In the episode, we chat to Ricus Grimbeek, CEO of Trevali Mining Corp. A global zinc producer operating three revenue-generating mines focused on delivering sustainable shareholder value through transformative technology and ESG practices. Their property portfolio is focused and located in established mining jurisdictions of Canada, Burkina Faso, and Namibia
Ricus is a mine engineer by background with over 30 years of industry experience in South Africa, Australia, and Canada. He tells us how he is leading a team that is building the world’s most sustainable underground mining company.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS

It is possible to guarantee the safety of people who work within mining or live in mined areas.
If we don't aim for the stars we are never going to reach them. Challenging goals stretch us and improve the industry as a whole.
It is possible to protect the environment, while mining. For example, one of their mines gets 30% of its power from solar.
Mentoring and coaching are powerful tools everyone should be using. The difference between the two is discussed in the podcast.
Trevali plans to expand its mine by 86%.
Trevali has developed digital tools and a hybrid working approach that enables them to plan the work to the hour and drop production costs from $1 to 67cents.
Planning and scheduling enable you to get the most out of digital tools and the data it produces.
The mine life has already been extended to 12 years and with a JV they believe that can become 20 years.
Their Caribou, Canada multi-metal mine is using rapid oxidative leeching to treat ore and tailings and turn them into metal.
The initial results of oxidative leeching are good. The technique will result in the production of saleable gold.
Putting tailings underground shrinks the mine´s footprint and reduces water usage.
Creating a safe workspace where people can speak up and be themselves automatically creates an inclusive and diverse workforce.

BEST MOMENTS
‘I took the role…to create the most sustainable mining company. I know that is bold. But if you don't aim for the stars you will never reach them. ´
‘You can use AI to monitor high-risk areas and improve safety.’
‘You can´t bolt sustainability onto your business. It has to be at the core of how you design.’
 
EPISODE RESOURCES
LinkedIn Ricus Grimbeek: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/ricus-grimbeekWebsite: https://trevali.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trevaliTwitter: https://twitter.com/trevaliFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrevaliMining
 
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Email: rob@mining-international.org
Website: https://www.mining-international.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theminingpodcast/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast/videos
 
ABOUT THE HOST
Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community insight into people's experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics.
Rob is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specializing in all areas of mining across the globe from the first world to third world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our client's organizations in any mining discipline or level.
Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our