Dig Deep

In this episode we speak to Ivan Bebek, President and CEO of Coppernico Metals, a company advancing its flagship Sombrero copper-gold project in Peru.

With global copper demand accelerating, driven by electrification, renewable energy, infrastructure development and the rapid expansion of AI data centres, concerns are growing about whether the mining industry can deliver enough copper to meet future demand.

Some forecasts suggest a potential supply shortfall of 10 million tonnes by 2040, raising serious questions about where the next generation of copper mines will come from and whether the industry can develop them quickly enough.

In this episode, we'll discuss what Ivan calls the 'Copper Apocalypse', the global competition to secure future copper supplies, the challenges of discovering and developing new deposits, and why copper could become one of the world's most strategically important commodities.

We'll also get an update on the companies Sombrero project in Peru, its community engagement efforts and what lies ahead for its next phase of exploration drilling.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Rapid electrification and AI data center expansion are driving unprecedented copper demand while discoveries of major new deposits have drastically plummeted.

Capital alone cannot solve the impending supply deficit, as developing complex tier-1 copper mines requires decades of technical work, permitting, and sustained prices.

Long-term exploration success and project viability hinge on building genuine trust and delivering tangible, sustainable value to local host communities.

Coppernico Metals is gearing up for a significant drill campaign at its flagship Sombrero project in Peru after expanding its environmental permits to target high-priority zones

BEST MOMENTS

"The world is not ready in its copper demand for the lack of discovery and the supply that's not there, and technology is going at a record pace."

"In that table, you'll see a lot of capital's been spent, but money doesn't always equate to discoveries..."

"It used to be oil, and it still is oil... but copper is becoming critical as a structural issue with lack of supply and demand and infrastructure..."

"Can you leave a footprint that's sustainably positive that involves the government and yourselves? And that's the new way that we're really pushing forward..."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Mail: ⁠rob@mining-international.org⁠

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

GUEST RESOURCES

Website: https://coppernicometals.com/

Social media links:

X: https://x.com/CoppernicoMetal

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coppernico-metals/home/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoppernicoMetals

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.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode we speak to Geraint Harris, Managing Director of Altamin, an experienced mining executive with an extensive background in mine development, operations, corporate strategy and leadership across the international mining industry.



We will explore Geraint's career journey, the challenges of developing and financing mining projects, what makes an effective leader and how to build high-performing teams. We'll also discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the mining industry, particularly in Europe, and the lessons he's learned throughout his career.



Geraint is also going to be attending the Resourcing Tomorrow at the Business Design Centre in London from 1 to 3 December. The conference is the anchor event of London Mining Week, bringing more than 2,300 senior decision-makers together including ministers, mining CEOs, and investors in one room, with a practical focus on how capital gets deployed, projects get approved and how the industry delivers the metals and minerals the world need. As a media partner to the event, use code DIGDEEP15 for 15% off the current early bird price. Register here and get your tickets now before prices go up: https://hubs.ly/Q04y7L590

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Italy holds significant untapped mining potential: By leveraging historical brownfield data and infrastructure, companies can fast-track development and unlock strategic assets in Europe, such as geothermal brine projects and legacy base-metal deposits.

Humility and cross-discipline collaboration drive leadership: Mining is fundamentally a team sport where successful leaders listen across all operational levels, dismantle organizational silos, and provide crews with the right tools to solve complex challenges.

Project success depends on mastering the fundamentals early: Clear alignment between technical exploration and financial feasibility is essential before major capital deployment, as rushing past key stages can create costly underground bottlenecks.

Transparency and consistency secure capital and trust: Management teams preserve shareholder confidence and successfully attract investment through clear communication, predictable execution, and aligning operational incentives directly with investor value

BEST MOMENTS

"I think what suits me about mining is you’ve got to be a jack of all trades and hopefully a master of some... Mining is very much a team activity; I don't think anyone knows all of the elements of it."

"If you can take the arrogance out—and that arrogance usually comes across like, 'Oh well, this is the way we do it in the jurisdiction that I'm familiar with'—that is the surefire way to put everyone's back up."

"I think the overarching thing is to do what you say you're going to do. If you're going to have one rule... you can earn a lot of credibility by doing your very best to do what you say you're going to do."

"What brought me into mining is it’s a fundamental industry... mining is a pivotal and critical pillar of civilisation, just as the chemical industry and the oil and gas industry and agriculture is."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Mail: ⁠rob@mining-international.org⁠

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

GUEST RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraintharris/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/altamin/

https://www.altamin.com.au/

https://x.com/altaminltd

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.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode I’m joined by Geoff McNamara, Co-Founder and Non-Executive Chairman of Culpeo Minerals, an ASX-listed copper exploration and development company focused on discovering and advancing high-grade copper projects in Chile.

Culpeo listed on the ASX in 2021 and has since built a portfolio focused on Chile's Coastal region, including its flagship Lana Corina Project, where the company made a significant copper-moly discovery, alongside the Fortuna Project.

Geoff joins me today to talk about the Culpeo story, what they've learned from exploring in Chile, the progress at Lana Corina and Fortuna, the current drilling programmes, the outlook for copper and what it takes to build and finance a junior exploration company in today's market.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Culpeo Minerals is targeting shallow, open-pittable copper deposits in Chile’s Coastal Cordillera, aiming for a district-scale resource of 50 to 100 million tonnes.

The flagship Lana Corina project, along with nearby Vista Montana and Fortuna, has shown high-grade continuity supported by recent geochemistry and geophysics programs.

Chile offers an established mining workforce, strong regional infrastructure, and a pro-business regulatory environment with reduced corporate tax rates and royalty holidays for new discoveries.

Despite competitive capital markets and a multi-decade exploration deficit, long-term copper demand remains robust due to global electrification and artificial intelligence infrastructure needs

BEST MOMENTS

"We like that coastal cordillera because of the infrastructure, because we believe it’s underexplored... you need pretty deep relationships in-country."

"When you want to make discoveries, you go to places where there are a lot of mines... Chile is the world’s largest copper producer, it’s got the world’s largest copper reserves, and a long history of mining."

"We’ve obviously had the electrification theme for some time, and more recently, we’ve had the artificial intelligence—the AI—overlay on that as well, so there is a very strong demand story there."

"There’s been a couple of decades without any significant discoveries... so it is a market that’s well-primed for copper and for new discoveries."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Mail: ⁠rob@mining-international.org⁠

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

GUEST RESOURCES

https://culpeominerals.com.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/culpeo-minerals/

https://x.com/CulpeoMinerals

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.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode we chat to Ross Bhappu, CEO of Energy Fuels, a company working to establish an integrated rare earth supply chain at a time when securing critical minerals and reducing Western dependence on China have become major industry priorities.

Ross brings a unique perspective, having spent nearly 25 years investing in mining companies before transitioning into operational leadership.

We discuss Energy Fuels' mine-to-magnet strategy, its recent acquisitions, the capital required to deliver its ambitions, and the role of government support in developing a competitive Western rare earth industry. We'll also explore Ross's approach to investment, leadership and creating long-term shareholder value

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Energy Fuels is building a fully integrated Western critical mineral supply chain by pairing its existing White Mesa Mill with strategic downstream acquisitions like ASM and Vacuumschmelze (VAC).

The company relies on acquiring established, operating companies with existing customers, infrastructure, and cash flow to minimise the execution risks of organic buildouts.

While Western producers are not aiming to fully replace China’s dominant rare earth market share, the focus is on creating a resilient alternative supply chain with essential government backing and financing.

Drawing on 25 years in mining private equity, Ross prioritises rigorous engineering homework, ample liquidity cushions, and empowering specialised division heads to lead operations

BEST MOMENTS

"When I think about mine-to-magnets, we are... going to be completely vertically integrated with the acquisition of VAC... Instead of trying to develop it ourselves, let’s go down the path of acquiring this really state-of-the-art technology.

"It would take decades for us to develop our own magnet manufacturing facility... By trying to create it yourself organically, I think it’s fraught with risk. The way we’re going about it, we’ve really minimized the risk."

"We’re not going to replace China. China is the 800-pound gorilla... What I think we can do, though, is we can be less dependent on China, and I think there’s an opportunity for us to build this Western supply chain that provides some level of independence."

"For us today... it’s all about execution. We’ve put all these pieces in place, and now we’ve got to execute on that strategy."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Mail: ⁠rob@mining-international.org⁠

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

GUEST RESOURCES

Website

● https://www.energyfuels.com/

Social Media

● LinkedIn

● X

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.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode we chat to Mark Mukhija, CEO of Eagle Nuclear Energy, a company focused on uranium development and advanced nuclear technology.

We discuss Eagle’s Aurora Uranium Project, its scale and pathway towards a pre-feasibility study, as well as the challenges of rebuilding a domestic U.S. uranium supply chain. Mark also shares his perspective on SMRs, the potential impact of AI on nuclear development, and what the uranium and nuclear industries could look like over the next decade.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The United States faces an extreme domestic supply deficit, consuming roughly 50 million pounds of uranium annually while producing only about 2 million pounds.

Eagle Energy is advancing its Aurora Project—the largest conventional mineable uranium deposit in the U.S.—toward a pre-feasibility study targeted for completion by late next year.

Advancements in small modular reactors (SMRs) and massive power demands from AI reinforce that reactor deployment must be backed by a secure, reliable uranium fuel pipeline.

Overcoming the multi-year development lead times for new mines requires strategic reserves, permitting reform, and substantial upfront capital investment before demand peaks

BEST MOMENTS

"You can’t have a nuclear renaissance without a uranium renaissance."

"AI is creating this huge demand for 24/7 electricity, but it’s also helping nuclear companies develop this technology and make it come to market sooner."

"A pre-feasibility study is really when you start turning a geological resource into an engineered project."

"Uranium [is] being stopped to be looked at just another mined commodity, but it's going to become a very strategic energy necessity."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Mail: ⁠rob@mining-international.org⁠

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

GUEST RESOURCES

https://eaglenuclear.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/eagle-nuclear/home/

https://x.com/Eagle_Nuclear

Mark's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmukhija/

Mark Mukhija, P.Eng., is the CEO of Eagle Nuclear Energy, a next-generation nuclear energy company with rights to the largest mineable, measured and indicated uranium deposit in the United States and proprietary small modular reactor technology. He has nearly two decades of international mining experience spanning operations, business development, and executive leadership. His career includes engineering roles with global mining leaders BHP Billiton, Barrick Gold Corp. and Teck Resources, as well as senior management positions in the mining technology sector with Plotlogic and Motion Metrics. He also serves as an independent director of Tactical Resources Corp., a U.S.-focused rare earths company. Mukhija holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in mining engineering from the University of British Columbia.

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.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/