The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada’s (PDAC) Convention holds a prominent position within the mineral exploration and mining industry.
Once again, eResearch returns this year as a PDAC 2023 media partner.
The annual conference, which brings together mining executives, geologists, analysts, investors, students, and government officials, plans to offer hundreds of hours and more than 100 sessions of mining content.
Similar to previous years, the online event will be divided into different programs including Capital Markets, Corporate Presentations, Indigenous, Industry Presentations Investor Exchange, Keynote, Short Courses, Student, Sustainability, and Technical Sessions.
A summary of a Technical Session by Robert Friedland of Ivanhoe Mines, titled “Mining with a Greater Purpose – Tech Disruption Comes to the Rocks” is overviewed below.
Mining with a Greater Purpose – Tech Disruption Comes to the Rocks
In his speech, Robert Friedland, CEO of Ivanhoe Mines, delved into the realm of minerals, energy, and the profound impact of technological disruption on the mining industry.
He emphasized the need for sustainable practices, the significance of space exploration, and the pivotal role of technology in shaping the future of mining.
A Universe in Motion
Friedland commenced by challenging the traditional view of a stationary Earth-centered solar system, highlighting the dynamic nature of our planet’s movement within the vastness of the universe.
Drawing parallels between Earth’s trajectory and the helix patterns of DNA, he painted a picture of the remarkable speed and magnitude of the Cosmos.
The Paradox of Human Existence
Continuing his address, Friedland contemplated the paradoxical nature of human conflicts and territorial disputes in light of our shared existence on a small planet hurtling through space.
He referenced the extinction of dinosaurs as a reminder of the profound geological changes that have occurred within a relatively short span of time. Friedland encouraged the study of cosmology and geology to gain a deeper understanding of our planet’s history.
Space Exploration and Moon Landing
Transitioning to the realm of space exploration, Friedland lauded the visionary leadership of past American presidents and expressed concern over recent events in the United States.
He invoked John F. Kennedy’s inspirational speech that led to the iconic moon landing. Friedland highlighted the photograph “Earthrise,” capturing Earth’s fragile beauty suspended in space, and acknowledged the remarkable engineering achievements of the moon landing era.
The Audacity of Mining
Shifting focus to the mining industry, Friedland drew a parallel between mining and space exploration, emphasizing the audacity and difficulty inherent in both endeavors. While acknowledging the challenges involved, he underscored the critical importance of mining in meeting the world’s resource needs.
Environmental Concerns and Technological Breakthroughs
Discussing environmental concerns, Friedland presented compelling NASA data demonstrating a significant increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. He traced historical events and their correlation with rising global temperatures, emphasizing the need for a breakthrough in energy technology.
He introduced the concept of pulse power, outlining its potential applications in efficient material extraction, mineral exploration, and sustainable resource management.
Ivanhoe Mines’ Vision for the Future
Friedland highlighted Ivanhoe Mines’ commitment to sourcing and producing industrial metals for renewable energy projects and sustainable consumer products. He shared the company’s groundbreaking discoveries, such as rainwater reserves for food production and the integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence in their operations.
He also discussed joint ventures, disruptive battery technologies, and the urgent need for global energy transition.
The Challenges and Opportunities in Africa
Friedland underscored the importance of Africa’s vast mineral reserves and its young population. He expressed frustration with the treatment of African countries and emphasized the need for funding and support in developing mining projects.
He also highlighted Congo’s rise as a global mining powerhouse and called for a new transition that would address energy challenges effectively.
Ivanhoe Mines’ Extensive Mining Projects
Providing an overview of Ivanhoe Mines’ extensive mining projects, Friedland emphasized the importance of electricity in the industrial revolution while acknowledging the environmental challenges associated with its production. He stressed the need for technological disruption to achieve significant reductions in energy consumption during mining operations.
Leveraging Technology for Exploration
Friedland introduced Ivanhoe Electric, Ivanhoe Mines’ mining division focused on leveraging technology and a skilled team of explorers. He discussed their proprietary typhoon technology, which employs high-powered electrical currents for underground material detection.
Through advanced computational geosciences software, they create accurate 3D visualizations to optimize exploration drilling.
Sustainable Copper Extraction and Exploration
Friedland mentioned specific projects, such as the Santa Cruz deposit, where Ivanhoe Mines aims to extract copper efficiently and sustainably. He drew parallels between the Bingham Canyon mine and their Tenke project, emphasizing the global value of similar deposits. Additionally, Friedland emphasized the significance of advanced technology in exploring Arizona’s untapped copper mines.
Joint Venture and Mineral Exploration in Saudi Arabia
Friedland also announced a joint venture with the Saudi government, expressing enthusiasm for exploring the mineral-rich lands of Saudi Arabia. He highlighted the presence of valuable metals in the country and emphasized the importance of developing electric metals to support the green energy revolution.
Embracing Technological Advancements
Friedland emphasized the importance of technology in deep-earth exploration and the potential for an all-solar-powered mine. He discussed the impact of Canadian guidelines on investment in critical minerals and the complexities of global economic systems and tensions between countries.
Final Thoughts
Throughout his speech, Robert Friedland highlighted the intersection of minerals, energy, and technological disruption in shaping the future of mining. As the world continues to evolve, embracing sustainable practices, space exploration, and technological advancements will be paramount in addressing global challenges and achieving a greener and more resource-efficient future.
In his concluding remarks, Friedland stressed the need for increased capital in the junior mining sector and he emphasized the importance of understanding supply chains and the crucial role of metals in the energy transition.
Friedland also called for global cooperation to address pressing issues and avoid conflicts over resources.
