Christopher Gibbs

Until 1986, women were not permitted underground or to enter mines in WA. Fast forward to 2022 and according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were 45,000 women employed full time in the mining industry in Australia. I am one of those 45,000. Career Fun Day is happening at my daughters school today. Kids go to school dressed as what they want to be when they grow up. I have always told my daughter that education is one of the most important aspects in life as a good education and good grades provides more opportunities and career options when she leaves school. I want her to be able to choose what she wants to do when she leaves school and not be limited. When discussing with her what she wanted to dress up as, she suggested careers like: a Youtuber (so she can play Roblox all day), a Teacher, a Doctor, then a Zoo Keeper (she LOVES Capybaras’). Not once did it cross my mind to limit her choices to typical/historical female type roles. Last night, during a conversation, my father (a retired house builder) commented that he needed help rebuilding a retaining wall as the concrete blocks were quite large and heavy. I offered my assistance to which he replied, “that’s a man’s job”. I was speechless and the look on my face was not a good one. Once I calmed down, I took time to really appreciate the changing perceptions of younger generations (Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y etc) than my fathers (Silent Generation), and that my daughter (Gen Alpha) is growing up knowing that she can do and be anything she wants when she grows up. Hopefully never hearing someone say to her “that’s a man’s job”. I have worked the majority of my career in mining and heavy industry, and over the years have seen more and more gender equality in mining. It is not just a moral imperative, but a fundamental necessity for fostering a fair and inclusive society. Embracing gender equality is a collaborative effort and I commend my daughter’s school for their commitment to dismantle systemic inequalities and create an education system where all kids will grow up thriving based on their merits and talents, rather than their gender. #GenderEquility #WomenInMining

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Focused and intensive progress towards providing a secure antimony source to the world.

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BHP is not alone in respect of the grave concerns over the imposition of the Federal Government industrial relation policies and pending environmental policies. These concerns are shared by all companies providing services to the mining and resources space. On one hand the Future made in Australia Bill is proposing funding (your tax payments) for the critical minerals space, whilst on the other hand imposing industrial relations policies that reduce flexibility, will increase costs with no commitment to increases in productivity. Furthermore, the proposed environmental policies will add additional layers of investment risk, bureaucracy and costs. Australia is competing with the rest of the world in the mining resources race yet we have a government driven by ideology out the major inner city GREEN belts that is making us less competitive. Let’s consider BHP and superannuation. BHP is the single largest investment held by the nation’s 14 biggest superannuation funds (Source: NAB, ASFA). So it’s a fair chance that most employees in Australia own a share of BHP through their superannuation contributions. Every government policy that adds to the cost of that business will reduce dividends and capital growth, i.e. will take money out of your pocket.

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Bravo and congratulations Team Wildcat Resources! These are stellar metallurgical test work results for Tabba Tabba, which continues to be derisked and shape up as a potential world class Tier 1 lithium project. Dare I say it, the best development project in the global market given its Tier 1 WA location, close proximity to Port Hedland, on a mining lease and with continued drilling presenting a thick, low cost ore body with grade at surface. In my respectful view the market continues to miss the significance of excellent mining widths (low dilution) from surface along with the resulting benefits of consistent feed to a mill. Looking forward to additional disclosures and catalysts including Resource in 2H CY24, commencement of PFS (works already underway), more drilling at Tabba Tabba and the potential for more exploration success over the stellar exploration package in the world class Pilbara lithium district. Great leverage to general lithium market sentiment and pricing which in my experience over a few cycles (since the acquisition of the Lithium and Tantalum business of Sons of Gwalia in 2007) will inevitably turn.

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The story of ECOSSAUS' chlor-alkali salt production through MVR technology, simultaneously creating salt caverns to store in-house-produced hydrogen using clean (carbon-free) energy follows in the link.

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At the AusIMM Congress last week we had many a discussion about succession planning within our COI committees. Some of the questions raised were: 🙋🏽‍♀️ How do we encourage participation? 🙋🏼‍♂️ How do we support individuals to step up into committee leadership roles? 🙋🏻Why aren’t individuals jumping at the opportunity to contribute? These considerations are relevant to any organisation, team, group or committee that needs succession planning. From someone who has stepped up here is what had me saying YES 🙌🏼 1) I know my purpose - I’ve spent time reflecting on why I do what I do, how I can use my skills, gifts & knowledge to help others & what I want my legacy to be. 2) Mindset - I have developed a growth mindset, meaning I am open to opportunities, trying out new things & stepping out of my comfort zone. 3) There is mutual benefit - I know what my contribution means to our members & the community, and I get to network, build connections which can have an impact on my career. 4) I’m passionate about the industry - I’m grateful for the life I have created working in the mining industry & know others can do the same. 5) Support - I’ve had offers of support from the committee, AMT & of course the continued support at home. So what can you do to encourage contribution which will lead to individuals stepping up into leadership roles? 🌏Help individuals see the bigger picture - Understand the individuals values & goals then link these to your organisations vision & highlight the positive impact of their contribution. 🤝Outline what support is available to them - Who can they reach out to? 👩🏼‍🏫Upskill - offer the individual opportunities to upskill (and support them in doing so). 🙌🏼Sell it - Higlight what the benefits are to them. Why is this role going to be important to them? Remember when someone says “I don’t have time” what they really mean is “this isn’t important to me”. What will you do to support & encourage your next leaders?

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This mega deal goes ahead, will Kumba majority stake be up for grabs or first right of refusal will kick in for current shareholders? I don't see BHP being interested the iron ore, nikel, platinum or diamond assets. They would be more interested in the copper assets and coking coal assets. I don't know, but this will be very interesting to see unfold. #Mining #AngloAmerican #BHP

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Wishing the hardworking, loyal, professional families of the Leinster, Laverton, Wiluna, Kwinana, Kambalda, Kalgoorlie Nickel districts the best in BHP’s transition out of (temrorarily?) Ni West operations, part of WA’s DNA. I say temporarily as 3 years may just be enough for BHP, Glencore, IGO, First Quantum to 1. highlight the well documented environmental, social, governance (ESG) breaches of the Chinese backed low cost Indonesian Nickel industry 2. For EU, WTO, WHO to recognise there are breaches ie. dirty / blood nickel (??) 3. State and Federal Australian governments to further support the WA Nickel industry 4. WA traditional resource investors Japanese and Korean partners to build on the value chain which commenced in the 1950’s 5. Nimble, smart lean WA Junior Nickel players (ie. Ardea, Lunnin) to engineer a solution backed by WA PE (RCF, Wyloo?) to revive the WA Nickel sector. In the meantime good luck to all those families in the Leinster, Laverton, Wiluna, Kwinana, Kambalda, Kalgoorlie Nickel districts. #nickel #steel #EV #kalgorlie #WA #mining

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Frustrated with how long it’s taking to recruit a senior, executive or CEO role in mining? Then you need to consider Search. Here’s why. Traditional recruitment is paid on success. That incentivises certain decisions because traditional recruiters often don’t get paid for the work they do. So, they balance effort and reward. ✅ They look for people with the right skills. 💥 But they can’t spend too long, because they might not get paid. So people get missed. ✅ They send emails, and LinkedIn messages. 💥 But they can’t spend too long personalising those messages, because they might not get paid. So fewer people respond. ✅ Then, if they have time, they hit the phones. 💥 But they can’t spend too long, because they might not get paid. So people get missed. In the end, they get enough people with the right skills, or close enough, who respond and are interested. They send them over. If they are right, job filled. If they aren’t… well the experience teaches them it’s better to move onto another job somewhere else that might see them get paid for the work they do. Especially if more than one recruiter is working the role. Because they all just end up approaching and speaking to the same easy to find, easy to contact people. That’s not how search works because search is run as a project. One with commitment from both client and recruiter. Clients pay for a process and the recruiter runs it until the right person is found. ✅ Search looks harder, longer and in-depth ✅ Search approaches candidate smarter and via multiple methods ✅ Search selects the best, not the first. ✅ Search keeps going until the mandate has been completed. That’s why we fill roles in around 6 weeks that have been open with multiple recruiters for a year. We don’t stop. If that’s what you need for an important role, senior or technical, then drop me a line. It’s what we do. #Recruitment #ExecutiveSearch #MiningIndustry #MiningRecruitment #MiningExecutives

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One not to miss. Some highly topical discussion points will be covered in this Panel Session… common issues that SSE’s and CMO’s have to navigate that are not so clear, cut & dry.

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47% of participants in this study say they do not know there are career paths in the mining industry outside of doing the actual mining. Mining jobs aren’t just Truck Drivers, Shot firers, Engineers, Tradespersons. They are also Accountants, Business Analysts, Emergency Services, Environment & Community, Human Resources, Safety, Cleaners, Logistics, Information Technology, Training, Learning & Development, Security and so many more careers. These diverse roles highlight the breadth of opportunities available in the mining industry that need to be made aware of to generations entering the workforce.

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🚀 Big news from ASX listed EQ Resources Limited! 🌟 They've just announced the execution of an agreement with Queensland Investment Corporation ("QIC") to provide funding of up to $20M from the Queensland Critical Minerals and Battery Technology Fund. I'm proud to have worked with the EQR team supporting this transaction for Mt Carbine, and a huge thank you is due to the teams from QIC, BurnVoir Corporate Finance Ltd, Palaris, Emma McPherson of Rockfinancial their meticulous efforts through the due diligence that brought this to fruition. Your hard work has been crucial in navigating the dynamics of the deal and getting it across the line. The government's support for critical metals projects has been a game-changer, ensuring not just the success of transactions like these but also bolstering operations at Mt Carbine. This move is more than just business—it's about securing a sustainable future for critical metals in the Western world. I'm looking forward to the opportunity this deal affords EQR and the Mt Carbine project. Here's to future growth and continued success in these exciting times! 🌍✨ If you would like to see the announcement, here is the link to the post on the EQR Website: https://shorturl.at/gkryP #CriticalMinerals #CriticalMetals #Tungsten #MiningIndustry #SustainableMining #EQResources

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Check out the latest #companyprofile at #samsoinsights on Taiton Resources Limited. A quick insight of our projects and in my opinion, a few good reason that #T88 #Taiton should be a company on #investors #asxinvestors #shareholders DYOR list. Taiton is an active exploration company seeking to make a discovery in the #Highway project and the #ChallengerWest project in #SouthAustralia. A recent acquisition of the Kingsgate project in #NewSouthWales has allowed the company to have a pathway to production in the near future. Taiton is all about #molybdenum #gold and now potentially looking for IOCG targets, #Ree and #uranium. Recent #ASX announcement on the maiden exploration at the Challenger West project will give a new perspective of the #ChallengerGold district. https://lnkd.in/gxuK2wrv

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Recently McLanahan Corporation attended a mining conference in Sydney. Hosting school students on our booth during the IMARC conference provided a powerful platform to educate students about the industry's significance and potential career opportunities. Engaging with school children and fostering an understanding of the mining industry's role in today's world is vital for shaping the next generation of industry professionals and advocates. Importance of teaching the benefits of the Mining Industry in schools, cannot be overstated. Many young people are unaware of the critical role mining plays in everyday life. Mining provides the raw materials for renewable energy technologies, electronics, and infrastructure. By explaining how the industry is indispensable to societal advancement, students gain a broader appreciation of its value. The mining sector is at the forefront of adopting cleaner technologies, improving efficiency, and reducing environmental impacts. It is crucial to showcase how the industry is actively working toward reducing harmful emissions and contributing to a sustainable, zero-emission future. This counters outdated perceptions of mining as purely extractive and environmentally harmful. Mining offers diverse career opportunities, from engineering and geosciences to data analytics, environmental management, and business development. Engaging students early allows them to envision how their interests and skills can align with roles in this dynamic and innovative field. The mining industry is uniquely positioned to drive the transition to a zero-emission world. Critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements are essential for producing batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines. By educating students about these connections, we highlight how the industry supports renewable energy solutions and underscores its relevance in addressing climate change. In essence, efforts like McLanahan hosting of students are pivotal in shaping positive perceptions of mining and sparking interest in the industry’s transformative potential. By fostering an understanding of mining's contributions to sustainability and offering pathways for careers in the field, we invest in a future workforce that is informed, skilled, and motivated to make a difference. Cory Jenson Lee Hillyer Brad Anstess Craig Blythe Richard Williams Peter Bone

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Is Now the Right Time to Invest in Lithium? It certainly feels like a moment for contrarians (one of Rick Rule's fundamentals). However, I can’t help but remember how many felt this way last year, only to see things worsen. And I remember that many people felt the same way last year, and things only got worse. Goldman Sachs, is still pessimistic about lithium. And they’ve been near perfect on lithium market calls. Despite them being correct in back in May 2022, where they released a report warning that lithium prices would keep falling. They said, “We expect lithium prices to continue to correct for the rest of the year and remain under pressure from increasing supply over the next few years… fundamental mispricing [that] has in turn generated an outsized supply response well ahead of the demand trend.” Their forecast caused quite a stir among industry experts at the time but they were right. Lithium spot prices have dropped by 85%, which has led to a big crash in the sector. Now, lithium prices are only 15% away from Goldman’s predicted low point, with expectations of oversupply lasting until 2025 and 2026, and no supply shortage expected until 2030. So, is this the right time to invest in lithium, or should we still be cautious? I personally disagree and think we are at the bottom of the Lithium market with supply out of China and global mines being closed down and limited new supply coming on while demand still rises. But I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions! #Lithium #Contrarian #GoldmanSachs

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It is fantastic the Minister is building strong relationships with our strategic partners. As well as looking to Australia for critical minerals, the US is also absolutely desperate for our uranium; we could be a trusted supplier of uranium to the US; our closest strategic ally. Australia may or may not make the decision to build its own reactors. That’s an issue that the federal election will help clarify. But the rest of the world is certainly tripling down on its nuclear ambitions and needs huge amounts of uranium to fuel it. Uranium that we have. Lots of it. Just waiting to be exported. Now the US doesn’t yet technically designate uranium a critical mineral as they designate it an energy fuel. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t desperate for uranium supply from politically aligned nations. And it will be interesting to see if that classification changes in the near term as the Russian uranium ban comes into effect… We should act now to take up this exciting and profitable opportunity for Western Australia. And we would benefit by diversifying our economy too and ensuring our mining workforce maintains strong employment as other commodities such as nickel and iron ore have down times. Perhaps policy makers and union leaders should ask those workers whose jobs are under threat if they would prefer the uranium mining ban to continue or if they would be interested in working in the new growth industry to help deliver zero carbon energy to the world.

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It has been great to see this project move from the scoping stage, all the way through to commissioning. This project is a great example of how critical thinking and engaging with the right stakeholders can deliver a solid business outcome aswell as securing a sustainable future Well done to all those involved. What a success story

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IIf you’re not already bullish on copper, BHP's latest research report might change your mind. Their report highlights widely known facts, such as a projected 70% increase in demand by 2050 due to the energy transition, the growing adoption of electric vehicles, and advancements in renewable energy technologies. They also include in-depth insights specific to the copper industry that often go unnoticed but are quite bullish for the future of copper. Here are the top takeaways from BHP Insights: How Copper Will Shape Our Future: 1. $150 billion invested/yr, needs $250 billion “We estimate the total bill for all expansion capex from 2025-2034 to be around a quarter of a trillion US dollars (in 2024 real dollars). This represents a significant increase from the previous 10 years, where the total spend on copper projects was approximately US$150 billion. 2. EV and Data Center driving copper ““We anticipate the roll-out of EVs to lift the transport sector’s share of total copper demand from around 11% in 2021, to over 20% by 2040.” “We expect global electricity consumption for data centres to rise from around 2% of global demand today, to 9% by 2050, with copper demand in data centres increasing six-fold by 2050.” 3. Development Timeline 17 Years And Growing “[Lack of new supplies] is exacerbated by a slowing rate of discoveries and the relatively long average time from discovery to production (17 years in 2023), which is making it less likely that greenfield developments will be able to respond to the strong demand signals.”

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We're excited to start on our Coffee with Samso Insights journey! This is where we do a deep exploration of mineral exploration, the people behind it, the workings and key companies, projects and trends. Coffee with Samso Episode 198 is the first of our Insights Series, and Allan Kelly, Executive Chair of Miramar Resources Limited is here to share his passion about what he is doing and why he is spending money on the project. I consider Allan to be a true mineral explorationist. Listen to him and you can't help but be attracted by his sincerity, passion and enthusiasm as he shares insights on the projects in Miramar Resources Limited. Don't miss these highlights from Allan: 13:18 Is the Development of Geological Skills still a common trait? 15:27 What traits do you need to stay in the mineral exploration industry? 17:05 The Keys to be a Mineral Explorationist. 17:35 Don't be afraid to say you don't know something. 18:22 What is the core asset required to do well in the industry? 19:03 Need to have Endurance, the "Non-Technical Asset" - "Non-Geological Assets" 21:18 The Andy Well Story 23:29 The many reasons why a project may not be discovered. 24:30 How do you decide and manage which projects to leave behind? 29:56 The lack of Mineral Exploration and Mineral Discovery. 32:24 Does criticism ever affect you? 34:26 The Gidgee Project and The Paleochannel Problem. 35:11 Is it frustrating to be misunderstood about the Gidgee Project? 37:30 How do investors understand exploration results? 41:23 How to understand lack of mineralisation strike length. 42:31 What are Allan's thoughts on the Mineral Exploration sector? 43:49 Lack of patience from brokers. 45:03 Reasons why Allan is optimistic with Nickel and the Bangemall project. 🎧https://hubs.ly/Q02LPpwk0 #Samso #Investments #CoffeeWithSamso #RoosterTalk #SamsoInsights #NoelOng #MineralExploration #ASX #compellingASXstories #MiramarResourcesLimited #M2R #AllanKelly

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