The mining industry is at a crossroads—and Steve Virtue is sounding the alarm. In this timely and provocative episode of Ore-atory, host Lindsey Schultz welcomes Steve, an executive consultant with deep experience advising CEOs, cabinet ministers, and mining associations, to break down why politics can no longer be treated as background noise in the resource sector.
With more than 70 national elections affecting billions of people in just the last year, Steve outlines how these global shifts are directly altering the business landscape for miners. He explains that political risk isn’t just something that happens “over there”—it’s alive and active in stable jurisdictions like Canada and the U.S., especially as policy priorities swing and regulatory bottlenecks persist.
Mining, he argues, must climb out of its historical “gopher hole” and get into the room—literally and figuratively—where decisions are made. Relying on relationships, political intelligence, and trust is no longer optional. It’s now a strategic necessity.
Steve and Lindsey explore:
- Canada’s erosion of mining leadership and the implications of underinvestment
- How stakeholder relationships—not just permits—determine project viability
- Why ESG is no longer just a compliance issue, but a political one
- The false comfort of “stable” jurisdictions and the growing risk of complacency
- Case studies like Yamana’s project turnaround in Argentina and Agnico Eagle’s community success in the Arctic
They also dive into how international trade tensions—from the U.S.-China dynamic to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030—are redefining mining finance, investment timelines, and the very definition of strategic minerals.
Throughout the episode, one theme keeps coming back: trust. Whether with regulators, community leaders, or investors, trust has become the currency of modern mining. Steve shares candid stories of how a well-placed relationship—or lack thereof—can mean the difference between success and costly delay.
For mining leaders, project developers, and investors, this episode is more than a wake-up call—it’s a roadmap for action. If your company isn’t actively managing political risk, building cross-sector trust, and telling its story authentically, you may already be behind.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: ⏱️
[00:00–01:50] Opening Banter & Guest Intro
Lindsey frames Steve as a key player where “politics, risk and community collide.”
[01:51–06:15] Geopolitical Upheaval & the Mining Industry
Steve outlines the global election cycle and its sweeping impact on trade, permitting, and policy.
[06:16–10:48] Mining’s Reputation & Reluctance to Engage Politically
Discussion around how mining must evolve from a “gopher” mentality to getting in the room.
[10:49–15:45] Canada’s Declining Leadership & Missed Opportunities
Steve critiques Canada’s fading influence and lack of mining-focused policy momentum.
[15:46–22:51] ESG, Trust, and Evolving Stakeholder Expectations
Steve emphasizes that trust and relationships are no longer optional.
[22:52–27:17] Misconceptions About Political Risk
Steve separates political risk from instability, stressing it’s everywhere—including Canada and Quebec’s labor crisis.
[27:18–36:32] Trade Wars, Resource Nationalism, and Supply Chain Turbulence
Deep dive into U.S.-China tensions, Saudi ambition, and how capital is shifting.
[36:33–47:42] Case Studies and Mismatched Expectations
Example: The Mara Project in Argentina—protests transformed into job applications.
[47:43–57:39] Who’s Doing It Right
Lindsey and Steve spotlight Agnico Eagle and Major Drilling for standout stakeholder strategy and employee retention.
[57:40–01:11:46] Wrap-Up & Final Insights
Closing themes: Proactivity over reactivity, mining’s new visibility, and why public affairs can’t be an afterthought.
Connect with us on LinkedIn and check out monthly episodes of Ore-atory: Elevating Mining Minds on Apple Podcast or Spotify, where we continue to explore the mining industry workspace.
Tune in and be part of the conversation that’s shaping the future of mining!
Are you a job seeker looking for your next opportunity or an organization looking to hire your next team member? If you have time for a quick chat about your goals MRC can help connect with us.