Simon Michaux is an Associate Professor of Geometallurgy at the Geological Survey of Finland in the Circular Economy Solutions Unit. Holding a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Physics and Geology and a PhD in Mining Engineering from the University of Queensland, Simon has extensive experience in mining research and development, circular economic principles, industrial recycling, and mineral intelligence. Through his recent publications, Simon has outlined the many challenges facing the global industrial ecosystem. He notes our world is currently energy and minerals blind and transitioning to renewable energies is not as straightforward as it appears.
We’ve been growing without care to planetary limits for too long and change is coming, whether we like it or not. We need a completely new energy paradigm to address the challenges ahead, and as Simon says, it all starts with a conversation. We cover a lot of ground in this one, so grab a notebook and strap in for an important conversation – this is one you’ll want to listen to more than once.
In this episode we discuss:
• Simon’s diverse work background from R&D in the Australian mining industry, to organic farming, involvement in the circular economy sector and now his important work at the Geological Survey of Finland
• A wake-up call; Simon’s detailed reports outlining the quantity of minerals needed to phase out fossil fuels and the shortage of critical raw materials that will impose limits on growth
• The need to restructure the circular economy into the resource balanced economy
• Leaving oil before it leaves us and the limitations of alternative energies like biofuels and renewables
• Simon’s commentary on current geopolitical tensions and past resource wars
• How technology is inextricably linked to commodities and why this means technology can’t completely bridge the energy gap
• Community strategies for overcoming our minerals and energy blindness and adapting to our lower energy future
• And SO much more!
• There was a lot we simply couldn’t cover in this podcast episode due to time constraints but we urge you to find out more about Simon’s work and recommend viewing his recent presentation at the University of Queensland’s JKMRC Friday Seminars.
To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.
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