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:        rob@mining-international.org 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 rob@mining-international.org 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:        rob@mining-international.org 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 rob@mining-international.org 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:        rob@mining-international.org 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 rob@mining-international.org 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:        rob@mining-international.org 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/ info@albamineralresources.com 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 rob@mining-international.org 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:        rob@mining-international.org 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: spencer.cole@xanadumines.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 rob@mining-international.org 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:        rob@mining-international.org 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 rob@mining-international.org 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:        rob@mining-international.org 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: info@furygoldmines.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 rob@mining-international.org 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:        rob@mining-international.org 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 rob@mining-international.org 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:        rob@mining-international.org 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 rob@mining-international.org 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:        rob@mining-international.org 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 rob@mining-international.org 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.