What if mine closure wasn’t just a cost—but a new source of energy, jobs, and community value?In this ReThink Mining Podcast, CEO Don Toporowski speaks with Mark Swinnerton of Green Gravity about turning legacy mine shafts into gravitational energy storage systems.They explore how this breakthrough can reduce closure liabilities, create hundreds of jobs, and supply clean power to the grid.👉 For mining executives, closure teams, and ESG leaders, this is a must-listen on how to turn one of mining’s biggest challenges into a long-term opportunity.
What if mining companies could eliminate dangerous face mapping while unlocking millions in annual value?In this episode of The ReThink Mining Podcast, CEO Don Toporowski interviews Mike Smocer, CEO of Mine Vision Systems, about their groundbreaking Face Capture technology that's transforming underground mining operations.Key Topics Covered:- How current mine mapping is like "drawing cartoons" vs. precise 3D reality- Face Capture's fusion of LiDAR, imaging, and "underground GPS" technology- Real ROI case study: Over $10M in annual benefits for one mining operation- Worker safety: Collecting data 10+ meters from dangerous mine faces- The path from Carnegie Mellon robotics research to commercial mining solutions- Plans for autonomous vehicle integration to remove workers entirely- Why the biggest mining companies are adopting faster than smaller onesProven Value Delivered:- $2.736M: Reducing resource deletion through better planning- $4.014M: Replacing waste extraction with high-quality ore- $3.428M: Eliminating survey bottlenecks- $312K: Reducing overbreak and unnecessary waste removalThe Future Vision:Moving toward "remote, predictive, embedded" mining where critical decisions are made from surface operations using real-time underground data, addressing the industry's talent shortage as 40% of top talent retires in the next decade.About ReThink Mining:ReThink Mining is forming a consortium to accelerate MineVision's technology development, helping move from handheld devices to fully autonomous mining systems.Visit rethinking.ca to discover how mining companies collaborate on breakthrough technologies.
What if mining could slash greenhouse gas emissions by over 90% just by changing explosives?In this episode of The ReThink Mining Podcast, CEO Don Toporowski sits down with Thomas Gustavsson (CEO & Co-founder) and Blake Morgan (Chief Strategy Officer) from Hypex Bio to explore their groundbreaking hydrogen peroxide-based explosives technology.Key Topics Covered:
💡 Why This Matters:ReThink Mining members specifically requested investigation into alternative explosives, with Hypex being the only company mentioned by name. This technology addresses critical environmental and operational challenges while maintaining production efficiency.🌍 Impact Potential:About ReThink Mining:ReThink Mining is a non-profit consortium that brings together global mining companies to collaboratively advance breakthrough technologies through shared investment and risk.Visit rethinking.ca to discover how mining companies are collaborating to transform the industry.#mininginnovation #SustainableMining #ReThinkMining #CleanTech #MiningTechnology #EmissionsReduction
In this episode, Don Toporowski, CEO of ReThink Mining, speaks with Spencer Aertker, Head of Mining and Carbon Mineralization at Eden GeoPower, to explore the innovative Pulse Power technology poised to transform the mining industry.
Spencer provides an insightful overview of Eden GeoPower’s groundbreaking approach, using high-voltage electrical pulses to fracture rock and significantly improve mineral recovery rates, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The conversation dives into real-world industry validations, including Eden’s collaborations with BHP and substantial backing from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Listen in to understand how this technology could substantially reduce operational costs and reshape mining operations, potentially mirroring the revolutionary impact hydraulic fracturing had on the oil and gas sector.
This episode is perfect for mining executives, innovators, and industry leaders who want a firsthand look at cutting-edge solutions addressing mining’s biggest challenges.
Join Carl Weatherell and George Hemingway, Managing Partner and Head of Innovation Practice at Stratalis Consulting, for an insightful conversation on the complexities of driving innovation within the mining industry.
George discusses the cultural shifts necessary for fostering innovation and highlights the strategic imperatives that mining companies must embrace to stay competitive.
Through real-world examples and forward-thinking strategies, this episode emphasizes the pivotal role of leadership in navigating change and the future trends poised to reshape the industry.
Themes:
The role of cultural change in fostering innovation within mining
Strategic approaches to integrating new technologies
Overcoming industry resistance to change
The importance of leadership in driving transformation
Future trends and opportunities in mining innovation
In this episode of the Rethink Mining Podcast, CEO Don Toporowski sits down with Michael Collins, Co-Founder, President, and CEO of Pivot EM, to explore a game-changing approach to electrification in mining.
With a staggering 46,000 diesel haul trucks operating worldwide, full replacement with new electric vehicles seems financially unfeasible. But what if instead of buying new, we retrofitted these giants?
Michael shares Pivot EM’s pioneering solution to retrofit diesel trucks with high-efficiency battery systems—driving down operating costs, slashing emissions, and meeting the industry’s carbon targets without the prohibitive capital costs.
Dive in to discover how this innovation could redefine mining, with insights on the technology, challenges, and pilot projects setting the stage for an electric future.
In this episode of The ReThink Mining Podcast, Don Toporowski, CEO of ReThink Mining, sits down with David Fisher and Gary Van Dusen, the visionary founders behind Bio Graphene Solutions.
Together, they explore the untapped potential of graphene—a material that could revolutionize the mining industry. The discussion covers the challenges of raising awareness and capital for graphene technology, the environmental benefits of green graphene production, and its applications in reducing CO2 emissions, improving mining operations, and extracting precious metals from tailings.
Join us as we explore how graphene could shape the future of mining.
Themes:
Graphene's Potential in Mining: Exploring how graphene can enhance mining operations, from reducing CO2 emissions to improving material strength.
Environmental Benefits: The impact of green graphene production on sustainability in mining.
Technological Challenges and Opportunities: Overcoming the barriers to adoption and investment in graphene technology.
Innovative Applications: Real-world examples of graphene's use in mining, such as in concrete and waste recovery.
In this episode of The ReThink Mining Podcast, Don Toporowski sits down with Alexandre Grenier, CEO & Founder of PointLaz, to explore the cutting-edge technology transforming mine shaft inspections.
Alexandre discusses how PointLaz’s automated solutions drastically reduce downtime, enhance safety, and provide precise data that can revolutionize how mines operate.
From leveraging advanced LiDAR and camera systems to securing significant ROI for mining companies, this episode discusses the future of mine shaft management and the vital role automation plays in improving both safety and productivity.
Themes:
Automation in Mining: How PointLaz is bringing automation to mine shaft inspections, reducing downtime and increasing safety.
Technology and Innovation: The use of LiDAR and cameras in inspecting mine shafts, and the potential impact on the industry.
Return on Investment (ROI): Exploring the financial benefits for mining companies adopting PointLaz's technology.
Safety and Compliance: The importance of regulatory support in integrating new technologies into mine operations.
Industry Collaboration: The role of mining companies in driving the adoption and regulation of innovative technologies.
In this episode of The ReThink Mining Podcast, Carl Weatherell sits down with Mike Milinkovich, Executive Director of the Eclipse Foundation, to discuss the transformative power of open source software in the mining industry. Mike shares his insights on how digital tools are reshaping the sector and the critical role of collaboration and innovation.
Listeners will gain insights into:
The foundational role of software in modern industries, including mining
The journey and impact of the Eclipse Foundation in promoting open source projects
The challenges and benefits of adopting open source technologies in traditional industries
The importance of co-development and shared cost models in accelerating innovation
How digital transformation is reshaping industries and the critical role of cultural change
Themes:
Accelerating product development through open source
Misconceptions about the open source community
The strategic use of open source to shape markets
The evolving role of software in industrial sectors
Balancing innovation with practical implementation in mining
Join us for an engaging conversation that explores the strategies and innovations driving the future of the mining industry.
In this episode of the ReThink Mining Podcast, Don Toporowski sits down with Josh Ogden, Co-Founder and CEO of AVSS. They dive into AVSS's groundbreaking work in drone technology, exploring its potential to transform the mining industry.
From securing a $1M government contract to addressing regulatory challenges and seeking industry feedback, Josh shares insights into AVSS's journey and vision for the future. Discover how their innovative solutions for avalanche control and precision delivery systems can enhance safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance in mining operations.
Themes:
Innovation in Drone Technology: Exploring AVSS's cutting-edge solutions for the mining industry.
Government Support: The impact of securing a $1M contract with the Canadian government.
Regulatory Navigation: Overcoming challenges and ensuring compliance in drone operations.
Industry Collaboration: The importance of feedback from mining companies to refine and perfect drone technology.
Safety and Efficiency: How AVSS's drone systems enhance operational safety and efficiency in mining.
Real-World Applications: Case studies and examples of AVSS's technology in action.
Future Vision: Josh Ogden's insights into the future of drone technology in mining.
In this episode, Carl Weatherell sits down with Anthony de Fazekas, Partner at Mintz, to explore the unique opportunities and challenges in digital mining.
Anthony sheds light on the critical aspects of intellectual property (IP) strategy and its role in fostering innovation. They discuss the significance of developing robust IP frameworks, the impact of technology on the mining sector, and the importance of collaboration and partnerships in driving technological advancements.
This episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in the future of mining and the digital transformations shaping the industry.
Themes:
The importance of IP strategy in digital mining
Leveraging technology to drive innovation
Addressing the challenges of integrating new technologies in mining
The role of collaboration and partnerships in tech development
Future outlook on digital transformation in the mining industry
Join Don Toporowski, CEO of ReThink Mining, in an engaging conversation with Matthew Forrest, founder and CEO of EcoHoist. Discover the groundbreaking EcoHoist technology, a new mechanical bucket elevator designed to lower emissions, reduce operating costs, and bring down capital costs for underground mines. Matthew shares the inspiration behind EcoHoist, its development process, and the potential advantages over traditional skip hoisting systems. Learn about the energy storage capabilities, the innovative use of composite materials, and the projected benefits for productivity and decarbonization in the mining industry. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in sustainable mining practices, new technologies, and collaborative opportunities with ReThink Mining members.
Themes:
Introduction to EcoHoist: Overview of EcoHoist technology and its benefits.
Development Journey: Inspiration and evolution of EcoHoist from concept to implementation.
Technical Insights: How EcoHoist operates and its advantages over traditional systems.
Energy Efficiency: EcoHoist as an energy storage system and its efficiency benefits.
Productivity Gains: Impact on mining productivity and reduction in diesel truck usage.
Decarbonization Benefits: Contribution to reduced emissions and sustainable mining practices.
Implementation Strategy: Steps for piloting, scaling, and collaborating with mining companies.
Future Vision: The future role of EcoHoist in the mining industry.
Advice for Innovators: Tips for entrepreneurs in mining technology and the importance of user-focused development.
This episode of The ReThink Mining Podcast dives into mining, innovation, technology, and the leadership required to transform a startup in this traditional industry.
Carl Weatherell is joined by Sonia Couto, Managing Director at Konverge and founder of Field Eagle, a software platform that digitizes field data collection, and Aaron Lambert, founder and CEO of RIINO, a company pioneering a zero-emission monorail system for material transport in mining.
Sonia and Aaron share their journeys, from the inception of their ideas to the current state of their companies. In this episode, they discuss the importance of customer feedback in product development, the challenges of introducing new technologies to a conservative industry, and the critical role of building a supportive team.
Aaron emphasizes the need for a pragmatic approach, focusing on developing a minimum viable product and integrating existing technologies to reduce risk. Sonia highlights the value of customer involvement in shaping product roadmaps and the importance of adapting technology to user needs. As founders, they reflect on their leadership styles and how they have evolved to meet the demands of their growing companies.
The episode demonstrates that mining is not just about extracting resources; it’s a complex logistics business that requires innovation and adaptability to thrive in the modern world. Join us as we continue to explore the fascinating intersection of mining and technology, and the people who drive this industry forward
Themes:
The innovative technologies being developed in the mining industry, such as zero-emission haulage systems and digitized data collection tools
The personal journeys, motivations, and challenges of mining leaders as they navigate the world of startups and technology development
The importance of listening to customer feedback, product development, and prioritizing needs in shaping technology solutions
The importance of learning from failures, adapting to feedback, and pivoting when necessary to align technology solutions with industry needs and customer expectations
The value of continuous learning, adaptation, and collaboration with industry experts, mentors, and advisors to drive innovation, improve products, and achieve success in the mining sector
Join Don Toporowski, CEO of ReThink Mining, in an insightful conversation with Tom Ross, founder of HYGN. Discover how HYGN’s hydrogen hybrid technology is set to revolutionize mining operations by reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency. In this episode, Tom shares the journey of HYGN, real-world applications, the impact of their technology, and the potential benefits for mining companies.
Learn about the challenges they’ve faced, the innovative solutions they've developed, and the opportunities for collaboration with ReThink Mining members. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in sustainable mining practices and cutting-edge technology.
Themes:
Introduction and Background: The story of Don and Tom’s first meeting and HYGN’s evolution.
HYGN’s Hydrogen Hybrid Technology: Explanation of the hydrogen hybrid kit and its benefits.
Case Studies and Real-World Applications: Results from trials with the City of Kawartha Lakes.
Challenges and Solutions: Overcoming adoption barriers and addressing safety concerns.
Impact on the Mining Industry: Benefits for mining equipment and operational efficiency.
Future Prospects: Plans for large-scale pilots and product development.
Engagement and Collaboration: ReThink Mining’s role and call to action for pilot projects.
In this episode, Carl Weatherell introduces the new CEO of ReThink Mining, Don Toporowski. Don shares his background in working with entrepreneurs and innovative technologies, highlighting the potential for making a difference in the mining industry. Together, they discuss the collaboration among mining companies, the challenges faced by startups, and the importance of technology in driving progress. Join us as we uncover the fascinating world of mining, the impact of new technologies, and the collective efforts to shape a sustainable future. Stay connected with us on social media and our website at rethinkmining.org for more insights and updates on the latest innovations in the mining industry. Tune in to The ReThink Mining Podcast for engaging discussions and valuable insights into the evolving world of mining. Thank you for listening, and we'll catch you in the next episode! Themes:
Collaboration and Innovation in Mining Industry
ReThink Mining's Role in Facilitating Change
Challenges and Opportunities for Startups
Social Responsibility and ESG
Marketing and Communication in Mining
Welcome to Source, the Rethink Mining Podcast. In this episode, host Carl Weatherell is joined by team members, Catharine Farrow and Nancy Guay - two pioneering women in the mining industry. Together they dive into the role of technology and how increasing tech, data, and strategy can solve challenges and ultimately, drive the industry forward. They explore the issues mining companies are faced with, such as ESG, decarbonization, and labor shortages.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of breaking down silos, embracing change, and fostering a culture of collaboration to accelerate the adoption of technology and drive the mining industry forward. Join Carl, Catharine, and Nancy as they share the exciting possibilities (and challenges) of integrating technology into the mining industry.
Themes:
- The Importance of collaboration in mining
- How collaboration will lead to better solutions
- Why mining companies need to change
- How to embrace change and take risks within the industry
In this episode, we are joined by Roby Stancel, an industry expert with a diverse background in mining, startups, and venture capital. Roby shares his insights on the current state of the mining industry and the need for innovation and change. He discusses the challenges of declining ore grades, environmental concerns, and the increasing demand for metals in the energy transition.
Roby also explores the potential of new technologies, such as bacteria-based processes and plasma breaking, to revolutionize mining operations. Join us for an engaging discussion on the future of mining and the opportunities for sustainable and efficient practices.
Themes:
- The Need for Technological Innovation in the Mining Industry
- Closing the Gap in Mining
- Regional Barriers Hinder Global Collaboration
In this episode, Michael Raynor and Adriaan Davidse, the leading directors at Deloitte, dive into disruptive innovation within the mining industry. They explore the need for a fundamental shift to deliver low-carbon, high-quality metals. They discuss the potential of creating a new market structure, drawing inspiration from successful models like virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) in the renewable energy sector. By separating the commodities purchased from the commodities used, they propose a solution that allows companies to pay a premium for low-carbon metals, thereby driving the demand for sustainable mining practices. Tune in to discover how this innovative approach could pave the way for a climate-positive industrial society and revolutionize the mining industry.
Themes:
- Breaking constraints to create innovation
- Disruptive innovation (and the lack thereof) in mining
- Creating demand for green commodities and sustainable mining
- Innovate to achieve net zero
- Accelerating mining innovation through VCPPs
- Unlocking innovation in mining
- Demanding better for clean technology and the transition to sustainable mining
Join host Carl Weatherell and Alim Somani, the Digital Managing Director at Hatch, in this engaging episode as they uncover untapped opportunities and gaps in the world of mining. They discuss the underutilization of open-source technology and the importance of modeling and simulation in mining operations. Discover the revolutionary mine OS platform and its potential to transform the industry.
Gain valuable insights into the digital transformation of mining as Alim shares how he leverages Hatch's engineering knowledge to develop innovative digital products. With a focus on technology, collaboration, and user-centered design, they explore the possibilities for driving improvements and solving complex challenges. Whether you're a mining professional or simply interested in the future of the industry, this thought-provoking episode provides a fresh perspective on the potential of digital mining.
Themes:
- Mining industry and the data inefficiencies
- Leveraging knowledge for better decisions
- Importance of User-driven product development
- Open standards, collaboration and innovation in mining
- Solving mining challenges with technology
- Prioritizing high-value assets and interfaces for digital transformation
- Importance of innovation in mining
Welcome to Source, the Rethink Mining Podcast. A space to explore mining, its transformation and the innovations that drive our world forward.
Join host and CEO, Carl Weatherell, as he explores groundbreaking innovation, thought-provoking discussions and interviews with industry leaders. Carl shares insight on sustainable practices, latest technologies, and the tools that fuels mining’s evolution.
Tune in as we provide a source of information and connection to the mining industry.