Lyle Trytten Part 1: On Processing, Tailings, and Trade-offs

In this episode, I sit down with Lyle Trytten — the self-proclaimed “Nickel Nerd” and global expert in mineral processing and sustainability — to explore the lesser-discussed stages of the mineral supply chain. We cover the differences between mining, processing, and refining; what tailings really are and why they matter; and where the real ESG impacts happen in the value chain. If you think mining stops when the ore hits the deck, this episode is for you.

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🕐 Timestamps:

• 02:58 — Lyle’s background: From Alberta to global projects

• 11:31 — Why the conversation around mining vs. processing is too shallow

• 13:57 — What’s the difference between mining, processing, and refining?

• 18:54 — What are tailings? Why do they matter?

• 24:54 — Tailings as potential carbon sinks… or pollution sources

• 27:37 — Why no two tailings sites are the same

• 31:22 — What happens during the refining stage

• 36:09 — “Everything wants to be rust”: Oxides, reduction, and metals

• 39:56 — Where mining impacts really happen along the value chain

• 41:56 — Breaking down ESG into land, air, and water impacts

• 46:45 — Why Russia’s nickel plant is still the world’s biggest SO₂ emitter

  Theme music Tamarack by Jesse Matas

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🔗 Links & Resources:

• Follow Lyle Trytten on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyle-trytten/

• Read his white papers on sustainability in the resource industry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyle-trytten/recent-activity/documents/

• 🎧 Listen to Part 2 of this interview →