Private Equity
Investing in mine development and operating stage companies requiring capital for growth
About Us
RCF Private Equity invests in growth-oriented mining companies where our capital, expertise, and capabilities can help create value. We have the capabilities to invest thoughtfully anywhere in the mining ecosystem.
We evaluate and make investments across a wide range of possible opportunities, and we go where more than just our capital is needed.
Investing in new production
Modern economies rely on access to raw materials. We invest in companies or projects from the final phases of study, targeting new or expanded production profiles, with clear permitting timelines.
Our teams use a staged due diligence process aimed at identifying technical and commercial value drivers, working in close collaboration with project sponsors. With a broad mandate, we use a range of investment instruments to create flexible funding packages to accelerate project development.
We take an active role in supporting our portfolio companies, providing access to extensive contact networks and a full in-house technical evaluation and support team.
RCF Private Equity provides access to deep technical skills and relationship networks to assist portfolio company management teams to execute growth strategies.
Team
Martin Valdes
Private Equity Fund
Santiago
Partner, Head of RCF VII
Martin joined RCF in 2015 following an investment banking career that included positions at J.P. Morgan and Citigroup in New York and as Partner of Hudson Bankers, a Latin American boutique M&A firm based in Chile. He has extensive experience in M&A and other transaction advisory services across Latin America, North America and Europe. Martin manages the day-to-day operations of the Private Equity Strategy for RCF VII including deal sourcing, portfolio allocation, deal strategy and investment approval processes.
Ross Bhappu
Private Equity Fund
Denver
Partner, Head of Mature Funds
Ross joined RCF in 2001 after serving as the President of a development-stage copper company, Director of Business Development at Newmont Mining Corporation focused on M&A activities globally and positions in various technical and financial roles at Cyprus Minerals Company. Ross manages the day-to-day operations of the Private Equity Strategy for mature funds (RCF IV, RCF V, RCF V Annex and RCF VI).
Jacqui Murray
Private Equity Fund
Perth
Partner, Investment Team Leader
Jacqui joined RCF in 2012 after working in Business Analysis and Improvement roles with BHP Billiton. Prior to this she worked in various Geotechnical Engineering roles in underground and open pit operations within BHP Billiton and WMC Resources. Jacqui manages an RCF investment team.
Jasper Bertisen
Private Equity Fund
Denver
Partner, Investment Team Leader
Jasper joined RCF in 2004. Prior to joining, Jasper worked in Germany, Finland, Chile and Australia in a number of open pit and underground mining operations. Jasper manages an RCF investment team with responsibility for managing investments made by RCF in the United States of America and Canada.
Brett Beatty
Private Equity Fund
Perth
Partner, MD Australia, Investment Team Leader
Brett joined RCF in 2009 having worked as a Mining Engineer for numerous companies including Mincor Resources and Barminco. Brett’s field of experience include production, planning, mine design, geotechnical and mine site management in various underground operations across Australia. Brett manages an RCF investment team as well as the administrative aspects of RCF’s Perth Office.
Wes Loyd
Private Equity Fund
Denver
Investment Team Leader
Wes joined RCF in 2021 following a career in investment banking with Stifel Financial that spanned the metals, natural resources and real estate industries. During this time he led the origination and execution of a wide range of financing and strategic advisory transactions primarily in North America. Prior to this he served as a Captain in the United States Army and was stationed domestically, in Europe as well as deployed to the Middle East. Wes leads RCF investment teams as well as supports transaction, financing and business development efforts across RCF.
James Rattenbury
Private Equity Fund
Perth
Principal
James joined RCF in 2012 after working across Australasia in exploration and mine geology roles with Fortescue Metals Group and Oceana Gold. James worked on an investment team in Denver before returning to Australia in 2019, and manages transactions for the Private Equity strategy.