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.

What if we could take the guesswork out of mineral exploration? In this episode of On the Rocks Masterclass, we dive deep into how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way we discover and evaluate mineral deposits with John Mern, CEO & Co-Founder of TerraAI, and Luke Ren, Chief of Staff.This masterclass offers practical insights for exploration teams, investors, and anyone interested in how technology is transforming one of mining's most challenging and expensive activities. Whether you're skeptical about AI in exploration or looking to understand what's actually possible, this conversation breaks down complex concepts into actionable insights.Tune in to learn how uncertainty in exploration is being transformed from a necessary evil into a manageable, data-driven challenge.

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.

What does it really take to plan a modern mine? In this masterclass episode, host Emily King sits down with Kevin McCoy, Planning Superintendent at South32's Hermosa project, to unpack the complex world of mine planning. From integrating community feedback to leveraging cutting-edge technology, discover how today's mine planners balance technical requirements with environmental and social considerations.Drawing from his decade-plus experience across coal and hard rock mining, Kevin shares practical insights into how mine planning has evolved, the creative problem-solving required, and what the future holds for this crucial aspect of mining. Using the Hermosa project as a case study, learn how modern mines are designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing efficiency through innovative approaches like automated equipment and digital twins.

In this thought-provoking episode of our On the Rocks Masterclass series, host Emily King sits down with Benjamin Cox, a maverick educator and expert in natural capital valuation, to challenge conventional thinking about mining operations. From water usage to tailings management, discover how reframing our approach to mining assets could unlock billions in value while improving environmental outcomes.Benjamin, Program Director of the Executive Microcertificate in Economic Leadership for Mining at BRIMM, breaks down complex concepts like natural capital and value-in-use, offering fresh perspectives on how the mining industry can optimize operations by breaking down silos and rethinking traditional metrics. Whether you're a mining executive looking to maximize asset value or an operations specialist seeking innovative approaches to efficiency, this episode provides actionable insights for transforming how we value and manage mining resources.

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.