Overcoming Financing Challenges in Junior Mining: A Conversation with Chris Buncic

In this episode, we chat with Mark Travers, CEO of Brazilian Nickel, a junior mining company who are planning to start nickel production in the future from the world’s first stand-alone nickel laterite heap leaching operation at its Piauí Nickel Project in Brazil.  Mark has over 20 years in the mining industry with Inco Limited and Vale and held progressively senior roles in legal, institutional relations, communications and sustainability. Taking the helm at Brazilian Nickel 18 month ago, Mark takes us through his journey, how Brazil is developing as a mining jurisdiction, and how Brazilian Nickel are navigating the regulatory landscape in Brazil, plus an overview of the Nickel market globally. KEY TAKEAWAYS Brazilian Nickel is pioneering the use of heap leaching technology for nickel laterites, aiming to establish a more economical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional high-pressure acid leaching methods. The flagship Piauí Nickel Project in Brazil is expected to produce approximately 26,000 to 27,000 tons of nickel per year with a mine life exceeding 30 years. The project is nearing construction readiness, with a completed feasibility study and necessary permits in place. Nickel prioritises sustainability, boasting low carbon intensity and no tailings facilities. The company has received Nickelmark accreditation for responsible production, emphasizing its commitment to environmental and social responsibility. The nickel market faces challenges due to current economic conditions, particularly in China and Indonesia. However, there is a growing need for diversified supply chains and low-carbon nickel, positioning Brazilian Nickel to capitalise on future demand as the electric vehicle market expands. BEST MOMENTS "We want to be part of that building out and diversification of the supply chain for electric vehicle batteries being built outside of China." "The Piauí Nickel Project is based in Piauí State in the northeast of Brazil... it will produce on average about 26,000 to 27,000 tons of nickel per annum." "Sustainability is at our core... If we're going to say that this is the product to build a supply chain for electric vehicle batteries, then you need to have those credentials." "We need to diversify supply chains to build upon the Indonesian supply... and you're going to need good nickel with strong ESG credentials, low carbon nickel." VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail:        [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ X:              https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast  Web:        http://www.mining-international.org Website - https://www.braziliannickel.com/ X - @BrazilianNickel (https://x.com/BrazilianNickel) LinkedIn – Brazilian Nickel (https://www.linkedin.com/company/brazilian-nickel-ltd/) ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Scott Winter, MD of the Critical Minerals Group, who are focused on the critical minerals required for energy storage and renewable energy. Their strategy involves acquiring, developing and producing critical mineral deposits essential for a sustainable future. Their aim is to reduce dilution and drive early-stage revenues through strategic partnerships and corporate transactions to add value to shareholders while operating to the highest ESG standards. Scott is an experienced mining engineer with almost 30 years working across all aspects of mining exploration, development, engineering, financing and operations working for the likes of BHP, Thiess and Perenti Group. He gives us an overview of Critical Minerals Group and their strategy moving forward, a project update, an update on the vanadium and electrolyte market and how the government is supporting their initiative. KEY TAKEAWAYS Critical Minerals Group is concentrating on vanadium, particularly its use in energy storage and renewable energy applications. The company aims to produce vanadium pentoxide and further downstream to create vanadium electrolyte for batteries, tapping into the growing demand for renewable energy solutions. The company has established strategic partnerships, including a significant shareholding from Idemitsu, and is receiving support from the Queensland government, which includes grants and infrastructure development to facilitate the growth of the vanadium industry. Critical Minerals Group has outlined a clear development timeline, with a pre-feasibility study expected by the end of the year and plans for a final investment decision (FID) by mid-2026. The company is also building a demonstration facility for electrolyte production, aiming to produce its first litre by the end of next year. The vanadium market is projected to grow significantly, with increasing demand for vanadium batteries in renewable energy applications. Australia is positioned to become a key player in this market, with several companies looking to develop vanadium mines and electrolyte production facilities to support the energy transition. BEST MOMENTS "The majority of the manufacture of vanadium electrolyte occurs in China. There are some massive batteries that are under construction or have been constructed in China." "Our primary focus is vanadium for the battery market, and we'll take some value out of high-purity alumina and molybdenum as we go through." "It's about looking at the way we can extract those and create value out of them with very little additional capital, if any at all." "The next 12 months is very clearly mapped out and is a big step ahead of us. We'll be looking for partners to assist with the development of the facility." VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail:        [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ X:              https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast  Web:        http://www.mining-international.org Website: criticalmineralsgroup.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/critical-minerals-group/  ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Robert Eckford, CEO of Rua Gold who are a junior mining company that specialises in gold exploration and discovery and have two highly prospective land packages in New Zealand.  With a Chartered Accountant designation and a Master of Science in Mineral Economics, Robert began his career as a mining industry auditor and consultant at EY, before moving on and becoming a founding member of two successful mining ventures, before talking the helm as CEO of Rua Gold. We talk about Rua Gold, New Zealand as a mining jurisdiction and the new permitting laws that have been introduced to fast-track permitting, the junior market space, and much more so don’t miss it. KEY TAKEAWAYS The journey into the mining industry can be diverse, with backgrounds in finance, geology, or engineering all leading to successful careers. Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial, as demonstrated by the transition from auditing to hands-on mining operations. Recent political changes in New Zealand have led to a more favourable environment for mining, including the introduction of a fast track approval bill that significantly reduces permitting times from years to months, encouraging investment in the sector. The emphasis on high-grade gold projects is critical for success in the current market. High-grade assets are more economically viable, especially in inflationary environments where low-grade projects may struggle to maintain profitability. The junior mining sector faces funding challenges, with many companies struggling to deliver on their promises. Successful fundraising often hinges on a company's reputation and the ability to demonstrate tangible results from investments. BEST MOMENTS "The CEO role is all-encompassing... you never have the same day twice. You're always dealing with different issues in the business, different challenges to overcome." "New Zealand is open for business and we want mining in New Zealand... the fast track approval bill aims to take permitting down to six months." "The worst thing to have in a high inflationary environment is a low grade asset... you want to be moving as little as possible." "If you want to be a smart mining investor... look at the margins, look at the grades, and grade is always king." VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail:        [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ X:              https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast  Web:        http://www.mining-international.org https://ruagold.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/rua-gold/about/ Subscribe to their newsletter: https://ruagold.com/contact/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Joanna Ponicka and Erlend Rongen for Equivest Metals, a company that uses AI-driven mineral systems models to pinpoint critical processes needed to form large mineral deposits, aiming to significantly increase exploration success. We discuss how Equivest was formed, the exploration space and the lack of funding, what it was like being part of BHP’s Xplor programme and how this has helped them as a business. KEY TAKEAWAYS Mineral exploration is inherently difficult due to the limited number of attempts geologists can make, unlike other fields where practice can lead to improvement. This makes it essential to adopt innovative approaches to enhance success rates. Despite the significant capital available in the mining sector, early-stage exploration is often underfunded. A shift in investment focus is needed to support the areas that yield the most discoveries. Equivest Metals is leveraging AI and machine learning to improve exploration success rates by analysing large datasets and identifying critical geological processes. This technology allows for faster and more accurate assessments compared to traditional methods. Participation in the BHP Xplor programme helped Equivest refine its strategy, focusing on improving mineral exploration success rates. The program provided valuable mentorship and resources, enabling the company to test and scale its methodologies. BEST MOMENTS "Exploration is actually really difficult... we don't get 10,000 tries. This is what makes mineral exploration such a difficult learning environment." "What we're trying to do in Equivest is that we're trying to use mineral systems to ask the right questions and answer those questions using AI and data." "There's more capital going towards brownfield exploration, which is considered safer. But as we see at results of exploration, this is what causing quite low success rates." "The ability of large language models to search for the right type of meaning within a large body of documents is incredibly powerful." VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail:        [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ X:              https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast  Web:        http://www.mining-international.org https://www.equivestmetals.com/ [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/company/equivest-metals/ https://x.com/equivest_explor ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat to Chris Gibbs, CEO & Executive Director of American Rare Earths, an Australian company that owns and explores rare earths projects in Wyoming and Arizona, USA, and is essential for clean energy technologies. With a degree in business studies, Chris has over 28 years of experience in the resource sector across the globe and is an innovative leader with a proven track record for implementing organisational change and delivering business results. He gives us an overview of American Rare Earths, updates on the projects, their relationship with the Critical Materials Institute, leadership, and culture within organisations, and health and wellbeing so a lot of content to unpack. KEY TAKEAWAYS The company is focused on rare earths and is exploring significant projects in Wyoming and Arizona. It aims to become a major producer of neodymium and praseodymium, which are essential for clean energy technologies. American Rare Earths recently received a $456 million letter of interest from the Ex-Im Bank, which will help finance the construction of their processing and refinery facility. Additionally, they have secured state funding from Wyoming to support their Cowboy State Mine project. The company is committed to advancing sustainable technologies in rare earth processing. They are collaborating with research organisations to explore cleaner methods, including the use of bacteria for separating rare earths, which could reduce chemical usage and environmental impact. Chris emphasises the importance of a strong organisational culture, likening it to a successful sports team. He believes that treating people well, fostering open communication, and creating an environment of trust are crucial for building a motivated and effective workforce. BEST MOMENTS "Our vision here is to create the next major rare earth company in this space. We've got a significant project in the United States, potentially the largest rare earth resource in the heart of the US." "The irony of this is the company is called American Rare Earths and here you are, you're talking to an Australian who's got a lot of experience in North America." "We're the only mining company, aside from ourselves, in Rio Tinto, who are actually partnering or a member of the Critical Materials Institute." "It's not just about physical wellbeing, it's about mental wellbeing. It's about just, quite honestly, about just trying to be better people helping each other." "Every incident and accident is preventable. Health and safety is key, but I always go a little bit further than just the health and safety." VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail:        [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ X:              https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast  Web:        http://www.mining-international.org https://americanrareearths.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-rare-earths/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfTk3D2fQZ5DSTMKbR1jMVw https://x.com/ARRLimited ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we have a returning guest who appeared back in July 2023 (Episode 353). Ignacio Salazar, CEO of Highfield Resources, who are an ASX listed potash company which focuses on the construction of its flagship low cost, low capex Muga Project in Spain and is forecasted to be one of the highest margin potash mines globally. Ignacio has a background in economics and law and has worked in the O&G industry with Shell before moving over to the mining industry back in 2009. As the CEO of Highfield Resources since 2020, Ignacio tells us more about the company and the journey he has been through, a current update on the project and the potash industry and what the vision is for the company. EMR Capital (has a stake in Highfield Resources) is going to be attending the upcoming IMARC Conference in Sydney on the 29-31st October at the Sydney Convention Centre so there’s a link below to purchase discounted tickets so you can meet like minded mining professionals at the event so be sure to get your ticket soon. KEY TAKEAWAYS Highfield Resources is nearing the construction phase of its flagship Muga potash project in Spain, having successfully navigated the permitting and financing stages over the past four years. The company secured a binding deal worth €220 million (approximately $240 million) in equity financing, which, combined with previous funding, brings the total to €550 million, sufficient to cover the project's capital expenditure and contingencies. Highfield has formed strategic partnerships with investors, including a significant group from Asia, which not only provides capital but also enhances access to markets, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The potash market is expected to remain strong in the long term due to increasing global food demand and declining arable land. However, short-term challenges include fluctuating prices influenced by geopolitical factors, particularly the roles of Russia and Belarus in the market. BEST MOMENTS "We are now practically ready, shower ready, as we like to say, for construction... huge, huge, big ticks on the boxes for permitting and financing." "This deal is about the 200 million euros from a group of investors plus there is an M&A transaction... done at a premium to our share price."  "The only way you can be more productive with less land to feed more people is through fertilisers, not like potash, nitrogen, phosphates." "We will be sixth, seventh global player globally in ranking... very confident that we really have the ingredients to make it successful." VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail:        [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ X:              https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast  Web:        http://www.mining-international.org IMARC: Register: https://hubs.ly/Q02M_gGS0  10% discount on Delegate Passes – DigDeep10 Free expo pass code - HJ5EG6 ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat to Mark Bennett, Executive Chairman at S2 Resources, an Australian company that aims to discover and develop high-value mineral resources, mainly gold and base metals in politically stable jurisdictions such as Australia and Europe. Mark is a geologist with over 30 years of experience in gold, nickel, and base metal exploration and mining predominately in Australia, West Africa, Canada,and Europe, and worked his way into executive positions over the last 15 years. Mark is also two times winner of the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies "Prospector Award" for his discoveries which include the Thunderbox Gold Mine, the Waterloo nickel mine, and most recently the world class Nova-Bollinger nickel-copper mine. Mark gives us an overview of S2 Resources, the projects they are working on, and speaks about cultural and strategy within small and large companies which is a strong passion of his. He’s also going to be attending the upcoming IMARC Conference in Sydney on the 29-31st October at the Sydney Convention Centre so there’s a link below to purchase discounted tickets so you can meet Mark and other like-minded mining professionals at the event so be sure to get your ticket soon. KEY TAKEAWAYS The journey into the mining industry can be unpredictable, with opportunities often arising from taking risks and being proactive. Networking and applying for jobs, even in challenging times, can increase the likelihood of success. A strong organisational culture is crucial, especially in exploration where failure rates are high. A positive culture fosters resilience, innovation, and open communication, which are essential for navigating the ups and downs of the industry. S2 Resources focuses on exploring in stable jurisdictions and prioritises projects with the potential for significant discoveries. The company emphasises a strategic approach to exploration, balancing patience with the need to adapt and seize opportunities. Engagement with Traditional Owners: Building trust and respect with local communities, particularly Indigenous groups, is vital for successful mining operations. Effective engagement can lead to mutually beneficial agreements and a more sustainable approach to resource development. BEST MOMENTS "If you don't have a good culture, you just go crazy doing that. You've got to believe in what you're doing and you have to be adaptive as well."  "The irony will be, I think, that in 10 or 15 years' time, the people who most want a lower carbon emission future are going to find that the prices of commodities to create that are just astronomical."  "It's about quality, not quantity. People would come in in shorts and t-shirts."  "There's no certainty but you've just got to put it out there and by taking that risk... will put you in good stead in the front of the queue." VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail:        [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ X:              https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast  Web:        http://www.mining-international.org Social media: https://www.s2resources.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/s2-resources-ltd/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-bennett-06820541/ IMARC: https://imarcglobal.com/register 10% discount on Delegate Passes – DigDeep10 Free expo pass code - HJ5EG6 ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Travis Schwertfeger, Executive Chairman of Many Peaks, a junior miner focusing on adding value through cost- effective minerals exploration and discovery and who are advancing gold and copper projects in West Africa. Travis is a geologist with over 20 years of global industry experience primarily in gold and copper projects working across Australia, Africa, and South and North America. He discusses how Many Peaks formed, what they are looking to achieve in West Africa, and discusses the geology across West Africa and why it's unique about the region. KEY TAKEAWAYS Many Peaks is concentrating its efforts on mineral exploration in West Africa, particularly in Côte d'Ivoire, which is seen as a promising region for gold and copper discoveries due to its geological similarities to other prolific mining areas. The company is employing innovative exploration methods, such as auger drilling and hyperspectral imagery, to navigate the unique geological challenges of West Africa, including the presence of iron-rich layers that complicate traditional geochemical techniques. Many Peaks has three key projects in Côte d'Ivoire, with the Ferke project being the flagship. The company is building on previous exploration successes and aims to expand the known mineralization through systematic drilling. With a tight corporate structure and a current enterprise value significantly lower than comparable companies, Many Peaks presents an attractive opportunity for investors, especially with the potential for substantial re-rates following successful drill results. BEST MOMENTS "Côte d'Ivoire hosts the largest proportion of this greenstone belt. Over 30% of the Proterozoic terrain hosting gold is there, but proportionally it's seen the least amount of exploration versus those neighbouring countries." "We believe Côte d'Ivoire is quite ripe for a generation of discoveries over this coming decade." "We’re implementing a lot of auger drilling just to be able to drill through that cuirass... to get into the clay saprolite where you’ll see the true endowment of gold in the rock." "We have a very tight corporate structure... with a few successful drill holes, we would quite quickly see a substantial re-rate in terms of company valuation." VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail:        [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ X:              https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast  Web:        http://www.mining-international.org https://manypeaks.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/many-peaks-gold/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-schwertfeger-09745927/ https://x.com/ManyPeaksASX ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Gord Neal the CEO of World Copper, a listed junior miner who are an oxide copper-focused exploration, development, and production company with two proven resources, one in Arizona and the other in Chile. Gord has extensive experience in the metals and mining sector, as well as in the capital market, corporate governance, corporate finance, and investor relations, and has raised in excess of U$500M for various resources companies. Today, he discusses the journey of World Copper, the current state of the copper market, valuations in the junior space plus how the US elections could affect the mining industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS World Copper has two main assets: the Zonia Copper Oxide Project in Arizona and the Escalones Oxide Project in Chile. Zonia is positioned for quicker production due to its pre-stripped nature and existing infrastructure, while Escalones has a larger resource but faces permitting challenges due to recent government restrictions. The copper market is currently experiencing a significant deficit, driven by the increasing demand for copper in electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and infrastructure development. This demand is expected to rise as the world moves towards decarbonisation. Many junior mining companies, including World Copper, are facing valuation challenges, particularly those with market caps below $50 million. The current market conditions make it difficult for these companies to attract investment and gain attention. World Copper plans to conduct a verification drill program to confirm the presence of copper on leach pads at the Zonia project. Successful verification could significantly enhance the company's market valuation and support its move towards a bankable feasibility study. BEST MOMENTS "The biggest issue is we just don't have enough copper."  "If I can verify that there's $120 million worth of copper that's ready to be processed, any bank in the world is going to give you money."  "It's tough for the juniors... it's hard to get attention, it's hard to get capital."  "The market is a herd mentality... once that happens, everybody jumps in."  VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail:        [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ X:              https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast  Web:        http://www.mining-international.org Website: worldcopperltd.com Email: [email protected] Phone: (604) 638-3287​ All Socials (Facebook, X, LinkedIn): @WorldCopperLtd ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

In this episode, we chat with Gavin Ferrar, who is now the new CEO of Central Asia Metals, a base metals producer on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange and has a copper operation in Kazakhstan, and a zinc and lead mine in North Macedonia.  With a geology and finance background, Gavin has over 25 years of experience mainly working in the London investment banking sector focusing on debt and derivative financing for mining clients of Barclays Capital and equity and debt investments for Investec. He became the CFO of Central Asia Metals back in 2018 before stepping into the CEO’s shoes just recently. Gavin talks to us about his new role, how the company has progressed during his tenure, their ESG initiatives, and their business development activities especially with their recent investment into Aberdeen Minerals. KEY TAKEAWAYS Central Asia Metals operates two key assets: the Kounrad copper processing facility in Kazakhstan and the Sasa lead-zinc mine in North Macedonia. Both operations have shown strong profitability, with Kounrad achieving a 72% margin and projected copper production of 13,000 to 14,000 tons for the year. The company is transitioning to more efficient mining methods at Sasa, including paste fill and dry stack tailings, which enhance resource extraction, improve safety, and extend the mine's life to 2039. Central Asia Metals is committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, including a solar power project in Kazakhstan aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and compliance with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM). The company is actively seeking to expand its portfolio by acquiring additional cash-flowing assets and has invested in ventures like Camel X for greenfields exploration in Kazakhstan and Aberdeen Minerals, which shows promising geological potential. BEST MOMENTS "I think my elevation to the CEO is part of that continuity... two people who understand the business intimately, but are also very keen to drive Central Asia Metals into its next phase of growth." "We've achieved exceptionally high margins, and the recent results that we put out in September, the margins that we're achieving are around 72%, which is fantastic." "The benefits now is that we've got much more efficient extraction of that resource using much more selective mining techniques." "Our goal is to achieve a 50% reduction in our greenhouse gas emissions by 2030... this was part of that program in terms of getting there." VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail:        [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ X:              https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast  Web:        http://www.mining-international.org Website: https://www.centralasiametals.com/ Investor Relations Manager Richard Morgan 36 Carnaby Street London W1F 7DR  +44 (0) 20 7898 9001  [email protected] ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics.