As experienced mining professional Glen McGavigan settles into his new role as CEO of drilling and exploration specialist Rosond, he is eyeing a new era of growth and innovation, as well as commodity diversification, with ambitions to transform the company into a key solutions provider to the minerals industry.

McGavigan joined Rosond on January 13 from Kumba Iron Ore, where he was executive head of technical and projects, overseeing exploration, geology, mining engineering, processing, asset management, technology strategy and business improvement.

With a clear vision of leveraging data and technology to enhance productivity and safety, alongside a strong focus on exploration and growth – backed by more than 25 years’ experience spanning key roles in the mining value chain, along with advanced degrees in mining engineering and geoscience – he aims to lead the company into a new chapter.

In an interview with Engineering News & Mining Weekly, McGavigan outlined how Rosond’s extensive background in mining operations and technology, along with its reputation as a leading drilling business, positions the company well to explore new opportunities.

“We are a drilling business, but with what I have seen over the years, I am hoping we can grow into something more,” he says, explaining that while drilling will remain the company’s core business, he aims to make it as safe and as productive as possible, and consider how to diversify the business in terms of adjacencies in its offerings and boosting value-added solutions.

“We see significant potential for growth, and we must be proactive in identifying new opportunities. This means expanding our exploration efforts while ensuring that we operate responsibly and efficiently,” he continues.

As the world accelerates its drive towards decarbonisation, which will drive the direction of the mining sector over the next 30 years, the discovery and development of new orebodies will be critical.

While Rosond is strong in future-facing minerals such as platinum and iron-ore, there is a need to ensure exposure to more future-facing minerals, such as copper, cobalt and lithium.

“It is early stages for us, but we are trying to align ourselves with where the world is going in terms of future-facing minerals and getting exposure to those,” McGavigan says, adding that in terms of the decarbonisation drive, Africa’s time has come, particularly as it remains underexplored.

While the continent remains one of the most attractive junctions for mining on the globe, he is optimistic and bullish about South Africa.

“We are a mining jurisdiction of over 150 years but we are under-invested in terms of exploration and what the potential of the country can be. Being a South African company, we want to be at the forefront of that,” he says, highlighting the many opportunities for future-facing minerals that are starting to emerge.

South Africa remains one of the premier destinations in the world, and beyond operational advancements, he is also passionate about promoting South Africa’s potential and capabilities on the global stage.

“We need to showcase the country’s capabilities and drive visibility. The mining industry, in particular, has not always been seen in the best light, and it is our job to change that,” he adds.

McGavigan further emphasises the untapped potential of data in shaping the future of the industry, sharing with Engineering News & Mining Weekly his vision for the company to leverage the power of data and technology to improving efficiency and safety.

Rosond has already embarked on its technological journey, having introduced automation in drilling processes and pioneered techniques for deep-level mineral exploration.

“We are in a world of data – we are data-rich, but we do not use that data enough. When we truly understand it, from both people and machines, we can make operations safer and more productive,” he says.

He explains that a lot of data and information is available, and there is a need to start considering how to analyse and use that information obtained from the rigs.

“As an example, the Rosond surface drilling fleet is fitted with advanced telemetry systems and has collected over one-billion data points over the past five years; we are looking at how this data can improve our productivities and provide additional value to our customers.”

“From first discovery of an orebody, the first production takes 17 years on average. If we can do the exploration quicker, it gives our clients an advantage.”

Despite the growing role of automation, McGavigan believes people will remain at the heart of mining operations, with a key focus on the synergy between human expertise and technological advancements.

“My vision is for safe and productive operations that always include people. Upskilling workers in technology and data will be crucial in this journey,” he continues.

Meanwhile, looking ahead to Rosond’s strategic expansion into the Middle East through its Rosond Arabia operation, McGavigan highlights the region’s potential.

“Saudi Arabia is an underexplored market with significant opportunities, particularly for future-facing minerals.”

In June 2024, Rosond and Bin Harkil Saudi Arabia established a new joint venture company, Rosond Arabia, to lead the exploration sector in the Arabian market.

Rosond Arabia will leverage the latest technology, innovation, training and best practices to deliver services to its clients, while focusing on sustainability, efficiency and safety, ensuring that all operations are undertaken with minimal environmental impact and maximum operational integrity.

Services will include diamond drilling, reverse-circulation drilling and geotechnical investigations, as well as comprehensive project management and consulting services, with end-to-end solutions tailored to clients’ specific needs.