On The Rocks

What if the solution to the global copper shortage has been right under our noses for billions of years? In this episode of On the Rocks Masterclass, we explore the fascinating world of biomining with Liz Dennett, Founder & CEO of Endolith, who's harnessing Earth's oldest miners – microbes – to revolutionize copper extraction.Liz's journey from NASA astrobiology research to founding a biotech mining company is as unique as her approach to solving one of mining's biggest challenges. With copper demand soaring for electrification and renewables, traditional mining methods are struggling to keep up. Enter biological intelligence: AI-optimized microbes that can extract more copper from low-grade ore than conventional methods ever could.In this masterclass, Liz breaks down the science behind biomining, explains how AI fine-tunes microbial performance in real-time, and shares insights from pilot deployments with major mining companies like BHP and Rio Tinto. We explore how this approach works within existing heap leach infrastructure, requires no toxic chemicals, and could turn mining waste into valuable resource streams.Whether you're curious about the intersection of biology and mining, interested in sustainable extraction methods, or wondering how microbes could solve supply chain challenges, this conversation offers a glimpse into mining's microscopic revolution.

What if we could take the guesswork out of mineral exploration? In this episode of On the Rocks Masterclass, we dive deep into how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way we discover and evaluate mineral deposits with John Mern, CEO & Co-Founder of TerraAI, and Luke Ren, Chief of Staff.This masterclass offers practical insights for exploration teams, investors, and anyone interested in how technology is transforming one of mining's most challenging and expensive activities. Whether you're skeptical about AI in exploration or looking to understand what's actually possible, this conversation breaks down complex concepts into actionable insights.Tune in to learn how uncertainty in exploration is being transformed from a necessary evil into a manageable, data-driven challenge.

In this masterclass episode of On the Rocks, Emily King sits down with Anastasia Kuskova, CEO and founder of beSirius, to explore how mining companies can transform sustainability from compliance paperwork to strategic advantage. Drawing from her experience as a former sustainability officer at a multibillion-dollar metal producer, Anastasia breaks down the fundamental challenges in sustainability reporting, the connection between ESG performance and financial results, and how AI-powered tools are creating unprecedented efficiency. Learn how sustainability teams can become revenue generators by understanding stakeholder needs, securing green premiums, and leveraging technology to reduce reporting burdens. This episode offers practical advice for mining professionals looking to move beyond bureaucratic reporting and create real business value through sustainability intelligence. Whether you're a sustainability officer, mining executive, or investor interested in the future of ESG in mining, this masterclass provides actionable insights for navigating the complex landscape of sustainability reporting and turning data into strategic advantage.

In this masterclass episode of On the Rocks, host Emily King sits down with Samuel Siebenaler, co-founder and CEO of Precision Mineral Accounting, to demystify the complex world of mining royalties. With 20 years of industry experience, including a decade overseeing royalty accounting at Newmont Mining, Sam breaks down what royalties actually are, how they differ from streaming deals, and the critical contract elements that impact payments. From commingling issues to auditing challenges, this episode offers invaluable insights for both royalty holders and mining professionals. Sam shares real-world examples of payment discrepancies, explains the nuances of royalty agreements, and discusses how increasing transparency could transform industry trust. Whether you're a landowner with a royalty, an investor considering royalty structures, or a mining professional navigating payment obligations, this conversation provides essential knowledge for understanding how value is distributed in the mining world.

In this special live episode recorded at the Women in Mining USA 2025 annual event in San Antonio, host Emily King sits down with Ashley Zumwalt-Forbes, a pioneering engineer and investor who has helped deploy over $6 billion in private capital into America's battery supply chain. Ashley shares insider perspectives from her time as US Deputy Director for Batteries and Critical Minerals, discussing the challenging realities of competing with non-market actors like China in critical mineral markets. The conversation explores policy mechanisms to establish secure Western supply chains, including price floors and midstream processing development, while offering valuable insights for women looking to capitalize on opportunities in this rapidly evolving sector. Join us for this candid discussion that moves beyond industry echo chambers to address the practical solutions needed to secure America's mineral future.