MineWarp

What exactly is a Fleet Management System, and why do so many mines still struggle to turn operational data into better decisions? In this episode of MineWarp, Empie Strydom is joined by Geraldo Dutra Neto, CEO of Easymine, and Danilo Ongaro, BVerified Value verification partner and experienced automation & industrial technology specialist from Brazil. Together they unpack the evolution of min...

Mining has always been a physical industry. When we want to test a new idea, we often install equipment, modify a process, and see what happens. But what if we could test those decisions before touching the operation? In this episode of MineWarp, Empie Strydom sits down with Michelle Ash, CEO of SIMULIA at Dassault Systèmes and one of the mining industry's most respected technology leaders. Mi...

Mining companies have never had more operational data — yet many mines still struggle with fragmented systems, reactive decision-making, and limited real-time visibility. In this episode of MineWarp, I speak with Jason van der Watt, CEO and Co-Founder of AVA Solutions about the evolution of Fleet Management Systems (FMS), operational intelligence, and what modern mining operations actually need fr...

Digital mining transformation starts with connectivity—and few understand this better than Dr. Jeannette McGill. From LTE networks in mines to summiting Mount Everest, this is a story of technology, leadership, and resilience. Jeannette’s career spans underground gold mines in South Africa, digital transformation roles in global mining companies, and the deployment of LTE networks enabling autonom...

In this episode of MineWarp, we explore one of the most extraordinary mining regions on Earth — the Talnakh ore cluster near Norilsk in the Russian Arctic. Our guest Andrei Gritesenko explains why these deposits are among the richest nickel-copper-platinum group metal resources ever discovered — and why that richness creates its own operational challenge. We discuss: The geology of the Siberian Tr...

Mechanical engineer turned global mining technology leader, David Dickson traces the journey from aerospace engineering to in dustrial automation and quantum research. We unpack:- OT/IT convergence- The future of autonomous decision layers- The physics behind quantum computing- Why metallurgy may be one of quantum’s first industrial use cases

In this episode of MineWarp, Empie Strydom speaks with Edward Murray, CEO of iGlobe, about how spatial data has evolved from maps and CAD into a core decision-making platform for modern mining. Edward shares his entrepreneurial journey, from early GIS and surveying work through building, selling, and rebuilding technology businesses, and explains why bespoke mining solutions eventually fail at sca...

In this episode of MineWarp, Gary Lane (President of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, SAIMM) unpacks what it takes to build and attract the skills and talent needed for a strong and resilient Southern African Mining industry. Drawing on decades of entrepreneurship and systems-thinking experience, he discusses the need for stewardship, governance and "making mining sexy...

In this episode of MineWarp, host Empie Strydom is joined by Corné Yzelle, Advisory Lead for Business Transformation & Operational Excellence at AMC Consultants, for a deep, practical discussion on what real mining transformation actually means. Moving beyond the usual narratives of digitalisation and technology adoption, the conversation explores delivering sustained, transformational value s...

In Part One of this conversation, Emilie Ditton unpacks why the journey toward a low-carbon mine is far more complex than simply electrifying equipment or adopting new technologies. Drawing on her experience working across mining, energy, and industrial environments at Schneider Electric, she explains how decarbonisation efforts are layered on top of already-strained business and operating models,...

“Before You Buy More Tech, Use What You Have”A disciplined operations-led view on mining digitalisation with Felipe de Brito Pereira, VP Operations at AngloGold Ashanti. Felipe discusses this and other interesting topics, including letting mining strategy lead technology selection, and his personal fitness regimen!

In this episode of MineWarp, Empie Strydom talks with Dr. Josh Goveia, Acting Manager for Tailing Storage and Water Dams at First Quantum Minerals, about what it really means to lead through learning. From his early days as an academic to taking on real-world engineering challenges in Zambia, Josh shares how the best leaders blend technical excellence with empathy, curiosity, and courage. He refle...

Few voices in South African mining carry more weight — or more candour — than Bernard Swanepoel, Outspoken Industry Leader from THINKspiration, #joburgindaba Chair, and ex CEO of Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited. This week on MineWarp, Bernard shares hard truths about mining’s relevance, leadership courage, and the trust deficit between industry, government and mining communities. What comes th...

In this episode of MineWarp, we sit down with Ahmed Kader, Operations Director at CrystalForge, to unpack how industrial AI is turning operational data into real-world decisions for mines and process plants. Most sites are drowning in sensor data — yet still struggle to connect the dots between systems, teams, and performance. Ahmed explains how CrystalForge’s platform bridges legacy systems with...

What does it take to optimize billion-dollar mining assets for the future? In this episode, Devin Askham, Global Business Director at Collaborit, shares his journey, Collaborit’s role in SAP-driven asset management, and why trust and visibility are at the heart of digital transformation in mining. #MineWarp #LetsTalkDigital #EAM

Paul Ehlers, CEO of DMS Mining Simulator reveals how gamification and the #Mineralverse are reshaping mining education and collaboration. Discover how simulation makes mining easier to learn - and harder to forget. #MineWarp #MiningInnovation #LetsTalkDigital #MiningGames

In this episode of the MineWarp Podcast, we dive into fleet management, adoption challenges, and Groundhog’s vision of becoming the brain behind the fully automated mine. Satish Penmetsa, CEO and co-founder of Groundhog, explains why mining’s digital race is shifting from hardware tracking to mining orchestration.

In this conversation, Johan Rademan, CEO of Harvinno Digital, Advanced Process Monitoring and Control experts, and GE Vernova Africa distributor, discusses the evolution of his company and the importance of focusing on value in the mining industry. He shares insights on the significance of monitoring and data management, the challenges of control loop performance management, advanced process contr...

In this episode of the MineWarp Podcast, Empie engages with Louis Strydom, Director of Growth and Development at Wärtsilä Energy, to discuss the evolving landscape of energy transition, digital transformation, and the challenges faced by developing markets. We explore the importance of flexibility and stability in energy systems, the need for a portfolio approach to innovation, and the environment...

In this episode of the MineWarp Podcast, we delve into the challenges and strategies of building trust in AI recommendations within the mining industry. Join us as we explore insights from Shaun Mitchell, CEO of MaxMine, on how gamification, explainable AI, and a focus on human collaboration are transforming scepticism into acceptance among miners. Discover how these innovative approaches are not...

Dive into profitable innovation with Tim Vorage, Operating Partner at 10-Ops. Tim shares how 10-Ops transforms opportunities into actionable operations using AI, Evil Digital Twins, and Inconvenient Truths. Key insights: Leveraging AI to identify and validate new business opportunities. Strategies for scaling innovation Tim’s practical advice is a must-hear for CEOs, marketers, and business develo...

Season 2 is here! In this episode of the MineWarp podcast, host Empie Strydom welcomes guests Eric Palmer and Alan Bye to discuss the critical role of Mining Equipment Technology and Services (METS) in the mining industry. They explore the challenges of innovation , investment , and the importance of understanding market fit for new technologies. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI i...

Adriaan Davidse, Director at Deloitte Canada, joins Empie and Jéan to discuss how mining business processes can be optimized for tomorrow’s challenges. They explore how better use of information drives smarter decisions, whether mining is falling behind other industries in digital transformation, and what steps can be taken to close the gap.

Cameron Stevens , a former physical therapist turned passionate health and safety advocate, explores how businesses can keep up with rapid digital trends without losing sight of the people they serve . In this episode, he unpacks how to align digital strategy with real-world safety outcomes and user needs—bridging the gap between tech innovation and human experience.

From high-speed trains to clean water supply, modern infrastructure depends on tunnels that are built faster, safer, and smarter. In this episode, we explore how digital decision support systems are transforming tunnelling by connecting people, machines, and workflows to boost productivity and safety on site. Our guests, Frederik Oberg and Hakan Bolsoy from Epiroc’s Mobilaris Tunneling Intelligenc...