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This episode of Responsible Raw Materials explores what happens when psychology meets geochemistry. Joining us is Dutch psychologist and behavioural scientist Prof. Geertje Schuitema whose career has spanned research into electric vehicle adoption, smart energy technologies, and, more recently, the societal challenges surrounding critical raw materials.
From tackling ‘range anxiety’ in the early days of electric vehicles to understanding why people need an override button on smart technologies, we explore how human behaviour shapes the adoption of new systems and infrastructure. But the conversation quickly turns to mining, public trust, and why the extractive industries often struggle to communicate effectively with society.
Drawing on insights from the Horizon Europe VECTOR project, we unpack what the public really thinks about mining and critical raw materials, why listening matters more than persuading, and how open conversations can help bridge the gap between industry and society. We also reflect on the 100 Perceptions of Raw Materials documentary and what happens when people are trusted to form their own opinions, without being pushed towards a particular conclusion.
This episode is a thoughtful discussion about responsibility, transparency, and what the mining sector can learn from psychology: that being responsible isn’t only about meeting regulations, it’s also about integrity, honesty, and connecting with ourselves.
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In this episode, Sarah Gordon speaks with sustainability expert John Howchin about the powerful role finance plays in shaping the future of mining and raw materials. With decades of experience working at the intersection of investment and sustainability, John reflects on how the real leverage for change lies not just with operators, but with the owners of capital.
From the early days of ESG and corporate accountability to today’s global investment landscape, the conversation explores how engagement, rather than divestment, has driven real progress, and why responsible capitalism must continue to evolve. John shares insights on stewardship, the rise of sustainability standards, and the challenge of translating high-level ambitions into practical action on the ground.
Looking ahead, they discuss the scale of the energy transition, the growing demand for new mines, and the complex realities of developing projects in community-sensitive areas. With a focus on data, transparency, and access to patient capital, this episode asks what it will take to build a mining system that is both responsible and viable in a rapidly changing world.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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In this episode, we sit down with Madhurii Sarkar Amoda, a leading voice in community development, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable mining practices in Nigeria.
From growing up in Lagos to navigating the cultural complexities of rural mining communities, Madhurii shares her remarkable journey into the mining sector and the lessons she’s learned building trust between corporations, governments, and host communities. She opens up about managing expectations, negotiating difficult stakeholder relationships, and why integrity and long-term social impact are essential for sustainable development.
With nearly a decade at Segilola Resources Operating Limited, Madhurii discusses the realities of community relations in the gold mining industry, the importance of ethical sourcing, and the urgent need for stronger rehabilitation and land-use policies in Nigeria’s mining sector.
This is a powerful conversation about leadership, cultural understanding, conflict resolution, and creating win-win partnerships that benefit both businesses and communities for generations to come.
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In this episode, we speak with Louise, an environmental and social leader in mining, about her journey from growing up in an Australian coal community to working across 50+ countries - and ultimately finding her place in the raw materials sector. Driven by a desire to create real-world impact, she shares why she moved from development and consultancy into operations, joining Thor Explorations as it grew into gold mining in Nigeria.
Louise discusses what responsible mining looks like in practice - from cutting emissions and making early sustainability decisions to building deep, lasting trust with local communities. She also reflects on the challenges of balancing commercial success with social and environmental responsibility, especially in regions where land holds deep cultural meaning.
Looking to the future, the conversation explores mine closure, community legacy, and how the industry must rethink extraction to create long-term value beyond the life of a mine.
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In this episode, Sarah Gordon speaks with Laura Mallabone, a chemical engineer turned risk and sustainability specialist, about the critical role of risk management in shaping responsible mining. From her early career in engineering and insurance to working within major mining companies, Laura shares how her perspective evolved - and why integrating risk across organisations remains one of the sector’s biggest challenges.
The conversation explores how decisions are really made in mining, and why risks are still too often treated in isolation rather than as interconnected systems. Laura highlights the importance of values-driven decision-making, trust, and transparency, arguing that sustainability is not just about recognising risks - but actively managing them in ways that shape long-term outcomes.
Together, they unpack complex topics including investor behaviour, the lasting lessons of major industry events, and the growing influence of “critical minerals” narratives. The discussion also dives into the realities of energy transitions, the role of coal and nuclear, and why context matters when defining what is truly “critical.”
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In this episode, Sarah Gordon speak with Josephine Weston about the future of mining, sustainability, and the energy transition.
Originally from Perth, Jo shares her journey into environmental engineering and discusses the growing importance of mine rehabilitation, cultural engagement, and collaborative decision-making across the mining sector.
We also explore the Capital Matters initiative - a program bringing together leaders from across the industry to tackle project inefficiencies, encourage open dialogue, and rethink how mining can evolve for a more sustainable future.
A fascinating conversation on innovation, responsible raw materials, and why the next 20 years will be critical for the industry.
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The Responsible Raw Materials podcast explores the systems, decisions, and people behind the materials that underpin modern life. Hosted by geologist and sustainability specialist Sarah Gordon, this series takes a deep dive into the complex, interconnected world of raw materials - spanning mining, recycling, agriculture, finance, policy, and community impact.
From the buildings we live in to the technologies driving the energy transition, raw materials are essential, yet often overlooked or discussed in isolation. This podcast aims to connect the dots, bringing together diverse voices from across the ecosystem to examine how decisions are made, how risks are understood, and how outcomes shape our world.
Through candid conversations with engineers, investors, policymakers, community leaders, and on-the-ground operators, the series explores not just successes, but also the challenges, trade-offs, and tensions inherent in the system. Topics range from responsible mining and investment dynamics to community impacts, risk management, and the material demands of a rapidly changing world.
Balancing technical insight with human stories, Responsible Raw Materials is not about simple answers - it’s about better questions, broader perspectives, and more informed conversations. Whether you work in the field or are simply curious, this podcast offers a space to learn, reflect, and engage with one of the most important and complex systems shaping our future.
