Resource Insider Podcast

*** RI QUARANTINED*** A special addition of the RI Podcast where Jamie interviews the mining industry's top leaders and investors about the effects of the Coronavirus on the resource industry and capital markets. Jamie is currently quarantined at home in Vancouver, so all interviews are conducted remotely. ***EPISODE 01*** George Salamis CEO of Integra Resources and Jamie Keech talk about the effect of the Coronavirus on capital markets, the mining industry and the world at large. George discusses the impacts the virus has had on Integra and how they continue to work effectively on site.

Frank Giustra is one of the most successful financiers, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists on the planet. He’s widely known as a Canadian mining mogul and for his philanthropic efforts alongside former US President Bill Clinton - however, this barely begins to scratch the surface of his endeavors.

Greg Smith is the President of Equinox Gold, a mid-tier Canadian gold producer led by Chairman Ross Beaty. Greg started his career as an accountant but quickly moved into a management position in the mining division of KPMG. From here, he moved on to a managerial position at Goldcorp before progressing to the executive suite at Minefinders as CFO.

RJ Lyons is the President & CEO of Mjolner Shipping, focusing their operations on crude oil and refined products. RJ started working in the shipping industry after graduating from the US Merchant Marine Academy where he gained his ship officer’s license. From here, RJ’s career moved forward exposing him to nearly every aspect of the physical trading and transportation market of crude oil.

Doug Silver is a portfolio manager at Orion Resource Partners, an alternative investment management firm with $6 billion in assets under managements. Before Doug’s role at Orion, he built and sold two royalty companies. One of them, International Royalty Corporation (IRC), he sold to Royal Gold for $745 million. Doug is now a member of the mining hall of fame for the many successes that he has had throughout his career. In this conversation we discuss: • Doug’s interesting path from zoology to geology and his family’s crater. • Bridging the gap from a technical background to finance. • What was behind Doug’s infamous geological database. • How IRC started, and what the royalty space looks like today. • What prompted the sale of IRC? • What role does Private Equity play in mine finance today and the challenges ahead. It is not every day that you get to sit down with someone like Doug. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.

We talk with the mercenary geologist, Mickey Fulp, and discover many lessons to be learned from his past, insights he's gained from his extensive experience in the mining industry, and valuable investment advice retail investors at home will find infinitely useful.

There is a prevailing ethos in the mining sector of “bet the jockey”. The idea being that if investors put their money behind great people success will take care of itself. But, how do we identify great people? Answering this question is more challenging than most investors acknowledge. In an industry where success is highly correlated to luck and timing, it’s easy to conflate serendipity with skill. A single past success seldom correlates to a future win, and It’s also nearly impossible to identify the hungry up-and-comers, those yet to establish a track record, who often deliver the greatest gains for investors. So how does an investor pick a jockey? Enter: Will Coetzer the founder and Managing Director of Stratum International a boutique mining recruitment and consulting firm headquartered in London, UK. Originally hailing from South Africa, Will commenced his mining recruitment career in London more than 15 years ago and after identifying a lack of strategic recruitment practices being applied to the mining sector, set out to fill the gap and founded Stratum International in 2012. Will and his team have sat across from some of greatest mining leaders of our generation and helped many of them find the people required to help create significant shareholder value, including several M&A and liquidity events. I had a great time chatting with Will and it was eye opening to see the scientific approach Stratum applies to identifying the truly great people in this sector.

In today's episode of Resource Insider Podcast, I am joined by Ivan Bebek, the Executive Chairman of Auryn Resources and the Co-Chairman of Torq Resources. Ivan previously built and sold two companies: Cayden Resources and Keegan Resources. Ivan and I discuss the experience that turned Ivan from stockbroker to company builder, his focus on gold and copper, why success gets harder as you get older, and much more. Make sure you don't miss future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

Today's guest on Resource Insider Podcast needs no introduction. Ross Beaty is one of the few true magnates of the mining world. He's a geologist, entrepreneur, and investor who has built and sold over a dozen public companies and created many billions of dollars for shareholders (and himself). Ross and I discuss his early set backs, and how he pulled a rabbit out of a hat and turned his first company into a major success, what it takes to succeed as a company builder and an investor in a bear market, lessons Ross learned building a renewable energy company, and much more. There are few opportunities to speak to someone like Ross in the mining space. Because frankly, there are very few people like him to speak to. So I encourage you to listen to this interview with Ross Beaty ASAP. Make sure you don't miss future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

In today's episode of Resource Insider Podcast, I am joined by Dan Wilton. Dan is the CEO of First Mining Gold, a $150 million market cap gold developer. Before taking on the role as CEO of First Mining Gold, he spent more than 25 years in M&A, corporate finance, and investing in the mining sector. Dan and discuss how he ended up in his current position as a CEO, similarities between mining and tech investing, how living in Russia during the 1997 crisis shaped Dan’s views on Modern Monetary Theory and hard assets, and much more. Make sure you don't miss future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

In today's episode of Resource Insider Podcast, I sit down with Ali Pejman, a mining focused investment banker and Partner at Fort Capital. Over the years he has been involved in hundreds of mining deals, working with everyone — from junior exploration companies to major producers, including advising Goldcorp in its recent acquisition by Newmont. In this fun and very entertaining conversation Ali and I discuss how the prospect of being type cast as an actor led Ali to becoming a chartered accountant... what mining bankers actually do and what it takes to be good at it... the importance of playing the long game and not succumbing to FOMO (fear of missing out... and much more. Make sure you don't miss future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

In today's episode of Resource Insider Podcast, I speak to Ron Netolitzky. Ron is one of the most successful geologists, prospectors and mining entrepreneurs in Canadian history. He has been involved of dozens of mineral discoveries around the globe, and, in 2015, he was inducted into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame. We talk about why Ron is back in Saskatchewan after decades of work around the world, the limitations of modern exploration technology, key skills that up-and-coming geologists need to know to make discoveries, and much more. Make sure you don't miss future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

In this episode of Resource Insider Podcast, I speak to Mark O’Dea, the Chairman and Founder of Oxygen Capital, an integrated merchant bank and mining house in Vancouver, Canada. Mark is perhaps best known for selling Fronteer Gold to Newmont in 2011 for $2.3 billion Mark and I discuss his transition from scientist to CEO, the unusual opportunity that catapulted Mark into the public markets, the role obsession and dogged determination play in success, and much more. Make sure you don't miss future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

In today's episode Resource Insider Podcast, I speak to George Salamis is the CEO of Integra Resources and past Chairman of Integra Gold. Intera Gold was sold to Eldorado Gold in 2017 for $590 million. Few people in the mining industry can boast George's technical background, capital markets savvy and track record of success. ​​In this conversation we discuss George’s views on mining M&A (and the lessons he learned from selling 6 companies), how companies position themselves for success, and what investors should be looking at when allocating capital to potential takeout targets. Make sure you don't miss future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

In this episode of Resource Insider Podcast, I speak to Warren Irwin, the President and Chief Investment Officer of Rosseau Asset Management, a money management firm based in Toronto, Canada. For the last 20 years, Rosseau has been outperforming the sector and was ranked the top performing hedge fund in the world in 2016. Warren and I talk about why he chose to focus on mining, dig into various tricks and scams often perpetrated by unscrupulous stock promoters and mining management teams, the unique skill sets mining investors must have, how Warren made money on Bre-X on the way up… and the way down, and much more. Make sure you don't miss future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

In today's episode of Resource Insider Podcast, I speak to Nick Germain. Nick is a full-time mining investor, commentator, and educator behind the popular website: The Mining Book Guy. In our conversation, Nick and I discuss the parallels between exploration companies and the early days of Facebook, why he believes remote and emerging jurisdictions offer investors the best opportunity to be part of a massive discovery, and other tips, tricks, and hacks for investors looking to improve performance and meet the biggest names in the industry. Make sure you don't miss future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

In today's episode of Resource Insider Podcast, I talk to Willem Middelkoop, founder and fund manager Commodity Discovery Fund. Prior to becoming a full-time mining and commodity investor Willem worked as a photo journalist, financial journalist, TV presenter, and authored several best-selling books, including the Big Reset (which I recommend checking out). In our discussion, Willem and I talk about going from a photo journalist to a mining fund manager, weaknesses in the world’s financial system, and what they mean for the future, why China is on the verge of resuming its historical role in the world, the 4 key components of Willems’ portfolio, and much more. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did! Make sure you don't miss future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

In this episode Resource Insider Podcast, I talk to Randy Smallwood, the President & CEO of Wheaton Precious Metals. Wheaton Precious Metals is a Vancouver-based metal streaming company that was instrumental in pioneering the model. Randy and I discuss his early love affair with geology, how to do great deals even if your horrific at predicting commodity prices, why he believes Wheaton Precious is trading at a discount, how to actually buy at the bottom of the commodity cycle, and much more. If you have ever wanted to pick the brain of a streaming pioneer and one of mining’s greatest innovators, you're in for a treat. Make sure you don't miss future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

In today's episode of Resource Insider Podcast, I talk to Tom Mills, a geographer, adventurer and political scientist specializing in managing the above ground risks facing the mining and energy sectors. We discuss how Tom's military background has served him throughout his career, leading projects in war zones, how investors and entrepreneurs can make better decisions in challenging environments, and more. This interview is a master class for any investor looking to understand the risks that companies face in emerging jurisdictions, and for leaders looking to make better decisions in challenging environments. Make sure you don't miss future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

Time for a new episode of Resource Insider Podcast. Today I talk to Brandon Duncan, the President and Founder of Backcountry Resources, a Yukon based construction, management and logistics company serving the mining and exploration sector. Brandon and I discuss how he ended up working in the remote Yukon region, the unique challenges miners face working in extreme environments, how to manage remote operations effectively, and much more. This episode will give you a look behind the curtain and understanding of what it takes to successfully execute some of the world’s most promising and challenging exploration projects. Make sure you don't miss future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

In today's episode of Resource Insider Podcast I talk to Steve de Jong, an entrepreneur from Vancouver determined to disrupt the mining industry. Steve is the CEO of VRify and the Chairman of Integra Resources. We talk about how he got his start in mining and what it’s like to be the CEO of one of the industry’s hottest startups at 28, what it was like to sell Integra Gold Corp for over half a billion dollars, the importance of having mentors that helped him establish himself early, and much more. If you're looking to better understand the resource industry and entrepreneurs excited about making a dent in the space, you won't want to miss today's episode. Don't miss future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

Today I talk to Anthony Milewski, Chairman and CEO of Cobalt27, a company that owns both physical cobalt as well as various cobalt royalties, and Managing Director at Pala Investments, a mining and metals focused fund based out of Switzerland. Anthony and I talk about how to decide whether you should work at a hedge fund, the background of Anthony's interest in Russia and Eastern Europe, how he looks and analyzes investment opportunities, the best way to take advantage of the changes happening around us, and much more. Don't miss future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

In this episode, I'm joined by Brian Paes-Braga. Brian is a partner at the Fiore Group, a private investment firm with interests in the mining, technology, entertainment, and beverage industries. Brian has been involved in a host of entrepreneurial, and philanthropic ventures, but is perhaps best known for founding and leading Lithium-X, alongside mining magnate Frank Guistra. He shares what is what like to sell a mining company for $265M on your 30th birthday, how he approaches potential mentors and gains their support, his approach to striking deals (as he puts it, the best deals leave everyone feeling like they left something on the table), and much more. Don't miss future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

In today's episode of Resource Insider Podcast, I'm joined by Donald Bray. Donald is the founder of Chalkstone Partners Limited, a United Kingdom based consultancy specializing in a data driven approach to understanding conflict, communities, and power structures. In our conversation, Donald and I talk about his lessons from winning over “hearts and minds” during his 6 years on the ground in Afghanistan, applying big data techniques to quantify decision making and manage social risk, what mining and oil and gas companies are doing better than the US military, and much more. Don't miss future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

In this episode of Resource Insider Podcast, I talk to Teo Dechev, president & CEO Mundoro Capital and one of the few female leaders in the mining industry. Mundoro Capital is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on copper discovery in Eastern Europe’s Tethyan Belt. Teo shares how she went from commodities trader, to research analyst and finally CEO, why the Tethyan belt is one of the most exciting exploration regions in the world, how she signed joint partnerships with both JOGMEC and Freeport McMoRan, and much more. Don't miss future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

In today's episode of Resource Insider Podcast, I speak to Nolan Watson, the President and CEO of Sandstorm Gold, a Vancouver based streaming and royalty company. Nolan and I discuss how Silver Wheaton went from a $0 to a $5 billion market cap and the deal that caused Nolan to rack up a $12,000 cell phone bill in Hawaii, the importance of distinguishing between business risks and personal risks, the key ingredient that Nolan believes will make him wealthier and happier in his 70’s, how Sandstorm Gold is rebalancing its portfolio to address the fact that they are trading at a lower multiple compared with peers, the innovative steps Sandstorm Gold is taking to attract new investors, and much more. Don't miss future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

In this episode of Resource Insider Podcast, I talk to Simon Ridgway, the Chairman of Fortuna Silver. I met Simon earlier this year and knew immediately I had to have him on the podcast. His story is a master class in everything I love about the mining industry and highlights many of the elements that attract so many investors and professionals to the space. Simon and I discuss how Simon left school at 15 and went on to be one of the most successful mining entrepreneurs of his generation, why entrepreneurship in the mining industry is more challenging than it once was, the importance of focusing on success as opposed to money, why Simon is currently focused on Serbia, and much more. Don't missing future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

In this episode of Resource Insider Podcast, I talk to Marcel de Groot, the President & Co-Founder of Pathway Capital, a venture capital firm focused on providing seed level funding to mining and exploration companies. Marcel and his partner at Pathway have helped fund some of the most successful ventures in the mining space of the last two decades. In this episode of Resource Insider Podcast, Marcel and I talk about how to identify and invest with the best teams in the space, what a “well structured” mining company look like, a good way to meet senior management that most investors overlook, and much more. Marcel is a wealth of information, and this podcast provides a tonne of actionable advice for any investor in the resource sector. Don't missing future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

In this episode of Resource Insider Podcast, I talk to Dan O'Flaherty, the CEO of Maverix Metals, a royalty and streaming company based in Vancouver, Canada. Dan and I discuss what exactly does an investment banker do all day, why mining royalty companies a particularly appealing opportunity for investors, what Dan looks for when he invests his personal capital in the mining sector, and much more. Don't missing future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

In this episode of Resource Insider Podcast, I talk to Amir Adnani, the CEO of Uranium Energy Corp. and the Chairman of GoldMining Inc. Amir leapt into the resource industry by founding UEC when he was 27 years old and has spent the past 13 years building it into one of the leading uranium companies in the Western world. Amir and I discuss why entrepreneurship is similar to parenthood, how he launched a uranium company in his 20s, how he attracted former U.S. Secretary of Energy, Spencer Abraham to become of Chairman UEC, and much more. Amir is an excellent conversationalist, with a fascinating story and a deep knowledge of the uranium space. I hope you enjoy out conversation as much as I did. Don't missing future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

In this episode of Resource Insider Podcast, I talk to Rick Rule, the President & CEO of Sprott US Holdings Inc. Rick and I talk about his path from a Vancouver bar owner to an international speculator and investor, how he invests his own money and how he chooses companies to invest in, and much more. Whether you're an investor or an entrepreneur in the natural resource space, you won't want to miss my conversation with Rick. Don't missing future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

In this episode of Resource Insider Podcast, I talk to Jordan Trimble, the President & CEO of Skyharbour Resources, a uranium exploration company focused on discovery in Canada’s Athabasca Basin. Among other things, Jordan and I talk about why the Athabasca basin is one of the most promising exploration environments in the world, discuss the factors contributing to the current uranium bear market, what the future hold for the uranium market, and much more. Don't missing future Resource Insider Podcast episodes by signing up here: capitalistexploits.at/signup/

Welcome to Resource Insider Podcast! In this first episode, I sit down with Travis McPherson, the VP of Corporate Development at NexGen Energy Ltd. Travis and I talk about NexGen and its Arrow project, which is considered the world's most valuable uranium deposit, and discuss the ins and outs of the uranium market that every investor should be aware of.