What is Evolve Mining’s business model, and what is your relationship with AMC?

Evolve is responsible for the finding of the right mining adventures, then to evaluate and unlock the mining opportunity through the geology, strategic and NPV optimization, innovative mine planning and designing the mining method as well as the process plant. AMC then implements the mine plan and runs the plant and guarantees the cost per tonne. There are essentially two vastly different market segments sections to our business in Evolve Mining, first is our services to new miners, who consist of juniors and artisanal miners typically in the gold sector. The second market segment is helping to start or restart larger mines predominantly in bulk commodities like iron ore and manganese.

We have formed strategic partnerships with Whittle Consulting (Strategic - NPV optimization), Benzu Minerals (Geology), ZN Geo Services (EMP’s). We jointly conduct the integrated strategic planning and mine design in collaboration with Whittle Consulting. They perform a holistic study of the mine using a unique optimizing model known to improve the pit design, grinding and processing plants and logistics (with the bulk commodities) to the end customer – ultimately with the aim of improving the NPV of the mining asset. With the combination of our combined expertise, the result is an efficient mine design with a low cost per tonne, guaranteed by AMC that produces a fantastic NPV for investors.

How did you maintain business continuity during the pandemic?

Last year, we were working on an iron mine during the lockdown. We could not access the mine physically due to the closure of borders. So we had to get creative, and we liaised with our teams in South Africa, Indonesia, Australia and the US to conduct the mine inspection virtually using drones. A 3D model was built using the data from the drones, which left our geologists mesmerized due to its level of detail and accuracy, which allowed them access to the high walls, which would not have been obtained through traditional on the ground inspection. It also allowed us to save thousands of man-hours and travel as each individual was in the comfort of their home office.

Can you explain more about how you can help artisanal miners in the gold mining sector?

There are several issues associated with artisanal mining, namely environmental degradation, child labour, the highly inefficient nature of the activity, illegal smuggling, unfair trade and unsafe practices that lead to mercury poisoning and tunnels collapsing.  In our research across Sierra Leone, Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Zambia, we concluded that the average turnover for an artisanal miner ranges from US$6.93 – US$55.44 on the alluvial side and US$7.20 – US$36 on the hard rock side. Our vision is to facilitate the evolution of artisanal miners to effective ‘New Miners’ through an economically efficient strategy that produces the highest sustainable profits and cash flow for all stakeholders: the communities, government, suppliers, buyers and others. We work with around ten artisanal miners on a site, and they get 50% of the gold value. A traditional artisanal miner is recovering around 30%, while using our process increases this to 80%, which increases the turnover of the artisanal miner to between US$22 – US$179. The method also uses no chemicals or 10% of current chemicals (depending on the geology) and has a lower environmental footprint, as it relies on gravity to concentrate the gold, then household chemicals are used to extract the metal without using cyanide (with one of our solutions).

The goal is to support the artisanal miners by training them on the more efficient processes until they can set up their system that we supply with equipment. We have been approached by many African Governments to help solve the problem. We are currently working on a roll out programme as we cannot do it all at once.

What is your vision for Evolve Mining in the upcoming years?

Our purpose is to unlock third-world countries' mineral value through its people and make a difference as we develop and operate safe and innovative mining solutions through partnerships with like-minded individuals and organizations. And have many adventures doing it.