Pim van Geffen: Why Mining Needs to Use It's Data Better

From the Arctic tundra of northern Quebec to the laboratories and boardrooms shaping the future of critical minerals, Dr Pim van Geffen’s career has been driven by curiosity, and a passion for understanding the materials that underpin modern society. In this episode of the Responsible Raw Materials  podcast, Pim shares the experiences that sparked and sustained his fascination with geology and geochemistry. Along the way, we revisit how a chance encounter with a mining company during his master’s studies led to what became a two-decade international career spanning exploration, geometallurgy, data science, and resource stewardship. Pim explains how applied geochemistry and better use of data can improve decision-making, from exploration and processing through to environmental management and mine closure. We discuss why industries often fail to fully leverage the information they already collect, how technology and data science are transforming resource understanding, and why more integrated approaches are essential for reducing waste, improving efficiency, and minimising environmental impacts. The conversation also explores Pim’s current work supporting efforts to understand Europe’s critical mineral potential at a time of growing concern over resource security and supply chains. Looking ahead, Pim shares his thoughts on the future of resource extraction, the challenges the sector must confront, and how innovation could help society meet rising demand while leaving a smaller footprint behind. Find out more at responsiblerawmaterials.com