In this episode, Dale Sanderson shares his journey as a geologist, discussing the importance of exploration, mentorship, and team dynamics in the mining industry. He reflects on his experiences at St. Ives, the challenges of balancing exploration and production, and the critical role of data management in geological discoveries. Dale emphasizes the need for a strong team culture and the significance of asking the right questions to drive successful outcomes in geology. He also discusses his transition to mineralogy and the impact of understanding ore recovery on mining success.00:00Introduction to Discovery and Geology03:02Dale's Journey in Geology05:42The Role of Mentorship and Team Dynamics08:50The Importance of Exploration and Discovery11:42Investment in Science and Education15:04Balancing Exploration and Resource Management17:38Challenges in Discovery and Management Decisions20:52The Evolution of Targeting Strategies23:35The Role of Chance and Preparedness in Discovery26:55Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing in Geology29:42Conclusion and Reflections on Geology and Discovery35:28Exploration Breakthroughs and the Role of Risk38:50Fail Fast, Fail Forward: Learning from Exploration40:50Team Dynamics: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Collaboration43:41Data Management: The Backbone of Successful Exploration45:40Lessons from Multiple Discoveries: Evolving Strategies48:43The Unsung Heroes: Production Geologists and Their Impact50:37Questioning Assumptions: Insights from the Field56:48Cultural Value: Beyond Monetary Compensation01:02:07The Importance of Asking the Right Questions
--------
1:06:45
--------
1:06:45
Episode 9: Nick Tate Individual vs Team Discoveries
Our first video episode, if you'd like to watch on video search for The Discovery Files on youtube! https://youtu.be/bULDgcbhFzM In this conversation, Nick Tate shares his extensive experiences in mineral exploration and discovery, discussing the nuances of working solo versus in teams, the critical moments that lead to discoveries, and the challenges faced in transitioning from exploration to mining. He reflects on the importance of geology, the role of luck, and the complexities of the mining business, while emphasizing the joy of fieldwork and the thrill of making discoveries. 00:00Introduction and Exploration Challenges01:38Defining Discovery in Geology04:44The Pucam Discovery Journey09:51Epiphany Moments in Geology15:22The Transition from Exploration to Mining19:43The Importance of Geology in Discoveries29:17Navigating Financial Challenges in Mining31:07Opportunities in Stagnant Mining Assets32:12Starting a New Venture in Laos35:09Discovering New Geological Targets39:27Unexpected Assay Results44:16Navigating Joint Ventures and Legal Challenges46:54Lessons Learned from Exploration Experiences50:31The Joy of Field Exploration01:02:14Understanding the Realities of Mining Discoveries
--------
1:05:45
--------
1:05:45
Episode 8: Invincible Part 5 Aaron Megas
Aaron Megas shares his journey from a graduate geologist at Gold Fields to becoming a principal geologist, highlighting the excitement and challenges of working in exploration. He reflects on the importance of graduate programs, team dynamics, and leadership in successful discoveries, particularly the Invincible project. Aaron discusses the pressures of the industry, the value of diverse experiences, and the need for effective communication within teams. He also emphasizes the future challenges in geology, particularly in talent acquisition, and offers insights on how to build strong teams and foster a supportive work environment.00:00Introduction and Early Career Insights02:32Transition from Production to Exploration04:57The Impact of Graduate Programs07:49Team Dynamics and Leadership10:40Experiences in the Field13:55The Importance of Diverse Backgrounds16:20Pressure and Expectations in Exploration18:55Reflections on the Invincible Discovery22:10Looking Back: Lessons Learned26:46Reflections on Career Lessons29:31The Importance of Team Dynamics35:00Building Effective Teams41:55Challenges in the Geology Field43:45Applying Past Experiences to Future Endeavors
--------
49:47
--------
49:47
Episode 7: Andover Part 1 Paul Smith
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
--------
1:06:48
--------
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
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.
![Podcast Cosmosis [Formerly The UFO Rabbit Hole]](https://au.radio.net/podcast-images/175/the-ufo-rabbit-hole-podcast.jpeg?version=1f2b23f02d1f5bfc0ff824ee0bb6758f)
Australia