Episode Details

In today’s podcast we interview Ricus Grimbeek, President and CEO at Trevali Mining Corporation, a base metals company with four mines in Peru, Canada, Namibia and Burkina Faso. 

Ricus is an experienced mining executive with nearly 30 years experience in the resource sector working in Australia, South Africa and Canada during his career. During this interview we chat how Trevali Mining is developing as a company and whats happening in the zinc market with the price of zinc decreasing. We also cover how technology is playing its part in the company and the realities of climate change on the industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Ricus began as a coal miner before breaking away to study mining in South Africa. He also spent a few years in corporate functions. This varied background has given him a rare insight into the many facets of the mining industry.
• Safety, health and sustainability are of paramount importance to Ricus and Trevali. In his opinion, safety should be guaranteed for all employees and the communities in 3which they operate.
• Ricus recommends a full practical knowledge of the mining business from the ground up, to anyone who wishes to enter the industry, including aspiring executives.
• The best advice Ricus offers to those wishing to jump from operations to corporate, is not to do it too early. Not only will the personal upheaval be too much, but it’s good to get as much on-the-job knowledge as possible.
• Trevali is one of the top zinc producers in the world. Ricus classifies this as one of the greenest metals, and one that will be more important in the future.
• Climate change has had long and short term impacts around the world. Places that are seeing water supply under threat are no longer as attractive to the industry, as it is such a key component in operations.
• Mining needs to lead by example, and show that good can come from their operations, whereas public perception may lead many to believe that it is environmentally detrimental. Processes such as underground mining can be beneficial.

.BEST MOMENTS

‘From a young age I’ve been passionate about sustainability’

‘You can’t tell governments and communities what to do. You have to be really good at listening’

‘Don’t progress too early in your career’

‘We’re not starting from ground zero’

‘As an industry we need to take a step back’

‘I’m very excited about what’s possible'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Dig Deep – The Mining Podcast on iTunes

Ricus Grimbeek LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricus-grimbeek-41a916b/?originalSubdomain=ca

Ricus is going to be speaking at the upcoming Mines and Money Conference from 25th -27th November and as Dig Deep The Mining Podcast is a partner to this event, then as a subscriber, you can take advantage of 25% discount by using the code DIG25 at check out.

Mines and Money London is the world’s largest mining and investment show, bringing together over 2000 mining and investment professionals. With ever more volatility in the markets, M&M London is looking at a record year’s attendance. Evidenced by their headline attendees and speakers including Robert Friedland, and Black Rock's Evy Hambro. 

If you are interested in attending this year's event, with over 150 exhibiting mining companies, 600+ investors, leading tech contributors and expert facilitators, then take advantage of 25% discount by using code DIG25 at check out. Book your tickets now and hope to see you there.

London Mines And Money - https://london.minesandmoney.com

ABOUT THE HOST

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