Soft Jobs. Hard Talent: Mining’s Hidden Bottleneck | Steven Enders

The U.S. jobs market is cooling — but mining has a very different labor problem: finding the right talent. Veteran geologist and mining expert Steven Enders joins Maggie Lake to explain why the quality of people and management teams can make or break a mining project — even as the industry faces enormous demand for critical minerals. Enders breaks down the looming copper supply gap, why new mines remain so difficult to build, where we may be in the commodity cycle, and why AI can help the mining industry — but won’t solve its biggest problems. Plus: why he’s skeptical of mining project forecasts, what investors should look for in management teams, and the warning signs that tell him a commodity cycle may be getting mature. Topics include: • U.S. jobs market and mining’s talent challenge • Copper demand and the global supply gap • Mining stocks and commodity cycles • How to evaluate mining management teams • AI in mining and mineral exploration • Capex, opex and why mining projects run over budget • M&A and signs of a mature commodity cycle 💡 From a looming copper supply gap to mining’s hidden talent problem, Steven Enders explains why finding the right people may be just as critical as finding the right resources — and why AI alone won’t solve the industry’s biggest challenges. Join the Wealthion community for more conversations on the forces shaping markets and how to protect and grow your wealth: https://bit.ly/4wiKgKv Chapters: 00:00 Copper, Talent & Mining’s Biggest Challenges 00:40 The Looming Copper Supply Deficit 02:12 Why Steven Enders Is Bullish on Copper 03:43 Mining’s Hidden Talent Problem 05:38 How to Evaluate a Mining Management Team 07:58 Critical Minerals & Government Support 08:50 Can AI Transform Mining and Exploration? 10:51 M&A, Commodity Cycles & “The Crazies” 12:54 Mining Volatility & Long-Term Investing 14:56 Why Mining Project Costs Are Often Too Low Connect with us online: Website: https://www.wealthion.com X: https://www.x.com/wealthion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wealthionofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wealthion/ #Copper #Mining #Commodities #Jobs #CriticalMinerals #AI #Investing ________________________________________________________________________ IMPORTANT NOTE: The information, opinions, and insights expressed by our guests and our hosts do not necessarily reflect the views of Wealthion or the views of their respective employers. They are intended to provide a diverse perspective on the economy, investing, and other relevant topics to enrich your understanding of these complex fields.   While we value and appreciate the insights shared by our esteemed guests and hosts, they are to be viewed as personal opinions and not as investment advice or recommendations from Wealthion or their respective employers. These opinions should not replace your own due diligence or the advice of a professional financial advisor.   We strongly encourage all of our audience members to seek out the guidance of a financial advisor who can provide advice based on your individual circumstances and financial goals. Wealthion has a distinguished network of advisors who are available to guide you on your financial journey. However, should you choose to seek guidance elsewhere, we respect and support your decision to do so.   The world of finance and investment is intricate and diverse. It's our mission at Wealthion to provide you with a variety of insights and perspectives to help you navigate it more effectively. We thank you for your understanding and your trust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices