On The Rocks

What if the solution to the global copper shortage has been right under our noses for billions of years? In this episode of On the Rocks Masterclass, we explore the fascinating world of biomining with Liz Dennett, Founder & CEO of Endolith, who's harnessing Earth's oldest miners – microbes – to revolutionize copper extraction.Liz's journey from NASA astrobiology research to founding a biotech mining company is as unique as her approach to solving one of mining's biggest challenges. With copper demand soaring for electrification and renewables, traditional mining methods are struggling to keep up. Enter biological intelligence: AI-optimized microbes that can extract more copper from low-grade ore than conventional methods ever could.In this masterclass, Liz breaks down the science behind biomining, explains how AI fine-tunes microbial performance in real-time, and shares insights from pilot deployments with major mining companies like BHP and Rio Tinto. We explore how this approach works within existing heap leach infrastructure, requires no toxic chemicals, and could turn mining waste into valuable resource streams.Whether you're curious about the intersection of biology and mining, interested in sustainable extraction methods, or wondering how microbes could solve supply chain challenges, this conversation offers a glimpse into mining's microscopic revolution.

Join John Mern, CEO of TerraAI and a Stanford PhD, and Luke Ren, Chief of Staff with a savvy investment background, as they unravel the transformative powers of AI in mineral exploration. They tackle the prevalent uncertainties in the industry, reveal how AI enhances traditional methods, and discuss the role of investment dynamics influenced by data-driven strategies. The duo also highlights innovative approaches to risk management and how emerging technologies can attract new investments, making mining more efficient and viable.

In this masterclass episode of On the Rocks, Emily King sits down with Anastasia Kuskova, CEO and founder of beSirius, to explore how mining companies can transform sustainability from compliance paperwork to strategic advantage. Drawing from her experience as a former sustainability officer at a multibillion-dollar metal producer, Anastasia breaks down the fundamental challenges in sustainability reporting, the connection between ESG performance and financial results, and how AI-powered tools are creating unprecedented efficiency. Learn how sustainability teams can become revenue generators by understanding stakeholder needs, securing green premiums, and leveraging technology to reduce reporting burdens. This episode offers practical advice for mining professionals looking to move beyond bureaucratic reporting and create real business value through sustainability intelligence. Whether you're a sustainability officer, mining executive, or investor interested in the future of ESG in mining, this masterclass provides actionable insights for navigating the complex landscape of sustainability reporting and turning data into strategic advantage.

In this masterclass episode of On the Rocks, host Emily King sits down with Samuel Siebenaler, co-founder and CEO of Precision Mineral Accounting, to demystify the complex world of mining royalties. With 20 years of industry experience, including a decade overseeing royalty accounting at Newmont Mining, Sam breaks down what royalties actually are, how they differ from streaming deals, and the critical contract elements that impact payments. From commingling issues to auditing challenges, this episode offers invaluable insights for both royalty holders and mining professionals. Sam shares real-world examples of payment discrepancies, explains the nuances of royalty agreements, and discusses how increasing transparency could transform industry trust. Whether you're a landowner with a royalty, an investor considering royalty structures, or a mining professional navigating payment obligations, this conversation provides essential knowledge for understanding how value is distributed in the mining world.

In this special live episode recorded at the Women in Mining USA 2025 annual event in San Antonio, host Emily King sits down with Ashley Zumwalt-Forbes, a pioneering engineer and investor who has helped deploy over $6 billion in private capital into America's battery supply chain. Ashley shares insider perspectives from her time as US Deputy Director for Batteries and Critical Minerals, discussing the challenging realities of competing with non-market actors like China in critical mineral markets. The conversation explores policy mechanisms to establish secure Western supply chains, including price floors and midstream processing development, while offering valuable insights for women looking to capitalize on opportunities in this rapidly evolving sector. Join us for this candid discussion that moves beyond industry echo chambers to address the practical solutions needed to secure America's mineral future.

Kevin McCoy, Planning Superintendent at South32's Hermosa project, shares his extensive experience in modern mine planning. He discusses the importance of integrating community feedback and innovative technologies like automated drilling and digital twins. The conversation delves into balancing technical requirements with environmental considerations, showcasing how projects adapt to challenges such as geological surprises. Discover how strategic task sequencing and data-driven decisions shape the future of sustainable mining.

Benjamin Cox, Program Director of the Executive Microcertificate in Economic Leadership for Mining at BRIMM, challenges conventional mining practices. He discusses the importance of breaking down silos to optimize operations and unlock significant value while also addressing environmental impacts. The conversation shifts to the concept of 'value in use' and how mining companies can enhance their metrics to include social and environmental factors. With a humorous twist, they explore innovative strategies to engage younger audiences in the mining industry.

In this episode of our On the Rocks Masterclass series, host Emily King sits down with strategic communications expert Briana Clark to explore how effective communication can be a crucial tool for risk management in the mining industry. From early-stage exploration to community engagement, learn why communication isn't just about marketing – it's about creating sustainable relationships and managing long-term project risk. Briana, founder of Holbrook & Associates, breaks down the key differences between marketing and risk management communication, shares real-world examples of successful community engagement, and provides actionable strategies for translating complex technical information into compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences. Whether you're a mining company looking to improve stakeholder relationships or a technical expert wanting to better communicate your findings, this episode offers valuable insights for navigating the unique communication challenges in the mining industry.

Ever wondered about the chemistry behind your favorite bourbon? In this special kickoff to our On the Rocks Masterclass series, host Emily King sits down with renowned spirits expert John "Fitzy" Fitzpatrick to explore the science of whiskey making. From the geological importance of limestone-filtered water to the chemical reactions in charred oak barrels, discover how elements and processes familiar to the mining industry play a crucial role in crafting the perfect spirit. Learn about the terroir of different whiskey regions, the impact of grain selection, and get expert recommendations for starting your whiskey journey. While we'll be diving deep into mining topics in future masterclasses, this episode celebrates the "rocks" in On the Rocks with a fascinating look at the science of spirits! Looking for an in-person whiskey masterclass to attend with Fitzy? Find them here! 👉 https://warrendelray.com/events/

Women are projected to hold 50% of Canada's wealth by 2030 - so why aren't they investing in mining? In this episode of On the Rocks, host Emily King sits down with Beth Borody, Founder & CEO of the Femina Collective and Mining Sector Lead for IRMA, to explore how women are disrupting traditional mining investment. From the origin story of the Femina Collective during pandemic Zoom calls to the launch of their groundbreaking investment club in 2025, Beth shares her vision for transforming the industry through female leadership, responsible practices, and collaborative investment. Discover how combining women's perspectives with IRMA standards could reshape mining's future and create more sustainable, profitable operations. This isn't just about DEI - it's about building a new approach to mining that works better for everyone.