Acquire Connected

Empowering communities through local procurement

In today’s episode, we’re looking at how unpacking how mining companies in South Africa can move from simply ticking boxes to creating lasting change in a community around a mine operation. We’re joined by Dr. Poobie Pillay, Head of Transformation Sustainability at Ivanplats, and Maritha Erasmus, who leads our social performance solution, Insite, here at Acquire. When it comes to social performance, South Africa has strict regulations when it comes to managing the people invested and involved in mining. But beyond the scorecards and reporting frameworks, today we discuss what real transformation of a local community surrounding a mine operation can look like and how does data play a role in this? Dr. Pillay shares his work on a local procurement model that partners established businesses with women and youth in rural areas — helping to build locally owned enterprises with the backing of mentorship and funding. We’ll also explore the powerful role of data in making social impact visible, and how companies can balance corporate procurement goals with genuine community empowerment. From enterprise development to impact measurement, this episode is all about using procurement as a lever for transformation.

How interoperability is shaping the future of mining

In this episode of Acquire Connected, we sit down with Warren Carvey, Partnerships Leader at Acquire, to explore how interoperability is transforming the mining industry. With nearly two decades at acQuire, Warren shares his insights on connecting technologies, improving data flow, and fostering collaboration through the Nova Network Partner program. Discover how seamless data integration is driving smarter decision-making, real-time collaboration, and a more connected digital ecosystem for mining companies worldwide.

Social performance by design: From frameworks to better futures

In this episode of acQuire Connected, we’re joined by two experts in the field: Carinka van der Watt, IM Governance, Risk and Compliance Specialist at Thungela, and Maritha Erasmus, who leads acQuire’s social performance solution, Insite. We dive into: * how to manage social performance data in a way that’s both responsible and measurable * the challenges of working with scattered or unreliable data * what it really takes to set up a good data governance framework, and * how technology is making a real difference on the ground.

Beyond Big Data: Why Master Data Matters More in Mining

In this episode of acQuire Connected, we sit down with Jared Armstrong, founder of wHole Solutions, to explore why geoscientists need to shift their focus from "big data" to something far more foundational—master data. Jared shares insights from his recent article “Big Bertha and Beyond: Rethinking Data Strategies for Mining Geoscience, [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jared-armstrong-5a02864_just-wrote-an-article-related-to-mining-geoscience-activity-7338510796047470594--CnS?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAB2JLmMBuweN4QAKzDs7Z9EZvNxMRSxbvTY]” where he challenges the industry's obsession with big data and makes the case for robust master data management as the true game-changer. We discuss what master data means in a mining and exploration context, the risks of poor data governance, early warning signs of weak data foundations, and how geoscientists can build stronger data strategies from the ground up. Plus, we touch on where AI fits into the picture—and why it’s only as good as the data beneath it. If you want to learn more, Jared is hosting a seminar, "Managing Geological Data - It Matters [https://www.aig.org.au/eventdetails/33201/friday-seminar-managing-geological-data-it-matters]" in Queensland, Australia, with the Australian Institute of Geoscientists [https://www.aig.org.au/]. Don't miss out!

The hidden engine in mining and its ripple effect

When you think about productivity in mining, you probably picture big machines, efficient teams, and streamlined supply chains. But what about your data? In this episode, host Jaimee Nobbs chats with acQuire’s Steve Mundell and Stuart van de Water about why data management is one of the most underrated drivers of productivity in mining. They dig into how even small improvements in how data is collected, shared, and used can make a big impact on everything from safety and compliance to decision-making and stress levels on site. They also talk about the role company culture plays, how to spot data bottlenecks, and why resilience isn't just about having the right tools, it’s about using them in the right way. If you're heading to IMARC, keep an ear out - Stu will be diving into this topic even further on stage. You can find him on Wednesday, 22 October at the Continental Mining Innovation Theatre from 1:25 - 1:45 PM AEDT presenting, "The Data Ripple and the Law of Unintended Consequences". Check out the full program here: https://imarcglobal.com/program