Navigating Competitive Copper Acquisitions - with Artem Volynets

In this episode, we chat with Artem Volynets, Founder, Chairman and CEO of ACG Metals Ltd whose vision is to consolidate the copper industry through a series of roll-up acquisitions targeting copper producers with best-in-class environmental, social, and governance (ESG) characteristics. Artem’s career spans major leadership roles across the international mining sector, from steering large-scale M&A to developing assets in complex jurisdictions. Under his leadership, ACG Metals has been building a portfolio that blends strategic acquisitions with disciplined project execution. In this conversation, we’ll dig into how Artem navigates competitive copper acquisitions without overpaying, approaches technical challenges with fresh thinking, and adapts plans based on community input. We’ll also hear his take on jurisdictional surprises, the realities of operating in high-inflation environments, and the strategic moves he believes will set ACG Metals apart in the years ahead. KEY TAKEAWAYS ACG Metals is a relatively new player in the mining sector, having achieved substantial milestones within its first year ACG Metals differentiates itself in a competitive market by avoiding traditional auction processes and leveraging a strong network for deal sourcing. The company focuses on creating value through innovative transaction structures that include cash, shares, and milestone payments, fostering partnerships with sellers. ACG Metals'  proactive approach has helped the company integrate into the local fabric, contributing to job creation and local budgets, which mitigates potential conflicts. BEST MOMENTS "We don't get our investment ideas from investment banks. We have a relatively large network of connections where we can source the deal ideas."  "I like to think of mining assets as a big cash printing machine, and that gets me excited as a CEO of a public company."  "The biggest risk in Turkey is to your waistline. The food is too good. Otherwise, I don't see any other operating risks." 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 GUEST SOCIALS  https://acgmetals.com/ https://x.com/ACGMetals https://www.linkedin.com/company/acgmetals/ https://www.youtube.com/@ACGMetals 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.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/