Episode Details

The path to be successful in the mining industry is not the same for everyone. As long as you’re motivated to realize your visions, then it doesn’t matter what path you take.

Our guest for today, Lester Kemp, might stop your doubts and inspire you. Lester Kemp is a mining entrepreneur who manages various mining companies (Arabian Nubian Resources, Gigawatt Metals Limited, etc.) He is also the host of The Bush Geologist on YouTube.

This episode of “Dig Deep” The Mining podcast is for anyone that wants to expand their mind and look at the bigger picture, not necessarily going down the traditional route of working for the large mining companies or consultancies. Lester shares his personal and career experiences from the time he started his first rock collection when he was a child to leading some mining companies. He also describes the different mining cultures in the countries he’s been. If you’re like Lester who enjoys practising his profession and at the same time, exploring the world, start tuning in since he gives great tips to make working overseas worthwhile.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• What attracted you to the mining industry? Lester migrated across the world when he was young because of his dad. His dad was an engineer and wherever his dad goes, Lester and his mother follow. One time, in a jewellery store in Brazil, while his dad was buying his mother rings, young Lester snooped around the shop and got enthralled how the jeweller make the rings. That immediately sparked an interest which made him start his rock collection and eventually study geology.
• Lester describes how different are the mining cultures of the countries he's been on in South America, Africa, and Europe. Challenges on the site are way more apparent in the third-world countries. Sometimes, you got to do tasks that are outside of your responsibilities. Communicating can be a bit difficult but what excites Lester is the new things he can learn every time.
• Lester's advice to who wants to be expats: "Do your research. Speak to friends. Develop a network and ask questions. If you want to do it, do it. Push hard for it. It might be quite daunting going away from home for a while. You'll miss friends and family, but you'll be looked after, you'll enjoy yourself, and you'll wish you would've done it before."
• Lester also gives advice to people who want to be an entrepreneur in the mining industry. He says to be creative and be aware of what's going on in the markets. Research and create pitches that will raise funds. Develop a network and get great advice from the experts in the mining industry.

BEST MOMENTS

• "You've got to adapt and understand the level of cultures... You should immerse yourself into things."
• "For any young budding entrepreneur, don't be shy, go on LinkedIn, try to establish connections, see those connections and what experience they have, and talk to them. Try and get mentors in different sectors of the mining industry."
• "I like travelling. I like going out and visiting the different parts of the world... I love the idea of discoveries. Not every geologist is lucky enough to make discoveries but it's the thing that attracts me. It's a great sect and business to be in."
• "Don't be afraid to ask. If you run up against a problem, ask around. there's always someone who's experienced the same thing as you... That comes down to networking. Just develop your network as much as you can."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

• Gigawatt Metals
• Century Cobalt
• Charge Metals
• Arabian Nubian Resources
• The Bush Geologist Youtube Channel

ABOUT THE HOST

Rob Tyson is an esta