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A Rock and A Hard Place

A Rock and A Hard Place

Mineral Choices

Welcome to A Rock and A Hard Place, a podcast brought to you by Mineral Choices. In each episode, Dr Saleem Ali and Thomas Hale speak to experts about the integral but too often hidden role of minerals in our modern world. From complex communications infrastructure to next-generation clean energy solutions, minerals are the key to unlocking a brighter and sustainable future. However, supplying enough minerals to meet the world’s ever-increasing demand is a significant challenge. Stuck with a choice between accelerating conventional mining activities and finding new alternative mineral resources, what is the global solution to this global problem?
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Top 10 A Rock and A Hard Place Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best A Rock and A Hard Place episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to A Rock and A Hard Place for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite A Rock and A Hard Place episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

A Rock and A Hard Place - Dr. Alex Speer Part 1

Dr. Alex Speer Part 1

A Rock and A Hard Place

In the first part of this conversation, our host Thomas Hale talks to Dr. Alex Speer about his journey into the world of minerals, the importance of minerology in our day-to-day lives, and the complex questions of selecting optimal mineral extraction techniques in different situations.
It should be noted that this episode was recorded before the recent invasion of Ukraine.
Follow us on Twitter:
@RHP_Pod

In the first part of this conversation, our host Thomas Hale talks to Dr. Alex Speer about his journey into the world of minerals, the importance of minerology in our day-to-day lives, and the complex questions of selecting optimal mineral extraction techniques in different situations.
It should be noted that this episode was recorded before the recent invasion of Ukraine.
Follow us on Twitter:
@RHP_Pod

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03/25/22 • 14 min

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A Rock and A Hard Place - Stakeholder & Indigenous Engagement in the Mining Sector

This week I am joined by Rob Karpati, Senior Advisor at The Blended Capital Group in Toronto, Canada. Rob is a pragmatic finance leader with thirty plus years of multinational experience, focusing his efforts in the last few years on responsible mining and the artisanal mining sector. In this first episode with Rob, we speak more broadly about stakeholder engagement which is a central component of sustainable development in the mining sector. Rob provides some insights and advice on what successful engagement looks like and how we can work together to turn potential conflict and differences into opportunities for collaboration and achieving our shared energy future. Rob also speaks about human security challenges in the mining sector, which seeks to highlight venerable and working communities who are integral to the mining process and the social license to operate. Finally, we end our discussion talking about indigenous communities and their proximity to many key mineral resources. Rob provides some insights on how we can ensure these communities receive the benefits they deserve and ensure an equitable outcome for the stewards of the land.

This week I am joined by Rob Karpati, Senior Advisor at The Blended Capital Group in Toronto, Canada. Rob is a pragmatic finance leader with thirty plus years of multinational experience, focusing his efforts in the last few years on responsible mining and the artisanal mining sector. In this first episode with Rob, we speak more broadly about stakeholder engagement which is a central component of sustainable development in the mining sector. Rob provides some insights and advice on what successful engagement looks like and how we can work together to turn potential conflict and differences into opportunities for collaboration and achieving our shared energy future. Rob also speaks about human security challenges in the mining sector, which seeks to highlight venerable and working communities who are integral to the mining process and the social license to operate. Finally, we end our discussion talking about indigenous communities and their proximity to many key mineral resources. Rob provides some insights on how we can ensure these communities receive the benefits they deserve and ensure an equitable outcome for the stewards of the land.

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06/08/23 • 23 min

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A Rock and A Hard Place - Challenges in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining

Join us for part 2 with Hugh Brown as we identify some of the common challenges in ASM he has observed throughout his travels. We also learn more about how his photography attempts to bring humanity to these important issues, rather than dismissing the reality of millions who depend on the sector to survive. Hugh also provides some commentary on the common ASM myths he often hears and tries to explain how the reality of these challenges are much more complex and difficult to address than simply removing our supply chains from these countries.

Join us for part 2 with Hugh Brown as we identify some of the common challenges in ASM he has observed throughout his travels. We also learn more about how his photography attempts to bring humanity to these important issues, rather than dismissing the reality of millions who depend on the sector to survive. Hugh also provides some commentary on the common ASM myths he often hears and tries to explain how the reality of these challenges are much more complex and difficult to address than simply removing our supply chains from these countries.

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05/12/23 • 15 min

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A Rock and A Hard Place - Geoscience Communication & Mineral Literacy

On this episode, I am joined by Courtney Onstad, a PhD candidate at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada, studying geoscience communication. Her research focuses on how science communication theory can inform geoscience communication practice, particularly in informal educational settings. Courtney first defines the concept of geoscience communication and how we can best implement it in a variety of academic, professional and public settings. We also discuss the importance of K-12 education and support when it comes to engaging in dialog about critical minerals and the energy transition. Without strong K-12 support, there will continue to be a gap in workforce development in the geoscience and mining field. Finally, Courtney discusses the difference between science communication and the gaps in literature between science communication and the world of geoscience. The clear take away? How scientists talk about their research and engage with both the public and policymakers is crucial when developing the future workforce and ensuring that critical mineral policy is well informed and promotes sustainable practices for the future.

On this episode, I am joined by Courtney Onstad, a PhD candidate at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada, studying geoscience communication. Her research focuses on how science communication theory can inform geoscience communication practice, particularly in informal educational settings. Courtney first defines the concept of geoscience communication and how we can best implement it in a variety of academic, professional and public settings. We also discuss the importance of K-12 education and support when it comes to engaging in dialog about critical minerals and the energy transition. Without strong K-12 support, there will continue to be a gap in workforce development in the geoscience and mining field. Finally, Courtney discusses the difference between science communication and the gaps in literature between science communication and the world of geoscience. The clear take away? How scientists talk about their research and engage with both the public and policymakers is crucial when developing the future workforce and ensuring that critical mineral policy is well informed and promotes sustainable practices for the future.

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03/31/23 • 22 min

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A Rock and A Hard Place - Gendered Impacts in Mining & Challenges for Women in ASM/LSM with Dr. Lynda Lawson

Join us for another conversation with Dr. Lynda Lawson, Senior Fellow at Queensland University’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI). In this episode, Dr. Lawson highlights the roles of women in ASM and the gendered impacts in both the LSM/ASM sectors. The role women play in mining across many of Dr. Lawson’s field locations are incredibly important, not just from sorting, processing, and mining, but also through rehabilitation to improve former mining sites. Dr. Lawson also highlights some of the serious challenges and unexpected opportunities of empowerment mining provides women. The gendered impacts in mining are important to highlight, especially when trying to formalize the ASM sector and improve ESG challenges in global mining communities. As stated in the first episode, it cannot be stressed enough how important it is that we do not vilify these communities, rather we must take serious action and care when speaking about these issues and the negative impacts our broader policies may have on populations dependent on mineral resource extraction. These are not easy conversations, but they are essential in developing a sustainable mining future.

Join us for another conversation with Dr. Lynda Lawson, Senior Fellow at Queensland University’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI). In this episode, Dr. Lawson highlights the roles of women in ASM and the gendered impacts in both the LSM/ASM sectors. The role women play in mining across many of Dr. Lawson’s field locations are incredibly important, not just from sorting, processing, and mining, but also through rehabilitation to improve former mining sites. Dr. Lawson also highlights some of the serious challenges and unexpected opportunities of empowerment mining provides women. The gendered impacts in mining are important to highlight, especially when trying to formalize the ASM sector and improve ESG challenges in global mining communities. As stated in the first episode, it cannot be stressed enough how important it is that we do not vilify these communities, rather we must take serious action and care when speaking about these issues and the negative impacts our broader policies may have on populations dependent on mineral resource extraction. These are not easy conversations, but they are essential in developing a sustainable mining future.

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03/24/23 • 16 min

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A Rock and A Hard Place - Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) and Formalization with Dr. Lynda Lawson

Join us for a timely discussion about the artisanal and small-scale mining sector with Dr. Lynda Lawson, Senior Fellow at Queensland University’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI). In this episode we provide a clear definition and description of artisanal mining, small-scale mining, and large-scale mining and the various environmental, social, and governance challenges behind them. Conversations in the news and public discourse have vilified the ASM sector, with photographs of children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo becoming talking points for politicians when discussing critical mineral supply. Dr. Lawson will point out the important role ASM plays in many communities across the globe and the negative effects that popular commentary have on efforts to improve and reform this sector. With millions of people employed by the sector, serious efforts have been made to formalize and find avenues to support local communities who are involved in local mining.

Join us for a timely discussion about the artisanal and small-scale mining sector with Dr. Lynda Lawson, Senior Fellow at Queensland University’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI). In this episode we provide a clear definition and description of artisanal mining, small-scale mining, and large-scale mining and the various environmental, social, and governance challenges behind them. Conversations in the news and public discourse have vilified the ASM sector, with photographs of children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo becoming talking points for politicians when discussing critical mineral supply. Dr. Lawson will point out the important role ASM plays in many communities across the globe and the negative effects that popular commentary have on efforts to improve and reform this sector. With millions of people employed by the sector, serious efforts have been made to formalize and find avenues to support local communities who are involved in local mining.

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03/17/23 • 21 min

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A Rock and A Hard Place - Mineral Security Education and Energy Communication with Anna Broughel

Join us for the second episode with Dr. Anna Broughel as we discuss the importance of not only educating future mining engineers but also international affairs students and political scientists about the mineral challenges facing society. We explore why it is essential that educational institutions in Washington D.C. teach about the mineral security nexus and the upstream challenges behind the energy transition. Anna also emphasizes the importance of energy communication, or the ability for energy economists and thought leaders to be able to traverse both the policy and technical aspects of their work. Finally, Anna concludes with some remarks and words of advice for future energy leaders and why CELI provides young professionals with a strong network to support their future career.

Join us for the second episode with Dr. Anna Broughel as we discuss the importance of not only educating future mining engineers but also international affairs students and political scientists about the mineral challenges facing society. We explore why it is essential that educational institutions in Washington D.C. teach about the mineral security nexus and the upstream challenges behind the energy transition. Anna also emphasizes the importance of energy communication, or the ability for energy economists and thought leaders to be able to traverse both the policy and technical aspects of their work. Finally, Anna concludes with some remarks and words of advice for future energy leaders and why CELI provides young professionals with a strong network to support their future career.

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03/10/23 • 13 min

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A Rock and A Hard Place - Energy Leadership & The Nexus of Energy Policy and Material Demands with Anna Broughel

Join myself and Dr. Anna Broughel, Director of Energy Leadership at Clean Energy Leadership Institute (CELI), VP of Communications at the U.S. Association of Energy Economics, and adjunct lecturer in energy economics at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University as we discuss the importance of energy leadership and the nexus of energy policy and material demands. It is essential that aspiring young professionals recognize that all of our energy policies have material demands which can be caught up in political, social, and economic obstacles. Achieving our lofty energy goals requires us to think upstream and recognize that many of these products start in the ground with minerals, which are the building blocks of our shared energy future.

Join myself and Dr. Anna Broughel, Director of Energy Leadership at Clean Energy Leadership Institute (CELI), VP of Communications at the U.S. Association of Energy Economics, and adjunct lecturer in energy economics at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University as we discuss the importance of energy leadership and the nexus of energy policy and material demands. It is essential that aspiring young professionals recognize that all of our energy policies have material demands which can be caught up in political, social, and economic obstacles. Achieving our lofty energy goals requires us to think upstream and recognize that many of these products start in the ground with minerals, which are the building blocks of our shared energy future.

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03/03/23 • 17 min

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A Rock and A Hard Place - Mineral Geopolitics & Quantifying Global Critical Mineral Supply with Simon Jowitt

In episode two of my conversation with Simon Jowitt, we explore the ongoing geopolitical challenges facing the extractive sector. Whether it is global pandemics, competition with China, human rights challenges, or political insecurity in key mining regions, supply chains are facing increased political attention. It is becoming increasingly difficult as a geologist and mining engineer to be fully isolated to larger political dynamics at play across the mining sector going into the future. Simon also talks about his recent research looking at quantifying global critical mineral supply and some of the gaps and key pieces of evidence his team found during the process.

In episode two of my conversation with Simon Jowitt, we explore the ongoing geopolitical challenges facing the extractive sector. Whether it is global pandemics, competition with China, human rights challenges, or political insecurity in key mining regions, supply chains are facing increased political attention. It is becoming increasingly difficult as a geologist and mining engineer to be fully isolated to larger political dynamics at play across the mining sector going into the future. Simon also talks about his recent research looking at quantifying global critical mineral supply and some of the gaps and key pieces of evidence his team found during the process.

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02/24/23 • 19 min

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A Rock and A Hard Place - Steve LeVine Part 2

Steve LeVine Part 2

A Rock and A Hard Place

Steve LeVine, editor of EV battery publication The Electric, continues his conversation with our host Thomas Hale. They address the need to educate the next generation about critical mineral security, the effect of the Ukraine invasion on global supply chains and the challenges of NIMBYism about mining in the USA.
Follow us on Twitter

Steve LeVine, editor of EV battery publication The Electric, continues his conversation with our host Thomas Hale. They address the need to educate the next generation about critical mineral security, the effect of the Ukraine invasion on global supply chains and the challenges of NIMBYism about mining in the USA.
Follow us on Twitter

play

04/29/22 • 13 min

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FAQ

How many episodes does A Rock and A Hard Place have?

A Rock and A Hard Place currently has 33 episodes available.

What topics does A Rock and A Hard Place cover?

The podcast is about Earth Sciences, Podcasts, Clean Energy, Science, Esg and Sustainability.

What is the most popular episode on A Rock and A Hard Place?

The episode title 'Gendered Impacts in Mining & Challenges for Women in ASM/LSM with Dr. Lynda Lawson' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on A Rock and A Hard Place?

The average episode length on A Rock and A Hard Place is 16 minutes.

How often are episodes of A Rock and A Hard Place released?

Episodes of A Rock and A Hard Place are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of A Rock and A Hard Place?

The first episode of A Rock and A Hard Place was released on Jan 14, 2022.

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