Deep Dives with DPI

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Jun 2026

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What does the minerals extraction industry look like in the future, and how can we ensure that the entire value chain is part of a sustainable transition? These are some of the tough questions we ask in the Deep Dives with DPI podcast, hosted by DPI Executive Director Florence Drummond. As society's expectations of the minerals sector rise against the backdrop of a complicated and unpredictable operating environment, the industry must live up to its commitments. The Development Partner Institute (DPI) was formed in 2017 to realise the vision set out in the Development Partner Framework for an industry that fosters: 🤝 Shared Purpose 🌱 Flourishing Ecosystems 🌍 Competitive Communities, Companies and Countries In the Deep Dives with DPI podcast, Florence will sit down with key members of our network, board and Partner companies to share catalysing conversations that go beyond the surface. We'll unravel the complexities of sustainability, mining and the energy transition, corporate social responsibility and how communities and the value chain can benefit from mining activities across the globe, using the Development Partner Framework as a lens. Our mission is to propel the minerals extraction industry into a sustainable future, and we believe in fostering genuine global conversations that move the needle. Subscribe to Deep Dives with DPI today and be part of the movement that's propelling the minerals extraction industry towards a thriving future.

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19 recent

June 2, 2026Episode 552 min

Mining Demand, Innovation & Circular Economy with Kwasi Ampofo

In this episode of Voices of Transformation, DPI Executive Director Florence Drummond speaks with Kwasi Ampofo, a mining engineer and Head of Mining and Metals at BloombergNEF. For seven years, Kwasi has helped clients understand what the energy transition means for mining supply, demand, and investment decisions, bringing both mining expertise and data-driven analysis to the global commodities challenge. Tune in to understand: The three external pressures reshaping mining How mining companies solve problems by scaling, not by innovating at the fundamental level - shown by the cobalt demand curve Why education and perception matter more than mining admits - demonstrated by mining engineer graduates in Australia The transformational economic impact mining can deliver - from artisanal to large-scale lever, delivering value that reaches communities, not just corporations. Throughout the conversation, Kwasi emphasizes that mining is everyone's responsibility. If you consume metal products, you own an ore body sitting in drawers, garages, and landfills. The industry recovered only 3.5 percent of copper stock in use through recycling. Moving from a mining company to a material company model depends on consumers becoming suppliers in a closed loop system.

May 6, 2026Episode 422 min

Designing Regional Prosperity through Systems Innovation with Doris Hiam-Galvez

In this episode of Voices of Transformation, DPI Executive Director Florence Drummond speaks with Doris Hiam-Galvez, a system thinker who created the design sustainable prosperity method. With over three decades transforming organizations globally, Doris works at the regional system level to help resource-driven economies evolve past boom and bust cycles into resilient regenerative economic systems. Tune in to understand: Why urgency is real and gradual change is no longer an option. Where innovation is most needed: upstream design and initial conditions for success, integration of projects within regional economic and social ecosystems, and decision intelligence using data and systems models to reduce opinion-driven bias in evaluating projects and risks The critical leadership capabilities for navigating complexity: systemic awareness that sees beyond quarterly results, the ability to operate across multiple time horizons, and creating space where people feel safe to take risks and reach their full potential How regional economic development functions as risk mitigation. Why infusing the love of science without pushing recruitment would change mining's image permanently.

April 8, 2026Episode 321 min

Systems Thinking and Innovation with Jon Stanton

In this episode of Voices of Transformation, DPI Executive Director Florence Drummond speaks with Jon Stanton, Chief Executive of the Weir Group. As a global technology provider serving almost all major mines worldwide, Weir brings a unique vantage point on transformation across the mining industry. Tune in to understand: Why different stakeholder groups are at different stages of transformation—and what that means for collective progress. How innovation extends far beyond technology into regulation, capital efficiency, and stakeholder collaboration. Water consumption as a critical, granular challenge requiring system-wide solutions. The "great tsunami" of retiring talent leaving the industry, combined with urgent needs for data scientists, software engineers, and mining engineers. Why mining needs to be braver about its purpose. Throughout the conversation, Jon emphasizes that awareness exists across stakeholder groups, but progress requires getting granular. Leaders need to tackle specific challenges, build system-wide thinking, embrace uncertainty and risk, and figure out how to collaborate on connected solutions rather than working in isolated silos.

March 4, 2026Episode 233 min

Creating Mining's Future Workforce - Lessons from Ecuador with Iliana Rodriguez

In this episode of Voices of Transformation, DPI Executive Director Florence Drummond speaks with Iliana Rodriguez, President of Women in Mining Ecuador and former VP of Human Resources at Lundin Gold. Drawing from decades of experience across South America, North America, the Middle East, and Africa, Iliana offers critical insights into building mining's talent pipeline in a country new to large-scale mining. Tune in to understand: Why high school students in Ecuador's mining regions aren't choosing mining careers—and what this reveals about communication failures across the industry The difference between listening to be present and listening with the purpose of understanding, and why that distinction matters for long-term community relationships How Ecuador's first indigenous woman mining engineer is changing conversations by speaking both the technical language of mining and the cultural language of her community Why Women in Mining networks have evolved from addressing particular regional needs to forming a global movement of horizontal leadership and shared learning The importance of early regional investment—like building a community museum before the mine reaches peak production—to demonstrate respect for culture, history, and local identity How transformation requires leaders to get close to where conversations actually happen, break down silos, and continuously retrain themselves rather than relying on outdated business models

February 11, 2026Episode 132 min

Building Mining Projects from Day One - Lessons in Innovation and Community with Allison Coppel

In the first episode of Voices of Transformation, DPI Executive Director Florence Drummond sits down with Allison Coppel, CEO of Pacha Associates and co-founder of Maven Exploration. Allison shares her unique perspective spanning consulting work, a women-founded exploration startup, and direct experience advising projects across the mining value chain. Tune in to learn about: The shift in the US mining sector toward proactive social performance, moving beyond legal and permitting frameworks to build genuine long-term community relationships Maven Exploration's innovative model that considers land, people, and natural resources holistically from day one—before deciding whether a mineral deposit should even be developed into a business Why the most challenging stakeholders are often inside the company, and how organizational culture directly affects the ability to build strong external relationships The power of values-based leadership under pressure, and why defining company values isn't just "flowery language" but the foundation for navigating complex stakeholder relationships How Gen Z is reshaping mining's narrative through authentic digital presence—and what established leaders can learn from mentoring the next generation

June 24, 2025Episode 1329 min

E13: Youth Leadership in Mining's Future with Makomborero Carl Muropa

In this inspiring episode of Deep Dives with DPI, we explore the vital role of youth voices in shaping mining's future through conversation with Makomborero Carl Muropa, business and human rights lawyer and ambassador for DPI's Youth Salon. Drawing from his extensive experience across South and East Africa, Mako offers compelling insights into how young people can become authentic change agents in the mining sector. Tune in to understand more about: Shared Purpose through Youth Engagement: How mining companies can create meaningful opportunities for young people through capacity building, youth-owned supply chains, and authentic community partnerships that cascade economic benefits beyond traditional employment Flourishing Ecosystems in Evolution: The dynamic nature of ecosystems around mining operations, and how conscious development can create new models of harmony between existing communities and incoming mining operations, rather than disruption Development Partnerships that Recognize Value: The critical importance of tripartite partnerships between governments, mining entities, and communities—with special emphasis on recognizing indigenous peoples as custodians of land and young people as key contributors rather than obstacles

May 21, 2025Episode 1223 min

E12: Climate Innovation and Partnership with ARCA's Sean Lowrie

In this enlightening episode of Deep Dives with DPI, we welcome Sean Lowrie, Head of External Affairs for ARCA, one of DPI's associate members. Sean shares insights from his 30-year career in international development and his current work with ARCA, a climate technology company pioneering innovative ways to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Tune in to understand more about: How ARCA is developing technology that can turn carbon dioxide into rock using mining waste materials, creating a potential multi-billion dollar opportunity for the mining industry The importance of building relationships with host communities and traditional owners before defining projects Why experimentation is crucial for balancing urgent climate action with responsible risk management The power of multi-stakeholder collaboration in creating shared value and overcoming challenges in the minerals value chain

February 11, 2025Episode 1117 min

Mining's Forever Impact - Indigenous Perspectives with Mark Podlasly

In this powerful episode of Deep Dives with DPI, we sit down with Mark Podlasly, Chief Sustainability Officer at the First Nations Major Projects Coalition and DPI Board Director. Drawing from his experience growing up near Canada's largest open pit copper mine on Nlaka'pamux Nation territory, Mark offers unique insights into mining's relationship with Indigenous communities and its critical role in the energy transition. Tune in to understand more about: The evolving dynamics between mining companies and Indigenous communities, driven by increased investor scrutiny and climate change imperatives The importance of creating lasting benefits for communities that host mining operations "forever" The critical need to incorporate Indigenous knowledge and participation from project inception through closure DPI drives collective impact for sustainable development.

January 15, 2025Episode 1020 min

E10: Innovation in Action - From Concept to Reality with Grace Akinyi

In this inspiring episode of Deep Dives with DPI, we catch up with Grace Akinyi, CEO of Women in Mining Kenya and winner of the 2024 Mining Innovation & Research Battlefield. Grace shares her journey from ideation to implementation of her groundbreaking bio-glove project, designed to protect women working with mercury in artisanal gold processing. Listen to Grace and Florence discuss: The development of a bacterial cellulose-based protective glove that offers both immediate mercury protection and long-term safety applications The challenges and triumphs of transforming a laboratory concept into a practical solution for mining communities The ripple effects of innovation success, from inspiring other scientists to creating new mentorship opportunities The conversation provides a unique glimpse into the process of developing mining innovations in challenging environments, while highlighting the importance of community engagement and collaborative research.

December 3, 2024Episode 928 min

E9: Building Bridges - Mining's Transformative Power with Ana Gabriela Juarez

In this enlightening episode of Deep Dives with DPI, we sit down with Ana Gabriela Juarez, DPI's newest non-executive director and President of Canadian Operations at CTA Environmental Consultants. With over two decades of experience in the global mining sector, Ana shares her unique perspective as both a "miner at heart and advocate by purpose," drawing from her experiences in Guatemala and across the Americas. Ana emphasizes the transformative potential of responsible mining, sharing compelling examples of successful projects that have positively impacted communities.