Mining some tales with. . . Ross Bhappu

Every month, The Northern Miner gets to know a different executive in the mining industry by asking them about everything — except mining.

This month, we feature Ross Bhappu, partner and head of private equity mature funds with Resource Capital Funds in Denver, Colo.

Q: What was your first job? 

A: While I was in college, my future brother-in-law and I started a business to buy and sell Porsches.  We found a big discrepancy in prices between the Washington D.C. area and Arizona and California (where we were each going to school).  So we pulled our money together and bought our first one and made a little money.  We ended up doing that a few dozen times and had a blast driving great cars and paying our way through college.  It certainly gave me an entrepreneurial spirit that has carried me through my career with RCF.   

Q: If you weren’t in mining, where would you be? 

A: I would be involved in aviation.  I am a private pilot and have always loved everything aviation related.  I thought a career in mining was safer from a job security perspective but I still love the aviation industry.     

Q: What is the most used app on your phone?

A: Two apps are about equal in use – Mail and Messages.  I tend to use messaging to communicate with my family and friends and I regularly check my emails on my phone when I am not at my desk.  I am not a big social media person, but I do use LinkedIn.   

Q: What’s your favourite reading? 

A: I have a stack of books on my nightstand that drives my wife nuts.  For fiction, I like the C.J. Box series of books about Joe Pickett, a Wyoming Game Warden who solves crimes in the Wyoming wilderness.  For non-fiction, I like reading leadership, aviation and golf improvement books.  

Q: What do you drive?

A: I have always been a “gearhead” and tend to change cars frequently.  However, my go-to and consistent car is my Ford F-150 pickup truck.  Some of the new electric cars are very appealing and I am sure I will own one in the future.   

Q: Favourite band?

A: I have always been a big Bruce Springsteen fan.  I really enjoy his concerts and music.  I have seen him over 15 times and have introduced him to my kids who listen to him as well.  If you turn on my car radio, you will either hear Bruce or Chris Stapleton. 

Q: Marvel or Woody Allen? 

A: Marvel for sure!!  My son-in-law got me started with the Marvel movies and I have enjoyed them all.  I can’t believe that Iron Man is gone!! 

Q: Window or aisle seat? 

A: I love to look outside but hate feeling claustrophobic.  So, my favourite is a bulkhead window seat but if I can’t get that, then it is an aisle seat. 

Q: Favourite sports team?

A: Definitely, the Denver Broncos!!  They are my home team, and I am sure my blood runs orange!! 

Q: What’s your kryptonite?

A: My kryptonite is negativity, both personally and professionally.  Over the plus-25 years that RCF has been in existence, we have always had a “let’s figure it out” attitude that has helped us grow and be successful.   

Q: What are you really into these days?

A: I am constantly thinking about an impending demand increase for metals and how the void will be filled.  The massive move to electrification of everything around us is going to create a mining sector boom the likes of which we that we have not seen before.  I am into figuring out how best to have an impact in solving the looming supply deficit.   

Q: What are you avoiding?  

A: Politics! I am not sure when we became so polarized and divisive, but we need better leadership and unity, particularly at a time with so many exciting transitions happening in our society – the energy transition, advances in AI, space exploration, medical advances.  My hope is that we can focus on the future, together.   

 Q: What’s your biggest fear?

A: My biggest fear is that the U.S. ignores the fact that we blessed with amazing natural resources that can be extracted safely and responsibly.  We need to access these resources not only for energy independence, but also to ensure we have the necessary resources to support the energy transition and build our own supply chain resiliency.  The Inflation Reduction Act and other infrastructure programs are good starts, but we also need regulatory reform to help advance mine development in a timely manner.  I also fear that too many people have the wrong view on the role mining plays in our everyday lives and the energy transition.  It’s imperative that we improve this image.  If you are truly concerned about the environment, then responsible mining must play a critical role. 

Q: Who is your mentor, guide or guru? 

A: My father was my mentor, guide and guru.  He was a highly regarded metallurgist and business owner.  Unfortunately, he passed away about three years ago but before that, we would speak daily and compare notes on just about everything.  

Q: What have you learned along the way? 

A: I have learned so many varied things along the way but most importantly I have learned to enjoy family and friends and take time to enjoy life.  It seems like time goes by so very fast and I preach to my twin daughters, who are now parents themselves, to enjoy every minute of time with their children because the next thing you know they will be parents themselves! 

Q: What’s your next task?  

A: My next task is to help Resource Capital Funds continue to grow and flourish.  We are in a very exciting time in the mining sector, and it is imperative to make sure investors understand that the energy transition does not occur without metals and minerals!  So, my task is to help get that message out!!