Dig Deep Expert in Exploration; Interview With Keith Barron
What steps should you go through to smoothly grow your career to management in the mining industry?
In this episode of the Dig Deep Podcast, Rob invites Keith, an expert exploration geologist, to talk about his journey towards being one of the well-known mining entrepreneurs. He shares some personal stories, from how he got into geology to the current business endeavours he has right now. Discover some great tips and strategies future mining entrepreneurs can acquire so they could be as successful as Keith. They also discussed the future of some commodities and a few recent issues in the mining industry.
It would surely feel like you’ve struck gold after listening to Rob and Keith’s discussion.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Keith Barron’s interest in geology sprouted at the age of 15 when he moved to the Isle of Man, where the 2nd largest mine in the UK is located. He then decided to pursue Geology at the University of Toronto. After graduating, he started building his career and worked for a lot of mining companies.
- It was difficult at first to learn the ropes of the management aspect in the mining industry. Keith was lucky to develop his skillset since during his involvement with Geological Survey of Canada regarding a big diamond mine discovery. After this, he decided to do things on his own.
- He became an entrepreneur, and he built projects in different countries. He had experiences with different commodities and right now, he manages a sapphire mine.
- According to Keith, a mining entrepreneur should learn how to go out and look at the opportunities waiting for him to be explored. It isn’t for everyone but if you’re driven and ready to risk your net worth, you can be one of the best entrepreneurs in the mining industry.
- Straight Talk On Mining is one of Keith’s project. He started this continue imparting knowledge to people and also to put his name out there. This made him one of the well-known influencers in the mining industry.
- What commodities are going to be major forces in the coming years?
- It has been forecasted that gold production is going to drop in the next years because of its exploration process.
- There’s going to be a big demand for copper when the production of electronic vehicles starts to rise.
- There’s going to be a huge development and a lot of researches on metals that are used and can be used for batteries.
- Why do Keith enjoy mining? It’s the exploration stage that Keith enjoys. You can turn a piece of loose pasture that something worth billions. He’s also happy helping other countries find resources, helping local communities, and increase the GDPs.
BEST MOMENTS
- "Most of my career has been financed by companies, of course, and it’s only in the latter years that I’ve been paying for things for myself… but I said to the students, ‘It’s a wonderful life when you get into things. It’s very very exciting going to different countries and experiencing different cultures.’”
- “You have to make yourself marketable…willing to go almost anywhere and do any job… not to be frightened about languages and cultures.”
- “I’m sensible enough to know that you don’t usually hit in the first drill hole. That’s like winning the lottery. It takes perseverance and hard work. If you find deposit and mines, you have to build them.”
- “People should have a broad target of what they’re hoping in 10-15 years. In the meantime, approach things in baby steps and do the best that you can in the next 2-3 years.”
VALUABLE RESOURCES
ABOUT THE GUEST
Keith Barron has over 32 years of experience in the mining industry. He is an exploration geologist who has been an expert handling various commodity including uranium, platinum, diamonds, industrial minerals, sapphires, and golds.
In 2001, Keith has founded Aurelian Resources Inc., a company that focuses on gold exploration in Ecuador. He is also the founder, Director, and major shareholder of uranium explorer U3O8 Corp. and the Director of Firestone Ventures Inc.
Keith was awarded the Thayer Lindsley International Discovery Award in March 2008 at the PDAC Convention for his significant contributions in the discovery of the Fruta del Norte gold deposit. Aside from this, on the same year, he was also jointly named the Northern Miner’s Mining Man of the Year.
- Straight Talk On Mining
- Email Keith at keith@aurania.com
ABOUT THE HOST
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 to people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics.
Rob 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 the first world to third world countries from Africa, Europe, 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’ organisation 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 Rob at rob@mining-international.org
- Rob’s LinkedIn
- Mining International Official Website
- Mining International’s Twitter
- Mining International’s Facebook