Mining’s Trust Problem—Can Satellites Fix It?How Transparency, Technology, and Data Can Transform Mining’s Future
Mining is essential to modern life, yet it faces a major challenge: trust. Communities often resist new projects, permitting takes decades, and investors hesitate due to uncertainty. Could satellite technology be the breakthrough the industry needs?
In this episode of Ore-atory, Lindsey Schultz sits down with Peter Weaver, Orbital Advisors, to discuss how satellite intelligence is reshaping mining’s future. By providing real-time transparency, satellites can help mining companies gain community trust, accelerate project approvals, and attract investment.
Why Mining Faces a Trust Problem
Historically, mining has struggled with public perception. Environmental concerns, past industry missteps, and long permitting timelines have created community skepticism. Many local residents see mining projects as disruptive rather than beneficial, leading to resistance and delays.
At the AEMA Conference, Peter recalls hearing the same frustration over and over: “Mining takes too long.” With project timelines stretching 25 to 30 years, the industry needs a solution to move faster while still being responsible and transparent.
How Satellite Data Can Build Trust
Peter believes real-time satellite monitoring is a game-changer for mining. By capturing continuous imagery of mining sites, satellites provide unbiased, factual data that companies, communities, and investors can all see.
🔹 For Communities: Transparency means trust. Seeing real-time progress and environmental compliance fosters better relationships.
🔹 For Investors: Data reduces uncertainty, making projects less risky and more attractive for funding.
🔹 For Policymakers: Objective satellite imagery can help with permitting decisions and reduce bottlenecks in project approvals.
By making mining operations visible, accessible, and verifiable, satellite technology helps bridge the trust gap that has stalled so many projects.
Speeding Up Mining Projects with Technology
One of the biggest takeaways from the episode is how technology can accelerate mining development. If satellite data streamlines approvals, improves safety, and provides transparency, companies could potentially cut project timelines from 30 years to under 10.
Meet Our Speakers:
👤Lindsey Schultz, Our Host, CEO of MRC Recruiting.
🎙️Peter Weaver, our guest speaker, the Founder of Orbital Advisors
📌 Timestamped Highlights
⏳ [00:00] Intro – Lindsey introduces Peter Weaver of Orbital Advisors
🚀 [00:36] The Exciting Future of Mining & Energy – Why now is a critical moment for energy and mineral self-sufficiency
🛰️ [01:45] What is Orbital Advisors? – How satellite imagery is changing decision-making in mining
⚖️ [03:31] Mining’s Trust Problem – The biggest bottleneck in mining isn’t technology—it’s community opposition
📉 [05:02] Why Mining Takes 30 Years – What slows down mining projects, and how satellites could accelerate permitting
💡 [06:07] The Key to Rebuilding Trust – Why transparency through satellite data can change public perception
📜 [07:09] Policy & Technology: A Perfect Storm? – Why policy shifts + tech advances make this the ideal time for change
💰 [10:35] Can Tech Attract More Mining Investment? – Investors want certainty—and data transparency delivers it
🔍 [14:17] How Satellites Are Used in Mining Operations – Monitoring tailings, security, permitting & environmental impact
📡 [20:40] Artisanal & Illicit Mining—A Hidden Risk – How satellite data can identify unauthorized mining activities
📢 [22:40] Mining Needs a Super Bowl Commercial – Lindsey’s vision for mining’s big PR moment
🌍 [25:35] “Before It Was Yours, It Was Mine” – Peter’s powerful slogan explaining why mining matters
🔄 [27:04] Lifecycle Monitoring: A Game Changer – Tracking mining from exploration to closure with real-time data
🎯 [30:42] How Peter’s Oil & Gas Background Led to Mining Innovation – His journey to Orbital Advisors
🏆 [35:02] The Future of Mining: Faster, Smarter, More Transparent – Why mining must go from 30-year projects to single digits
🔮 [36:30] Final Thoughts & Closing – Lindsey and Peter wrap up and joke about making their Super Bowl ad a reality!
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