A Rock and A Hard Place

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.

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 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 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.

In Part 2, our host, Thomas Hale continues his conversation with Dr Anderson. This week the discussion moves on to universities, the courses they are having to offer to entice a new type of student and what options they have when they move into the world of work in mining.