In this episode of MineWarp, Empie Strydom talks with Dr. Josh Goveia, Acting Manager for Tailing Storage and Water Dams at First Quantum Minerals, about what it really means to lead through learning.From his early days as an academic to taking on real-world engineering challenges in Zambia, Josh shares how the best leaders blend technical excellence with empathy, curiosity, and courage. He reflects on the moments that tested his resilience, how he approaches problem-solving as both a scientist and a human being, and why leadership in mining isn’t about control — it’s about connection.If you’ve ever wondered how culture and mindset shape engineering outcomes, this episode will resonate deeply.#minewarp #miningtechnology #mininginnovation #digitaltransformation
Few voices in South African mining carry more weight — or more candour — than Bernard Swanepoel, Outspoken Industry Leader from THINKspiration, #joburgindaba Chair, and ex CEO of Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited.This week on MineWarp, Bernard shares hard truths about mining’s relevance, leadership courage, and the trust deficit between industry, government and mining communities. What comes through loud and clear is that he’s proud of what South Africa’s mining industry is, and frustrated at what it is not yet becoming.#minewarp #mininginnovation #joburgindaba
In this episode of MineWarp, we sit down with Ahmed Kader, Operations Director at CrystalForge, to unpack how industrial AI is turning operational data into real-world decisions for mines and process plants.Most sites are drowning in sensor data — yet still struggle to connect the dots between systems, teams, and performance. Ahmed explains how CrystalForge’s platform bridges legacy systems with intelligent analytics, creating visibility across assets, processes, and energy use.
We discuss the realities of digital transformation in complex industrial environments — from gaining trust in machine recommendations to quantifying ROI.
For plant and automation managers, this is a practical look at how to move from dashboards to decisions.#MineWarp #LetsTalkDigital #MiningInnovation
What does it take to optimize billion-dollar mining assets for the future? In this episode, Devin Askham, Global Business Director at Collaborit, shares his journey, Collaborit’s role in SAP-driven asset management, and why trust and visibility are at the heart of digital transformation in mining.
#MineWarp #LetsTalkDigital #EAM
Paul Ehlers, CEO of DMS Mining Simulator reveals how gamification and the #Mineralverse are reshaping mining education and collaboration. Discover how simulation makes mining easier to learn - and harder to forget.
#MineWarp #MiningInnovation #LetsTalkDigital #MiningGames
In this episode of the MineWarp Podcast, we dive into fleet management, adoption challenges, and Groundhog’s vision of becoming the brain behind the fully automated mine.
Satish Penmetsa, CEO and co-founder of Groundhog, explains why mining’s digital race is shifting from hardware tracking to mining orchestration.
In this conversation, Johan Rademan, CEO of Harvinno Digital, Advanced Process Monitoring and Control experts, and GE Vernova Africa distributor, discusses the evolution of his company and the importance of focusing on value in the mining industry. He shares insights on the significance of monitoring and data management, the challenges of control loop performance management, advanced process control and optimization, and the role of predictive and prescriptive analytics in optimizing operations.
Johan also offers advice for entrepreneurs on balancing innovation and growth while emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement and support.#Minewarp #letstalkdigital #mininginnovation #AdvancedProcessControl
In this episode of the MineWarp Podcast, Empie engages with Louis Strydom, Director of Growth and Development at Wärtsilä Energy, to discuss the evolving landscape of energy transition, digital transformation, and the challenges faced by developing markets.
We explore the importance of flexibility and stability in energy systems, the need for a portfolio approach to innovation, and the environmental considerations surrounding energy technologies.
Louis shares insights on financing energy innovations and the necessity of collaboration in energy projects, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to decarbonization.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the MineWarp Podcast
05:17 Guest Introduction: Louis Strydom
10:59 The Importance of Digital Transformation
16:55 Understanding Energy Transition
22:55 Challenges in Developing Markets
28:41 Financing Energy Innovations
34:30 Environmental Considerations in Energy Transition
40:21 Lessons Learned in Energy Innovation
44:23 Personal Insights and Conclusion
#LetsTalkDigital #MineWarp #MiningInnovation
In this episode of the MineWarp Podcast, we delve into the challenges and strategies of building trust in AI recommendations within the mining industry.
Join us as we explore insights from Shaun Mitchell, CEO of MaxMine, on how gamification, explainable AI, and a focus on human collaboration are transforming scepticism into acceptance among miners. Discover how these innovative approaches are not only enhancing productivity and safety but also paving the way for a more data-driven future in mining. Tune in to learn how AI is reshaping the landscape and fostering a culture of trust and transparency.
Dive into profitable innovation with Tim Vorage, Operating Partner at 10-Ops. Tim shares how 10-Ops transforms opportunities into actionable operations using AI, Evil Digital Twins, and Inconvenient Truths.
Key insights:
Leveraging AI to identify and validate new business opportunities.
Strategies for scaling innovation
Tim’s practical advice is a must-hear for CEOs, marketers, and business development managers in the natural resources sector.
Season 2 is here! In this episode of the MineWarp podcast, host Empie Strydom welcomes guests Eric Palmer and Alan Bye to discuss the critical role of Mining Equipment Technology and Services (METS) in the mining industry. They explore the challenges of innovation, investment, and the importance of understanding market fit for new technologies. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI in mining and the personal interests of the guests outside of their professional lives.
Episode Takeaways
Adriaan Davidse, Director at Deloitte Canada, joins Empie and Jéan to discuss how mining business processes can be optimized for tomorrow’s challenges. They explore how better use of information drives smarter decisions, whether mining is falling behind other industries in digital transformation, and what steps can be taken to close the gap.
Cameron Stevens, a former physical therapist turned passionate health and safety advocate, explores how businesses can keep up with rapid digital trends without losing sight of the people they serve. In this episode, he unpacks how to align digital strategy with real-world safety outcomes and user needs—bridging the gap between tech innovation and human experience.
From high-speed trains to clean water supply, modern infrastructure depends on tunnels that are built faster, safer, and smarter. In this episode, we explore how digital decision support systems are transforming tunnelling by connecting people, machines, and workflows to boost productivity and safety on site.
Our guests, Frederik Oberg and Hakan Bolsoy from Epiroc’s Mobilaris Tunneling Intelligence, reveal how next-generation technology is reshaping underground construction—and what it means for the future of infrastructure.
Accurate, real-time inventory data can unlock massive efficiency gains in mining operations. In this episode, Adriaan Goosen of Indurad unpacks how advanced radar solutions are transforming stockpile volumetrics, belt volume monitoring, and material flow visualization—even in the toughest industrial environments. Learn how mining operations are gaining visibility where it matters most.
In mining, every second counts. Maintaining seamless connectivity and real-time awareness of people, equipment, and activity is essential to running a safe, efficient shift. In this episode, we explore how next-generation tracking and communication systems are changing the game underground and on surface.
“Trustworthy AI doesn’t happen by accident—it requires deliberate design and transparency,” says Stefan van der Stockt, Lead Data Scientist and Master Inventor at IBM Data & AI. In this episode, we dive into the hidden cognitive biases of AI agents, the ethical frameworks shaping responsible AI, and some surprising real-world applications already making an impact. If you care about the future of AI in industry, this conversation is a must-listen.
The era of static notice boards is over. In this episode, Chris Potgieter explores how two-way digital communication is transforming the way mining operations connect with their workforce—whether in the boardroom, on site, or even at the bus stop. Discover how smart, targeted messaging is improving engagement, safety, and transparency across the value chain.
This week, join Troy Williams as he dives into the critical impact of drilling and fragmentation on mine feasibility. Hear about cutting-edge techniques in underground drilling and blasting, and how machine learning is revolutionizing the blasting industry. A must-listen for anyone interested in the future of mining technology.
