitably by focusing on the continued operations of its foundational asset, the Gibraltar Mine in central British Columbia, and the advancement of North America’s next copper mine, Florence Copper in Arizona - while also advancing its pipeline of advanced-stage development projects. Stuart is a senior corporate executive with more than 30 years of experience in mining, corporate development, financial and management roles. He shares his career and journey with us, the history of Taseko Mines, updates on projects, their ESG initiatives, and the future of copper in the coming decades. KEY TAKEAWAYS Taseko Mines is a mid-tier mining company focused on copper production, with its foundational asset being the Gibraltar mine in British Columbia and the upcoming Florence Copper project in Arizona, which is currently under construction. The Florence Copper project utilises in-situ copper recovery, which is a low-impact mining method that results in lower operating costs and a significantly reduced environmental footprint compared to traditional mining methods. Taseko prioritises environmental protection and community engagement, having developed a production test facility to demonstrate the viability of its mining method and to gain regulatory approval before scaling up to commercial production. The demand for copper is expected to grow significantly due to the global shift towards electrification and renewable energy, while the supply side faces challenges, potentially leading to a shortfall in copper availability by the mid-2030s. Taseko aims to transition from a single-mine to a two-mine company with the completion of the Florence project in late 2025, while also advancing the Yellowhead copper project through feasibility studies and permitting processes. BEST MOMENTS "I think we've got a great opportunity in the coming years to grow our business." "The Florence Project is pretty unique in the copper world. It's an in-situ copper recovery project." "We'll produce refined copper cathode with a carbon footprint about 80% less than a conventional copper mine." "It's going to be a very busy time for us in the next six to 12 months." 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 GUEST SOCIALS https://www.tasekomines.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TasekoMines https://x.com/TasekoMines https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsydp9xsrB6KuZEwbFDsGHA https://www.instagram.com/tasekomines/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/taseko/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we have a returning guest who appeared back in March 2022 (episode 226). Alan Clegg whose had a long and established career in mining for over 4 decades working in various aspects of metals & minerals value chain from exploration through to mine closure, including financing of projects, projects management & projects construction & execution, he’s done it all. He also published more than 20 technical papers & presented at numerous international conferences and today talks about a variety of topics including precious metals, PGM’s, the energy transition, ESG and more. Some controversial topics with valid explanations but with truth always in Alan’s mind. KEY TAKEAWAYS Gold has historically been viewed as a store of wealth, with its price fluctuations often reflecting the depreciation of fiat currencies rather than changes in its intrinsic value. Recent trends show a significant increase in gold prices, driven by global economic uncertainties and increased central bank purchases. Silver is primarily an industrial metal, with significant demand stemming from its use in electronics and solar panels. The market is currently facing a deficit, and retail interest in silver is growing as more individuals seek affordable ways to invest in precious metals. The platinum group metals (PGMs) market has experienced volatility due to shifts in automotive technology, particularly the transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. Despite this, there is a projected market deficit for platinum, indicating potential future value. The so-called "green transition" is not a true transition but rather an addition of energy sources. The demand for critical minerals, particularly for battery production, is expected to outpace supply, raising concerns about the feasibility of fully replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. BEST MOMENTS "Gold has been seen as a store of wealth for more than 5,000 years... an ounce of gold today is still an ounce of gold, despite price fluctuations." "The current estimates suggest that China may have as much as 30,000 tons of gold... a hedge against fiat currency failure." "The silver market is facing a net deficit of around 700,000 to 800,000 ounces in 2024, which is quite large." "For every thousand deposits of metals and minerals that we discover, only one or two become tier one producing mines." 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 GUEST SOCIALS [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-m-clegg-pr-eng-00227a9/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat to Geoff Day, CEO of AMAK, a listed mining company registered and licensed by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They are one of the major mining companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, that produces copper, zinc, gold, and silver in distinct commercial quantities, Geoff is a geochemist with over 35 years of experience in the mining industry globally, in countries across Australia, PNG, Indonesia, the Americas, Africa, and Europe. His expertise encompasses all phases of mining, starting from exploration through all mining and processing operations and technical services to mine closure and rehabilitation. He also has extensive experience in mergers, acquisitions, and external affairs. Geoff gives us the history of AMAK, his journey, recent investments and developments, the company's corporate social responsibility, the outlook of the mining industry in Saudi Arabia, and the Kingdom’s Vision for 2030. KEY TAKEAWAYS The mining industry in Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformation, supported by the government's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims for economic diversification and sustainable development. The regulatory environment is described as progressive, encouraging investment and exploration. AMAK is committed to sustainability, focusing on water management through dry stack tailings and recycling efforts. The company is also working on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by connecting to the National Grid and exploring hydrogen hybrid technologies. AMAK is leveraging digital transformation and technology, such as machine learning, to enhance exploration efficiency and asset management. This approach aims to optimise resource assessment and improve operational performance. The company emphasises local community support and economic impact, aiming to provide job opportunities for Saudi nationals and develop local industries. They are also focused on environmental stewardship and resource management to align with the Kingdom's sustainable development goals. BEST MOMENTS "I think from a sustainable development perspective, outside the ESG space, one of the initiatives I want to pursue next year is how we take a group of young engineers and young Saudi professionals and actually make the mining industry exciting." "The government has a very proactive and relatively streamlined tenement auction process. So every three months, the government puts up a number of tenements for auction, and there's a very clear process that says, this is how you apply." "We're currently looking to expand the current footprint for our dry stack tailings facility such that it will cover all of the production from the known resources we currently have." "There's a very high level of respect for different people from different nationalities. I run a business with 23 different nationalities, which is a first. And they're very tolerant warm, welcoming people." 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 GUEST SOCIALS Website: https://amak.com.sa/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amak-mining-company/ [email protected] (investor relation email) [email protected] (general email) ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat to Janet Meiklejohn & Rebecca Hunter of Forum Energy Metals, a TSX listed junior miner exploring for Uranium and Energy Metals to support a low carbon economy in and around Saskatchewan’s Athabasca Basin. Janet who is a NED and Rebecca who is the VP of exploration, and they discuss the history of the company, the projects they are involved in, the Thelon district, an overview of the uranium market, and the outlook of the company. Janet is also attending the upcoming Resourcing Tomorrow (3-5 December, London) is Europe's largest mining event, designed to foster innovation, drive collaboration, and accelerate growth in the mining industry. Use code DIGDEEP 10 for a 10% discount on Delegate Passes when you register here: https://hubs.ly/Q02WXjzd0 So grab your tickets now and hopefully me and Janet will see you there KEY TAKEAWAYS Forum Energy Metals primarily focuses on uranium exploration, particularly in the Thelon Basin, which is considered under-explored and has the potential to become a tier one uranium district. The company has a strategic financial partner that owns 9.9% of Forum, providing essential support for exploration activities. Additionally, operational support from Orano, a neighbouring company with significant uranium resources, enhances Forum's potential for future collaboration. In 2023, Forum conducted a drilling program of nearly 7,000 meters, building a camp to facilitate operations. The results from this program are anticipated to inform future drilling strategies and exploration efforts. The uranium market is showing signs of recovery, driven by global decarbonisation efforts and increasing demand for nuclear power. This trend is expected to continue as more countries commit to expanding their nuclear energy capabilities. The management team at Forum Energy Metals includes experienced professionals with backgrounds in geology and capital markets. Their combined expertise is crucial for navigating the challenges of uranium exploration and capitalising on the opportunities in the market. BEST MOMENTS "We like to be focused. So we're focused on exploration. So 90% of the money that we raise goes straight into the ground, and that's what we'd like to continue doing going forward." "The Thelon Basin is under-explored, and it has that potential to have the really big deposits, the really big sizes and grades, and it just hasn't been explored." "There's a real focus on trying to find more uranium deposits in the West where we can actually secure our source of supply to support those power needs." "One of the strengths that Forum has is that we have all this potential to find these kind of unconformity contact blue sky targets." We have a strategic financial partner who owns 9.9% of us, and hopefully will continue to support us as we move forward." 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 ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Jorge Ganoza, CEO of Fortuna Mining, who are multi-listed Canadian-based precious metals mining company established in 2004, with five operating mines and an advanced exploration project located in Argentina, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mexico, Peru, and Senegal. Jorge is an experienced geological engineer who has worked on many mineral exploration, mining, and business development projects throughout Latin America and has worked in senior levels for several private and public Canadian junior mining companies during his career. He co-founded Fortuna Mining back in 2004 and shares his and the company’s journey since then, an update on all the projects, how they contribute to their local communities, their social and economic development of local communities and what is the future strategic direction of the company. KEY TAKEAWAYS Since its inception in 2004, Fortuna Mining has grown from a small startup with limited resources to a significant player in the mining industry, generating nearly $1 billion in sales and employing over 5,000 people across multiple countries. The company strategically expanded into West Africa in 2021, acquiring Roxgold and establishing the Séguéla mine in Côte d'Ivoire as its flagship asset. This move was driven by the region's promising mineral endowment and growth potential. Fortuna Mining actively invests in local communities, contributing approximately $8 million annually to initiatives focused on infrastructure, education, health, and sustainable economic development. The company emphasises training local workers to develop skills that can be utilised beyond the mining sector. The rise of resource nationalism in West Africa has led to discussions about adjusting tax breaks and local content requirements. Fortuna Mining views these discussions as a natural evolution of the industry and is committed to engaging in constructive dialogue with governments. The mining industry is increasingly held to higher standards of environmental and social governance (ESG). Fortuna Mining prioritises transparency and responsible practices, including adopting global standards for tailings management and conducting materiality assessments to focus on impactful sustainability efforts. BEST MOMENTS "We set out early on with big aspirations... always trying to balance that long-term vision with the short-term challenges that we face here in the industry." "The mineral endowment, the capital efficiency to build mines, the growth that the region has exhibited is no secret... the amount of opportunity that we see emerge is second to none." "Mining has always been a frontier business. So you must be willing to play in the frontier if you want to be in the mining business." "We recognise that what we have is a concession, but it is their asset... it gives you a whole different sense of responsibility in how you engage with the nation." 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 GUEST SOCIALS Email: [email protected] Website: fortunamining.com X: https://x.com/fortunamining LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortunamining/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fortunamining ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat to John Welborn, Executive Chairman of Fenix Resources, is a highly profitable, fully integrated mining, logistics and port services business with assets in the Mid-West region of Western Australia. The Companies flagship operations is their Iron Ridge Iron Ore Mine which is a premium high grade, high margin, direct shipping iron ore operation located approximately 360km northeast of Geraldton that hosts some of the highest-grade iron ore in Western Australia. John is a Chartered Accountant and a former professional rugby player and Wallaby, developing his career in the mining industry over the last decade in executive management and board positions with a handful of companies. As the executive chairman of Fenix Resources, he’s going to share his journey from playing professional rugby moving into the resources sector, the history of Fenix Resources, their relationships with indigenous community, overview of the iron ore industry and much more. John will be attending the Resourcing Tomorrow Event (3-5 December, London) which is Europe's largest mining event, designed to foster innovation, drive collaboration, and accelerate growth in the mining industry. Use code DIGDEEP10 for a 10% discount on Delegate Passes when you register here: https://hubs.ly/Q02WXjzd So grab your tickets now and hopefully we will see you there KEY TAKEAWAYS Fenix Resources is a rapidly expanding iron ore producer in Western Australia, known for its unique approach to logistics and operations, including the use of road transport instead of traditional rail systems. The company places a strong emphasis on building relationships with local communities and indigenous groups, ensuring that their operations benefit the local population and respect cultural heritage. Technological Integration: Fenix Resources leverages advanced technologies, including AI for fleet management and driver training, to enhance operational efficiency and safety, particularly in their haulage operations. Fenix Resources aims to triple its production from 1.3 million tonnes to 4 million tonnes per annum by early 2025, with a focus on sustainable growth and profitability in a volatile iron ore market. BEST MOMENTS "I think the connection between running mining companies and being a part of a rugby team is really obvious... It's about building teams to be successful." "We believe... that we can make smaller capital investments with quicker capital returns based on known margins." "We don't believe that we need a railway to deliver low cost, high quality, efficient bulk commodity transport." "Our opportunity is to revalue that investment and monetise it... providing value across the value stream to the Wiradjuri American people, to the state government, and certainly to the Midwest." 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 GUEST SOCIALS Website: https://fenix.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fenix-resources/ X: https://x.com/Fenix_Resources YouTube: www.youtube.com/@fenixresourcesltd452 Email: [email protected] ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Edward Gosselin, CEO of Kobo Resources, a Canadian listed growth-focused gold exploration company with a compelling new gold discovery in Cote d’Ivoire, one of West Africa’s most prolific and developing gold districts, hosting several multi-million-ounce gold mines. Edward has a background in Law and became the CEO of Kobo Resources over a decade ago so in this episode he shares his and the companies journey, the partnerships they have developed, updates on their project, their strategic relationship with Mota-Engil and Côte d'Ivoire as a mining jurisdiction. Edward will be attending the Resourcing Tomorrow Event (3-5 December, London) which is Europe's largest mining event, designed to foster innovation, drive collaboration, and accelerate growth in the mining industry. Use code DIGDEEP 10 for a 10% discount on Delegate Passes when you register here: https://hubs.ly/Q02WXjzd0 So grab your tickets now and hopefully we will see you there KEY TAKEAWAYS The partnership with Mota, a leading EPCM company, enhances Kobo's capabilities by providing engineering expertise and resources, allowing for more efficient project development and potential cost savings. The Kossou gold project is strategically located near key infrastructure, including proximity to a power dam and existing roads, which reduces operational costs and enhances exploration efficiency. Kobo Resources emphasises a careful approach to capital allocation, focusing on cost-effective exploration methods to maximise the impact of their funding and maintain investor confidence. The company is committed to supporting local communities through initiatives like the Kobo Soccer Cup and plans to drill water wells, demonstrating a focus on social responsibility as they advance their projects. BEST MOMENTS "Cote d'Ivoire was a great opportunity for exploration because there was a disconnect... 35% of the Birimian formation of West Africa is within the boundaries of Cote d'Ivoire." "Having them on board with us is like having a partner that has all this engineering capability... It gives us a lot of flexibility." "We took it step by step... But when we were ready to put the drill in, we knew that we should be getting good results down the road." "Cote d'Ivoire has become a sought-after destination for mining investment amid regional geopolitical uncertainties." 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 GUEST SOCIALS Website: https://www.koboresources.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kobo-resources-inc/ X: https://x.com/koboresources ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Paul Ferneyhough, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Eldorado Gold Corporation, a listed gold and base metals producer with mining, development and exploration operations in Türkiye, Canada and Greece. As a qualified chartered accountant with a degree in Physics, Paul has over 20 years in the resources sector specialising in finance, investor relations, strategy, commercial, planning, and business performance management. He gives us an overview of Eldorado Gold, an update on their projects, how they work with Indigenous communities, how they prioritise sustainability and responsible mining, financial strategy, and what we can learn from the oil & gas industry. Paul will be attending the Resourcing Tomorrow Event (3-5 December, London) which is Europe's largest mining event, designed to foster innovation, drive collaboration, and accelerate growth in the mining industry. Use code DIGDEEP10 for a 10% discount on Delegate Passes when you register here: https://hubs.ly/Q02WXjzd0 KEY TAKEAWAYS Eldorado Gold is a growing precious metals miner with operations in Canada, Turkey, and Greece. The company is focused on increasing production, with significant projects like the Skouries mine expected to boost production by 40% over the next two years. Eldorado Gold prioritises sustainability through its Sustainability Integrated Management System (SIMS), ensuring compliance with environmental and social obligations. The company is committed to using advanced practices, such as dry stack tailings, to minimise environmental impact. The company emphasises building strong relationships with local communities in its operating regions. This includes investing in education, healthcare, and local employment, as well as addressing community concerns about environmental impacts. Eldorado successfully secured financing for the Skouries project through partnerships with Greek banks and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. This collaboration highlights the importance of aligning financial strategies with local and regional development goals. BEST MOMENTS "I think it really was a very important part of the experience and the leadership that I now bring into the mining sector." "We want to be operating in places where people want us." "Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do." "We prefer to employ local people as much as we can, especially in our operating assets." "If an opportunity comes up, grab it with both hands, see what happens, take a chance because it can completely change your life." 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 Website: https://www.eldoradogold.com/ Eldorado Gold on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eldorado-gold-corporationEldorado Gold on X: https://www.twitter.com/Eldorado_Gold Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ferneyhough/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Mark Travers, CEO of Brazilian Nickel, a junior mining company who are planning to start nickel production in the future from the world’s first stand-alone nickel laterite heap leaching operation at its Piauí Nickel Project in Brazil. Mark has over 20 years in the mining industry with Inco Limited and Vale and held progressively senior roles in legal, institutional relations, communications and sustainability. Taking the helm at Brazilian Nickel 18 month ago, Mark takes us through his journey, how Brazil is developing as a mining jurisdiction, and how Brazilian Nickel are navigating the regulatory landscape in Brazil, plus an overview of the Nickel market globally. KEY TAKEAWAYS Brazilian Nickel is pioneering the use of heap leaching technology for nickel laterites, aiming to establish a more economical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional high-pressure acid leaching methods. The flagship Piauí Nickel Project in Brazil is expected to produce approximately 26,000 to 27,000 tons of nickel per year with a mine life exceeding 30 years. The project is nearing construction readiness, with a completed feasibility study and necessary permits in place. Nickel prioritises sustainability, boasting low carbon intensity and no tailings facilities. The company has received Nickelmark accreditation for responsible production, emphasizing its commitment to environmental and social responsibility. The nickel market faces challenges due to current economic conditions, particularly in China and Indonesia. However, there is a growing need for diversified supply chains and low-carbon nickel, positioning Brazilian Nickel to capitalise on future demand as the electric vehicle market expands. BEST MOMENTS "We want to be part of that building out and diversification of the supply chain for electric vehicle batteries being built outside of China." "The Piauí Nickel Project is based in Piauí State in the northeast of Brazil... it will produce on average about 26,000 to 27,000 tons of nickel per annum." "Sustainability is at our core... If we're going to say that this is the product to build a supply chain for electric vehicle batteries, then you need to have those credentials." "We need to diversify supply chains to build upon the Indonesian supply... and you're going to need good nickel with strong ESG credentials, low carbon nickel." 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 Website - https://www.braziliannickel.com/ X - @BrazilianNickel (https://x.com/BrazilianNickel) LinkedIn – Brazilian Nickel (https://www.linkedin.com/company/brazilian-nickel-ltd/) ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Scott Winter, MD of the Critical Minerals Group, who are focused on the critical minerals required for energy storage and renewable energy. Their strategy involves acquiring, developing and producing critical mineral deposits essential for a sustainable future. Their aim is to reduce dilution and drive early-stage revenues through strategic partnerships and corporate transactions to add value to shareholders while operating to the highest ESG standards. Scott is an experienced mining engineer with almost 30 years working across all aspects of mining exploration, development, engineering, financing and operations working for the likes of BHP, Thiess and Perenti Group. He gives us an overview of Critical Minerals Group and their strategy moving forward, a project update, an update on the vanadium and electrolyte market and how the government is supporting their initiative. KEY TAKEAWAYS Critical Minerals Group is concentrating on vanadium, particularly its use in energy storage and renewable energy applications. The company aims to produce vanadium pentoxide and further downstream to create vanadium electrolyte for batteries, tapping into the growing demand for renewable energy solutions. The company has established strategic partnerships, including a significant shareholding from Idemitsu, and is receiving support from the Queensland government, which includes grants and infrastructure development to facilitate the growth of the vanadium industry. Critical Minerals Group has outlined a clear development timeline, with a pre-feasibility study expected by the end of the year and plans for a final investment decision (FID) by mid-2026. The company is also building a demonstration facility for electrolyte production, aiming to produce its first litre by the end of next year. The vanadium market is projected to grow significantly, with increasing demand for vanadium batteries in renewable energy applications. Australia is positioned to become a key player in this market, with several companies looking to develop vanadium mines and electrolyte production facilities to support the energy transition. BEST MOMENTS "The majority of the manufacture of vanadium electrolyte occurs in China. There are some massive batteries that are under construction or have been constructed in China." "Our primary focus is vanadium for the battery market, and we'll take some value out of high-purity alumina and molybdenum as we go through." "It's about looking at the way we can extract those and create value out of them with very little additional capital, if any at all." "The next 12 months is very clearly mapped out and is a big step ahead of us. We'll be looking for partners to assist with the development of the facility." 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 Website: criticalmineralsgroup.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/critical-minerals-group/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Robert Eckford, CEO of Rua Gold who are a junior mining company that specialises in gold exploration and discovery and have two highly prospective land packages in New Zealand. With a Chartered Accountant designation and a Master of Science in Mineral Economics, Robert began his career as a mining industry auditor and consultant at EY, before moving on and becoming a founding member of two successful mining ventures, before talking the helm as CEO of Rua Gold. We talk about Rua Gold, New Zealand as a mining jurisdiction and the new permitting laws that have been introduced to fast-track permitting, the junior market space, and much more so don’t miss it. KEY TAKEAWAYS The journey into the mining industry can be diverse, with backgrounds in finance, geology, or engineering all leading to successful careers. Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial, as demonstrated by the transition from auditing to hands-on mining operations. Recent political changes in New Zealand have led to a more favourable environment for mining, including the introduction of a fast track approval bill that significantly reduces permitting times from years to months, encouraging investment in the sector. The emphasis on high-grade gold projects is critical for success in the current market. High-grade assets are more economically viable, especially in inflationary environments where low-grade projects may struggle to maintain profitability. The junior mining sector faces funding challenges, with many companies struggling to deliver on their promises. Successful fundraising often hinges on a company's reputation and the ability to demonstrate tangible results from investments. BEST MOMENTS "The CEO role is all-encompassing... you never have the same day twice. You're always dealing with different issues in the business, different challenges to overcome." "New Zealand is open for business and we want mining in New Zealand... the fast track approval bill aims to take permitting down to six months." "The worst thing to have in a high inflationary environment is a low grade asset... you want to be moving as little as possible." "If you want to be a smart mining investor... look at the margins, look at the grades, and grade is always king." 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 https://ruagold.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/rua-gold/about/ Subscribe to their newsletter: https://ruagold.com/contact/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Joanna Ponicka and Erlend Rongen for Equivest Metals, a company that uses AI-driven mineral systems models to pinpoint critical processes needed to form large mineral deposits, aiming to significantly increase exploration success. We discuss how Equivest was formed, the exploration space and the lack of funding, what it was like being part of BHP’s Xplor programme and how this has helped them as a business. KEY TAKEAWAYS Mineral exploration is inherently difficult due to the limited number of attempts geologists can make, unlike other fields where practice can lead to improvement. This makes it essential to adopt innovative approaches to enhance success rates. Despite the significant capital available in the mining sector, early-stage exploration is often underfunded. A shift in investment focus is needed to support the areas that yield the most discoveries. Equivest Metals is leveraging AI and machine learning to improve exploration success rates by analysing large datasets and identifying critical geological processes. This technology allows for faster and more accurate assessments compared to traditional methods. Participation in the BHP Xplor programme helped Equivest refine its strategy, focusing on improving mineral exploration success rates. The program provided valuable mentorship and resources, enabling the company to test and scale its methodologies. BEST MOMENTS "Exploration is actually really difficult... we don't get 10,000 tries. This is what makes mineral exploration such a difficult learning environment." "What we're trying to do in Equivest is that we're trying to use mineral systems to ask the right questions and answer those questions using AI and data." "There's more capital going towards brownfield exploration, which is considered safer. But as we see at results of exploration, this is what causing quite low success rates." "The ability of large language models to search for the right type of meaning within a large body of documents is incredibly powerful." 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 https://www.equivestmetals.com/ [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/company/equivest-metals/ https://x.com/equivest_explor ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat to Chris Gibbs, CEO & Executive Director of American Rare Earths, an Australian company that owns and explores rare earths projects in Wyoming and Arizona, USA, and is essential for clean energy technologies. With a degree in business studies, Chris has over 28 years of experience in the resource sector across the globe and is an innovative leader with a proven track record for implementing organisational change and delivering business results. He gives us an overview of American Rare Earths, updates on the projects, their relationship with the Critical Materials Institute, leadership, and culture within organisations, and health and wellbeing so a lot of content to unpack. KEY TAKEAWAYS The company is focused on rare earths and is exploring significant projects in Wyoming and Arizona. It aims to become a major producer of neodymium and praseodymium, which are essential for clean energy technologies. American Rare Earths recently received a $456 million letter of interest from the Ex-Im Bank, which will help finance the construction of their processing and refinery facility. Additionally, they have secured state funding from Wyoming to support their Cowboy State Mine project. The company is committed to advancing sustainable technologies in rare earth processing. They are collaborating with research organisations to explore cleaner methods, including the use of bacteria for separating rare earths, which could reduce chemical usage and environmental impact. Chris emphasises the importance of a strong organisational culture, likening it to a successful sports team. He believes that treating people well, fostering open communication, and creating an environment of trust are crucial for building a motivated and effective workforce. BEST MOMENTS "Our vision here is to create the next major rare earth company in this space. We've got a significant project in the United States, potentially the largest rare earth resource in the heart of the US." "The irony of this is the company is called American Rare Earths and here you are, you're talking to an Australian who's got a lot of experience in North America." "We're the only mining company, aside from ourselves, in Rio Tinto, who are actually partnering or a member of the Critical Materials Institute." "It's not just about physical wellbeing, it's about mental wellbeing. It's about just, quite honestly, about just trying to be better people helping each other." "Every incident and accident is preventable. Health and safety is key, but I always go a little bit further than just the health and safety." 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 https://americanrareearths.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-rare-earths/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfTk3D2fQZ5DSTMKbR1jMVw https://x.com/ARRLimited ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we have a returning guest who appeared back in July 2023 (Episode 353). Ignacio Salazar, CEO of Highfield Resources, who are an ASX listed potash company which focuses on the construction of its flagship low cost, low capex Muga Project in Spain and is forecasted to be one of the highest margin potash mines globally. Ignacio has a background in economics and law and has worked in the O&G industry with Shell before moving over to the mining industry back in 2009. As the CEO of Highfield Resources since 2020, Ignacio tells us more about the company and the journey he has been through, a current update on the project and the potash industry and what the vision is for the company. EMR Capital (has a stake in Highfield Resources) is going to be attending the upcoming IMARC Conference in Sydney on the 29-31st October at the Sydney Convention Centre so there’s a link below to purchase discounted tickets so you can meet like minded mining professionals at the event so be sure to get your ticket soon. KEY TAKEAWAYS Highfield Resources is nearing the construction phase of its flagship Muga potash project in Spain, having successfully navigated the permitting and financing stages over the past four years. The company secured a binding deal worth €220 million (approximately $240 million) in equity financing, which, combined with previous funding, brings the total to €550 million, sufficient to cover the project's capital expenditure and contingencies. Highfield has formed strategic partnerships with investors, including a significant group from Asia, which not only provides capital but also enhances access to markets, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The potash market is expected to remain strong in the long term due to increasing global food demand and declining arable land. However, short-term challenges include fluctuating prices influenced by geopolitical factors, particularly the roles of Russia and Belarus in the market. BEST MOMENTS "We are now practically ready, shower ready, as we like to say, for construction... huge, huge, big ticks on the boxes for permitting and financing." "This deal is about the 200 million euros from a group of investors plus there is an M&A transaction... done at a premium to our share price." "The only way you can be more productive with less land to feed more people is through fertilisers, not like potash, nitrogen, phosphates." "We will be sixth, seventh global player globally in ranking... very confident that we really have the ingredients to make it successful." 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 IMARC: Register: https://hubs.ly/Q02M_gGS0 10% discount on Delegate Passes – DigDeep10 Free expo pass code - HJ5EG6 ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat to Mark Bennett, Executive Chairman at S2 Resources, an Australian company that aims to discover and develop high-value mineral resources, mainly gold and base metals in politically stable jurisdictions such as Australia and Europe. Mark is a geologist with over 30 years of experience in gold, nickel, and base metal exploration and mining predominately in Australia, West Africa, Canada,and Europe, and worked his way into executive positions over the last 15 years. Mark is also two times winner of the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies "Prospector Award" for his discoveries which include the Thunderbox Gold Mine, the Waterloo nickel mine, and most recently the world class Nova-Bollinger nickel-copper mine. Mark gives us an overview of S2 Resources, the projects they are working on, and speaks about cultural and strategy within small and large companies which is a strong passion of his. He’s also going to be attending the upcoming IMARC Conference in Sydney on the 29-31st October at the Sydney Convention Centre so there’s a link below to purchase discounted tickets so you can meet Mark and other like-minded mining professionals at the event so be sure to get your ticket soon. KEY TAKEAWAYS The journey into the mining industry can be unpredictable, with opportunities often arising from taking risks and being proactive. Networking and applying for jobs, even in challenging times, can increase the likelihood of success. A strong organisational culture is crucial, especially in exploration where failure rates are high. A positive culture fosters resilience, innovation, and open communication, which are essential for navigating the ups and downs of the industry. S2 Resources focuses on exploring in stable jurisdictions and prioritises projects with the potential for significant discoveries. The company emphasises a strategic approach to exploration, balancing patience with the need to adapt and seize opportunities. Engagement with Traditional Owners: Building trust and respect with local communities, particularly Indigenous groups, is vital for successful mining operations. Effective engagement can lead to mutually beneficial agreements and a more sustainable approach to resource development. BEST MOMENTS "If you don't have a good culture, you just go crazy doing that. You've got to believe in what you're doing and you have to be adaptive as well." "The irony will be, I think, that in 10 or 15 years' time, the people who most want a lower carbon emission future are going to find that the prices of commodities to create that are just astronomical." "It's about quality, not quantity. People would come in in shorts and t-shirts." "There's no certainty but you've just got to put it out there and by taking that risk... will put you in good stead in the front of the queue." 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 Social media: https://www.s2resources.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/s2-resources-ltd/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-bennett-06820541/ IMARC: https://imarcglobal.com/register 10% discount on Delegate Passes – DigDeep10 Free expo pass code - HJ5EG6 ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Travis Schwertfeger, Executive Chairman of Many Peaks, a junior miner focusing on adding value through cost- effective minerals exploration and discovery and who are advancing gold and copper projects in West Africa. Travis is a geologist with over 20 years of global industry experience primarily in gold and copper projects working across Australia, Africa, and South and North America. He discusses how Many Peaks formed, what they are looking to achieve in West Africa, and discusses the geology across West Africa and why it's unique about the region. KEY TAKEAWAYS Many Peaks is concentrating its efforts on mineral exploration in West Africa, particularly in Côte d'Ivoire, which is seen as a promising region for gold and copper discoveries due to its geological similarities to other prolific mining areas. The company is employing innovative exploration methods, such as auger drilling and hyperspectral imagery, to navigate the unique geological challenges of West Africa, including the presence of iron-rich layers that complicate traditional geochemical techniques. Many Peaks has three key projects in Côte d'Ivoire, with the Ferke project being the flagship. The company is building on previous exploration successes and aims to expand the known mineralization through systematic drilling. With a tight corporate structure and a current enterprise value significantly lower than comparable companies, Many Peaks presents an attractive opportunity for investors, especially with the potential for substantial re-rates following successful drill results. BEST MOMENTS "Côte d'Ivoire hosts the largest proportion of this greenstone belt. Over 30% of the Proterozoic terrain hosting gold is there, but proportionally it's seen the least amount of exploration versus those neighbouring countries." "We believe Côte d'Ivoire is quite ripe for a generation of discoveries over this coming decade." "We’re implementing a lot of auger drilling just to be able to drill through that cuirass... to get into the clay saprolite where you’ll see the true endowment of gold in the rock." "We have a very tight corporate structure... with a few successful drill holes, we would quite quickly see a substantial re-rate in terms of company valuation." 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 https://manypeaks.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/many-peaks-gold/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-schwertfeger-09745927/ https://x.com/ManyPeaksASX ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Gord Neal the CEO of World Copper, a listed junior miner who are an oxide copper-focused exploration, development, and production company with two proven resources, one in Arizona and the other in Chile. Gord has extensive experience in the metals and mining sector, as well as in the capital market, corporate governance, corporate finance, and investor relations, and has raised in excess of U$500M for various resources companies. Today, he discusses the journey of World Copper, the current state of the copper market, valuations in the junior space plus how the US elections could affect the mining industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS World Copper has two main assets: the Zonia Copper Oxide Project in Arizona and the Escalones Oxide Project in Chile. Zonia is positioned for quicker production due to its pre-stripped nature and existing infrastructure, while Escalones has a larger resource but faces permitting challenges due to recent government restrictions. The copper market is currently experiencing a significant deficit, driven by the increasing demand for copper in electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and infrastructure development. This demand is expected to rise as the world moves towards decarbonisation. Many junior mining companies, including World Copper, are facing valuation challenges, particularly those with market caps below $50 million. The current market conditions make it difficult for these companies to attract investment and gain attention. World Copper plans to conduct a verification drill program to confirm the presence of copper on leach pads at the Zonia project. Successful verification could significantly enhance the company's market valuation and support its move towards a bankable feasibility study. BEST MOMENTS "The biggest issue is we just don't have enough copper." "If I can verify that there's $120 million worth of copper that's ready to be processed, any bank in the world is going to give you money." "It's tough for the juniors... it's hard to get attention, it's hard to get capital." "The market is a herd mentality... once that happens, everybody jumps in." 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 Website: worldcopperltd.com Email: [email protected] Phone: (604) 638-3287​ All Socials (Facebook, X, LinkedIn): @WorldCopperLtd ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Gavin Ferrar, who is now the new CEO of Central Asia Metals, a base metals producer on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange and has a copper operation in Kazakhstan, and a zinc and lead mine in North Macedonia. With a geology and finance background, Gavin has over 25 years of experience mainly working in the London investment banking sector focusing on debt and derivative financing for mining clients of Barclays Capital and equity and debt investments for Investec. He became the CFO of Central Asia Metals back in 2018 before stepping into the CEO’s shoes just recently. Gavin talks to us about his new role, how the company has progressed during his tenure, their ESG initiatives, and their business development activities especially with their recent investment into Aberdeen Minerals. KEY TAKEAWAYS Central Asia Metals operates two key assets: the Kounrad copper processing facility in Kazakhstan and the Sasa lead-zinc mine in North Macedonia. Both operations have shown strong profitability, with Kounrad achieving a 72% margin and projected copper production of 13,000 to 14,000 tons for the year. The company is transitioning to more efficient mining methods at Sasa, including paste fill and dry stack tailings, which enhance resource extraction, improve safety, and extend the mine's life to 2039. Central Asia Metals is committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, including a solar power project in Kazakhstan aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and compliance with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM). The company is actively seeking to expand its portfolio by acquiring additional cash-flowing assets and has invested in ventures like Camel X for greenfields exploration in Kazakhstan and Aberdeen Minerals, which shows promising geological potential. BEST MOMENTS "I think my elevation to the CEO is part of that continuity... two people who understand the business intimately, but are also very keen to drive Central Asia Metals into its next phase of growth." "We've achieved exceptionally high margins, and the recent results that we put out in September, the margins that we're achieving are around 72%, which is fantastic." "The benefits now is that we've got much more efficient extraction of that resource using much more selective mining techniques." "Our goal is to achieve a 50% reduction in our greenhouse gas emissions by 2030... this was part of that program in terms of getting there." 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 Website: https://www.centralasiametals.com/ Investor Relations Manager Richard Morgan 36 Carnaby Street London W1F 7DR +44 (0) 20 7898 9001 [email protected] ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat to John Lee, CEO and Executive Chairman of Silver Elephant, a TSX & OTC listed mining company with growing silver production from its 100% owned Pulacayo Paca mining project in Bolivia. John has an Economics and Engineering degree, is a CFA charter holder and accredited investor who specialises in mining M&A, raising over $150 million through the TSX and TSX Venture Exchange for junior companies since 2009. Today, he’s going to talk through Silver Elephant, the political and economic risks operating in Bolivia, gives us more of an insight into the silver market, and discuss what the future holds for humanity and why it's important to hold physical gold and silver. KEY TAKEAWAYS John has over 25 years of experience in the mining industry, transitioning from investing in mining stocks to running mining companies. He has raised over $150 million for junior mining companies and has a specialisation in silver. Silver Elephant, formerly known as Prophecy, has been focused on silver since 2016. The Pulacayo project in Bolivia is one of the largest underground silver mines in the world, with over 107 million ounces of indicated silver and a production rate of close to 100 tons per day. Bolivia has experienced fluctuations in foreign investment, particularly under different political regimes. Despite challenges, the country has a strong mining tradition and is considered economically stable, with a growing infrastructure and community relations that are crucial for mining operations. Silver Elephant prioritises sustainability by ensuring environmental protection, local employment, and community training programs. The company aims to leave the project in better condition than it was found, focusing on safety and economic benefits for the local community. BEST MOMENTS "Bolivia is actually the sixth largest silver producer, despite all the lack of foreign investments. It actually produces more silver per year than Argentina." "My definition of ESG is to make sure that we provide economic benefits and skill training. We ensure that the safety and environmental protocols adhere to the absolute highest standards." "The resources are massive, so we don't rely on additional discoveries in order to expand our operations." "I think the reason for that is the metals haven't really caught up to inflation. So the mining companies really haven't delivered cash flow and dividend to shareholders." 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 John Lee Email: [email protected] John Lee Twitter: https://x.com/johnlee25893955Silver Elephant Twitter: https://x.com/SilverElMiningSilver Elephant Website: https://silverelef.com Silver Elephant Tickers: TSX: ELEF; OTCQB: SILEF ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Roshan Pujari, Founder and Executive Chairman of Stardust Power, who are a company that develops and operates lithium projects in the US to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles and energy storage. They are developing a strategically located lithium refinery in Oklahoma, capable of producing up to 50K tonnes annually of battery-grade lithium. Roshan has over 20 years of analysis and deal-making experience as the Founder and CEO of VIKASA Capital, where he oversaw the firm’s energy transition business. Roshan explains the strategic outlook for Stardust Power with the lithium refinery, the US energy transition, and why they are focusing their activities in Oklahoma. KEY TAKEAWAYS Stardust Power aims to develop North America's largest lithium refinery in Muskogee, Oklahoma, with a production capacity of 50,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium annually to support the growing demand for electric vehicles and energy storage. The refinery's location in Oklahoma provides strategic advantages, including proximity to multiple sources of lithium brine and established transportation infrastructure, which helps mitigate risks associated with relying on single assets. Sustainability is a core value for Stardust Power, with plans to utilise electric production lines, zero liquid discharge technology, and sourcing power from renewable energy sources like wind and solar to minimise environmental impact. The company is committed to engaging with the local community in Muskogee, focusing on workforce training and education to prepare for the new green jobs created by the energy transition, leveraging the existing skilled workforce in the region. BEST MOMENTS "We saw a lot of investment going upstream into raw material production... but the critical gap in the supply chain was really refining capacity." "Sustainability is built into each step of our process... we're designing all of our trains as electric, so the production lines do not produce air emissions." "Oklahoma has always been at the crossroads of U.S. American leadership in the energy sector... it's a great place to start a new business." "We want to move appropriately, but we really want to move fast... we believe we're very close to that process from definitive supply upstream." 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 https://stardust-power.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/stardust-power/ https://x.com/SDST_Power www.youtube.com/@Stardust-Power https://www.instagram.com/sdst_power/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat to Mike Ralston, CEO of Blencowe Resources, who owns 100% of the Orom-Cross graphite project in Uganda. This is a huge deposit (estimated 2-3 billion tonnes) with proven high-grade end products (via substantial met test work, including the recently completed 600t bulk sample testing in China) and a 21-year mining license. This project is now at Definitive Feasibility Study stage with first production in 2025. Mike is a chartered accountant with 25 years of experience successfully developing businesses worldwide, including several in Africa where he has considerable expertise. He has been a senior executive and board member for several junior listed resource companies over the past 17 years and has raised over A$300m in debt and equity over that period. He discusses the history of Blencowe, educates us on the graphite market, how the Orom-Cross will move into production in the near term, and explains Uganda as a mining jurisdiction KEY TAKEAWAYS Blencowe Resources, established in 2019, owns the Orom-Cross Graphite Project in Uganda, which is estimated to contain 2-3 billion tons of high-grade graphite. The project is currently in the definitive feasibility study stage, with first production expected in 2025. The demand for graphite, particularly small flake graphite used in lithium-ion batteries, is anticipated to grow significantly, potentially reaching 3-4 million tons per annum by 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing production of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions. Many graphite projects struggle to move from the definitive feasibility stage to production due to high operating costs, capital requirements, and the need for high-purity end products. The lack of new graphite mines entering production exacerbates supply constraints in the market. Uganda is recognised for its mineral wealth, including graphite, and the government is actively working to develop the mining sector. The stability of the government and recent changes in mining laws have created a more favourable environment for investment in mining projects. BEST MOMENTS "You need three things to make a project work: low cost to operate, low capital cost to build it, and high purity of end product." "The anticipated growth in the market is around the small flake product because that's what gets further purified and ultimately put into lithium-ion batteries." "There's not many, if any, graphite new graphite companies, mines going into production. While we're seeing this demand growth, we're not seeing a corresponding growth in supply." "Uganda is a great jurisdiction. It's stable, and the government's been running under the same government since 1986, so it's definitely got the stability factor." 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 https://blencoweresourcesplc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/blencowe-resources/ https://x.com/BlencoweRes ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Hayden Locke, CEO of Marimaca Copper who are a TSX-listed copper miner that have a flagship asset which is their Mari-maca Copper Project in Chile’s Antofagasta region which has the promise to become one of the most significant copper‐oxide discoveries in recent years. An engineer by background, Hayden is an experienced mining executive with a demonstrated track record in mining & metals, investment banking, private equity and technology having spent the latter part of his career developing and leading successful LSE and ASX-listed mining companies. Today he discusses the background of Marimaca Copper, their flagship project, what Copper holds in store for us and much more. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Marimaca Copper Project in Chile is one of only a few new copper oxide discoveries made globally in the last decade, highlighting its potential importance in addressing the growing demand for copper. The project is characterised by its all-oxide resource, which allows for a lower capital intensity compared to traditional copper concentrate projects. This includes the absence of tailings storage and a simpler processing method using heap leaching. Securing environmental permits is identified as the biggest risk facing the project. The company is focused on thorough preparation to ensure compliance and mitigate risks associated with environmental approvals. There is a consensus that underinvestment in copper exploration and production, combined with increasing demand driven by the energy transition, could lead to a significant rise in copper prices in the coming years. BEST MOMENTS "Marimaca is one of only 3 or 4 new copper discoveries that have been made globally in the last 10 years. That is a really remarkable and quite frightening statistic for such a fundamental commodity." "We think we'll have some of the best return on investor capital metrics in the market. The biggest challenges always with every mining project is environmental permitting." "There has not been enough money spent, particularly in exploration, to find new copper projects. What that means is, as demand increases, you need to be finding and bringing on new production." "We are very focused on becoming a copper producer and moving as quickly as we can to do that." 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 https://marimaca.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/marimaca-copper-corp/ https://marimaca.com/presentations/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayden-locke-171aa220/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Mark Learmonth, CEO of Caledonia Mining, who are a gold producer with a 64% stake in Blanket Mine and other assets in Zimbabwe. Mark has over 25 years experience in corporate finance and investment banking, predominantly in the resources sector in Africa and has been with Caledonia Mining for over 15 years and tells us about the history of the company, their project and how Zimbabwe is as a mining jurisdiction. KEY TAKEAWAYS Caledonia Mining has shifted its focus primarily to gold production in Zimbabwe, particularly through its flagship asset, Blanket Mine, which has been operational since 1907. The company initially explored cobalt in Zambia but pivoted to gold after acquiring Blanket Mine in 2006 for $4 million. The potential of Zimbabwe's gold resources was recognised as largely untapped due to historical challenges in the country. Navigating Zimbabwe's complex bureaucratic and foreign exchange control systems poses significant challenges for mining companies. Caledonia Mining has developed expertise in managing these complexities, which has contributed to its success in the region. Caledonia Mining is advancing the Bilbo's project, which has a resource endowment of 2.5 million ounces of gold. The project is expected to produce 150,000 ounces annually over ten years, with plans to upgrade its preliminary economic assessment to a feasibility study. BEST MOMENTS "Zimbabwe is incredibly prospective for gold... it's pretty much elephant country." "The biggest challenge comes down to foreign exchange controls... if you don't know what you're doing, you just go round and round in small circles." "We have this unique ability to navigate the administrative channels to make it work." "Our approach... is to maximise the NPV per share of Caledonia." 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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/condor-resources/ Website: https://www.caledoniamining.com/X - https://x.com/CaledoniaMiningYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@caledoniaminingcorporation9285Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/caledonia-mining-corp-cal-/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Adam Wooldridge, CEO of Cobre Ltd who are a copper exploration and development company with a focus on the Kalahari Copper Belt (KCB) in Botswana, one of the most prospective areas globally for new sedimentary copper discoveries. Adam is an experienced geophysicist and geologist with over 25 years of experience in Africa, the Middle East and Europe, where he has worked in exploration management and consulting positions across a variety of deposit types specialising in large-scale multi-disciplinary target generation. KEY TAKEAWAYS Cobre Limited is a copper exploration and development company primarily focused on the Kalahari Copper Belt in Botswana, which is recognised as one of the most prospective areas globally for sedimentary copper discoveries. The company is exploring in-situ copper recovery methods, which offer advantages over traditional mining techniques, such as lower capital and operational costs, reduced environmental impact, and the ability to recover copper from lower-grade deposits. Participation in BHP's Xplor program has provided valuable insights into large-scale exploration strategies, emphasising a process-driven approach to identifying potential Tier 1 deposits rather than merely targeting specific sites. Cobre employs a three-pronged strategy that includes bulk-scale exploration for large deposits, strategic drilling for shorter-term returns, and a development story focused on advancing their flagship project. BEST MOMENTS "We found gravity hugely useful and we've basically taken the belt and broken it down into a series of sub basins... This allows you to be way more effective with your target generation." "If you can get your recovery rate to 40, 50 or 60%, you've got probably something on the lowest CapEx OpEx curve for mining." "The real key for us is if you have a higher grade zone and you use a traditional mining method, you're going to recover most of your ore body. Whereas here, you probably recover half." "The accessibility of your department of mines, for example, you can actually speak to people quite easily and have meetings with them." 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 W: www.cobre.com.au E: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-wooldridge-44a72788/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cobre-limited/about/ X: https://x.com/cobrelimited ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. 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.