Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry? 

36 years in global mining, energy, and renewable energy industries. Been Principal Mining Engineer, GM, COO, CEO, and MD at numerous junior, mid-tier, and major mining corporations operating in SE Asia, Australasia, China, Africa, the Middle East, North America, Chile, and Peru. Skills include business development, evaluating software vendors like ERP, EAM, machine learning, AI, automation, 

I have managed projects and operations in multiple commodities, including copper, nickel, gold, coal, rare earth elements, lithium, platinum, iron ore, phosphate, potash, bauxite, aluminum, and silver.

Q2. What are the projected CAGR of the global gold exploration and refining market through 2030, and how is demand split across investment-grade bullion, industrial use, and jewelry segments?

We use 5.5% in our baseline models, and gold just over 7% for recent developments. For jewelry, approx 6% is mostly for China and India due to cultural and economic significance. For investment, around 4.5% is mostly due to Chinese holding EFTs. Industrial volumes are considerably smaller for applications requiring conductivity and corrosion resistance. CAGR 4.2% 

Q3. How is the green energy transition impacting silver demand? What are the projections for silver demand in the near future? 

More solar-related silver demand, growing EV applications, much higher solar photovoltaics, ongoing market deficits, much more industrial demand, newer solar tech requires higher silver loadings, etc. Total demand is approx 1.21 b oz, where industrial will be 60%, solar PV approx 21%, other industrial like EVs/electronics around 38%, jewelry 15%, investment coins and bars and silverware the rest.

Q4. How are market dynamics, such as the introduction of green premiums, influencing sustainable copper production? 

Influences production practices, trade dynamics, and financing. Metalshub will be used for trading LME with a copper mark, lower financing costs, and improved capital performance; Europe is more willing to pay a premium than North America, pressure for more sustainable mining production.

Q5. How are geopolitical tensions influencing mining supply chains in 2025? And what strategies are being adopted to mitigate risks?

China is limiting rare earth exports; the US is pushing domestic production and diversifying the supply chain; and Australia is creating a strategic reserve and moving towards investing in recycling, strategic stockpiling, etc.

Q6. What emerging technologies are contributing to sustainable mining practices?

IoT, real-time monitoring, AI, ML, Autonomous and electric mining equipment, zero liquid discharging/water recycling, bioleaching, green chemistry in processing, digital twins etc

Q7. If you were an investor looking at companies within the space, what critical question would you pose to their senior management? 

I would question their long-term sustainability targets, like decarbonization, and how they will be achieved. 

I would also ask about strategies to secure critical mineral supply, how diversified their supply chain is, and how they are leveraging emerging technologies.