In this conversation, Paul Smith shares his journey in the mining industry, focusing on the Andover Discovery and the transition from nickel to lithium exploration. He discusses the challenges faced during the exploration process, the importance of team dynamics, and the pressures that come with making significant discoveries. Paul reflects on the relationships built throughout the journey and emphasizes that successful discoveries are rarely the result of one individual, but rather a collaborative effort of a dedicated team.00:00Introduction to the Andover Discovery02:49Paul's Journey in Geology05:44Transition from Nickel to Lithium Exploration08:31Discovering Pegmatites and Mineralization11:25The Role of Team Dynamics in Exploration14:20Securing Funding and Partnerships17:12Scaling the Exploration Team20:10Challenges and Strategies in Team Management23:08Creating a Culture of Curiosity26:22The Importance of Field Experience29:07Final Thoughts on Exploration Success40:10Navigating Stress and Support During Discovery43:02The Pressure of Delivering Results48:38Managing Complexities and Team Dynamics51:40Reflections on Past Experiences and Future Aspirations59:24The Importance of Teamwork in Discovery01:05:25The Myth of the Solo Discoverer
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1:06:48
Episode 6: Invincible Part 4 Julian Woodcock Part 2 of 2
In this conversation, Julian Woodcock shares insights from his extensive career in geology, focusing on the importance of connections, the challenges of people management, and the dynamics of team interactions. He discusses the necessity of adapting management styles throughout the life cycle of projects, emphasizing risk management and decision-making processes in mining. Julian reflects on the lessons learned from his experiences, particularly the significance of being risk tolerant and the value of having the right people in the right roles to drive success in exploration and production.00:00Navigating Challenges in Resource Management02:01People Management and Team Dynamics06:47Balancing Strong Personalities in Teams11:38Risk Management and Decision Making15:54Navigating Risk Tolerance in Mining Projects18:58The Importance of Management Decisions22:52Lessons from Remote Mining Experiences25:08Reflections on Discovery and Production28:48The Impact of Team Dynamics on Success33:21The Role of Decision-Making in Mining37:23The Future of Exploration and Resource Management
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40:57
Episode 5: Invincible Part 4 Julian Woodcock Part 1 of 2
In this conversation, Julian Woodcock shares his journey as a geologist, discussing how connections and opportunities shaped his career. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement and social license in mining, as well as the necessity of having a structured process for exploration. Julian reflects on team dynamics, leadership, and the balance between risk and reward in exploration. He also highlights the evolution of exploration techniques and the significance of resource management and logistics in mining operations. Ultimately, Julian's experiences illustrate the complexities and challenges of the geology field, underscoring the importance of adaptability and collaboration.00:00Journey to Goldfields: Accidental Immigrant07:03Exploration Challenges and Logistical Triumphs10:07Community Engagement and Environmental Awareness13:09The Importance of Process in Exploration16:00Team Dynamics and Organizational Structure18:51Drilling Strategies and Target Testing22:00Success and Effectiveness in Exploration34:02Managing Exploration Teams Effectively39:05Excitement in Project Phases43:57Navigating Challenges in Resource Management
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47:52
Episode 4: Invincible Part 3 Mark Roux
In this conversation, Mark Roux shares his experiences and insights from his journey in resource geology, particularly focusing on the Invincible project. He discusses the personal growth he experienced, the pressures faced during exploration, and the importance of collaboration and communication within teams. Mark emphasizes the need for economic evaluations in decision-making and the value of learning from failures. He also offers advice for young geologists, encouraging them to embrace learning, be brave in their decisions, and not be too hard on themselves.00:00Exploring the Human Side of Discovery00:09The Invincible Discovery Journey02:47Economic Considerations in Exploration05:35Collaboration and Communication in Geology08:44Lessons from Past Discoveries11:26The Balance of Perseverance and Realism15:04Resuscitating Mining Operations17:35Personal Growth and Professional Development20:51Collaboration and Team Dynamics23:31Navigating Challenges in Resource Estimation26:18Imposter Syndrome and Self-Reflection29:27Learning from Successes and Failures32:31Understanding Geological Concepts35:12Mining Strategies for Extensional Veins39:43Understanding Resource Management Risks41:01Effective Communication in Mining43:55Advice for Young Geologists51:10Building Relationships and Collaboration
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Episode 3: Invincible Part 2 Steve Radford
This conversation with Steve Radford delves into the experiences and challenges faced by the geological services team during the Invincible drilling project, highlighting the importance of team dynamics, logistics, and the impact of age and experience in the workforce. It emphasizes the need for effective communication, quality control, and the balance between perfection and practicality in geological work. The discussion also touches on the significance of training, development culture, and the role of management in fostering a positive team environment.00:00Introduction to the Invincible Discovery02:46Challenges of Drilling on the Salt Lake05:42Team Dynamics and Motivation08:30Experience and Age in the Workforce11:35Learning from Experience and Mentorship14:26Adapting to New Technologies17:27Managing Logistics and Sample Quality20:16The Importance of Relationships in Geology23:37Conclusion and Key Takeaways30:29Segregation vs. Integration in Geology Teams38:57Building Team Culture Organically45:07The Art of People Management52:10Performance Under Pressure: The St. Ives Experience
What really makes a discovery?This isn’t another podcast about the next big deposit or the person who “called it.” This is a journey into the human side of discovery—the stories behind the core sheds, drill pads, and field maps. We talk to the people who make exploration work: core loggers, drillers, project geologists, senior geos, and everyone in between.Through honest, unfiltered conversations, we explore the emotions, lessons, failures, team dynamics, and quiet wins that rarely make it into the headlines. We ask: what does a truly successful exploration team look like? How much of discovery is science, and how much is intuition, collaboration, or even chaos?If you’ve ever wondered whether our industry really understands what drives discovery—or if we’re missing the bigger picture—this podcast is for you.Real people. Real stories. Real discovery.
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