Simon Catt sits down with Merlin Marr-Johnson, “Dr Copper”, to discuss why copper demand is accelerating, why new supply is so hard to bring online, and why Chile remains central to the global copper story.
They cover the AI capex boom, US copper tariffs and strategic stockpiles, the incentive price needed for new mines, inflation in major mining projects, and the search for the next big copper discovery.
Merlin also discusses Fitzroy Minerals (CVE: FTZ), including the near-term oxide copper production opportunity at Buen Retiro, the hunt for a potential Candelaria-style IOCG discovery, and the large porphyry target at Caballos in one of Chile’s most important copper belts.
Topics covered: Copper demand, AI data centres, Chile, Fitzroy Minerals, IOCG deposits, porphyry copper, Buen Retiro, Caballos Copper Project, copper tariffs, mining capex, exploration, critical minerals.
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Chapters
00:00 AI, data centres, copper demand and geopolitics
00:47 Disclaimer: information only, not financial advice
01:08 Introduction: Simon Catt and Merlin Marr-Johnson
01:49 Why copper matters now
02:01 Merlin’s background in copper and geology
03:30 Old economy vs new economy copper demand
05:33 Trump tariffs, US stockpiles and strategic copper
09:32 The incentive price needed for new copper supply
12:15 Mega-project capex inflation: Vicuna, QB2 (Quebrada Blanca Phase 2) and Jansen
14:33 Why AI capex could push copper prices higher
16:36 Where will the world find new copper supply?
18:12 Chile’s role in global copper production
20:02 Chilean politics, royalties and mining permits
23:29 Are major mining companies returning to Chile?
26:44 Buen Retiro: the hunt for a Candelaria-style IOCG
28:53 Near-term oxide copper production opportunity
30:28 Production timeline, funding and partner buyback
33:38 Potential production scale and cash flow
35:19 Big copper exploration upside
36:01 How AI is being used in mineral exploration
39:59 Fitzroy’s two major Chilean copper projects
40:26 Caballos: a potential supergiant porphyry target
44:17 Deep IP survey and the “game on” moment
46:15 Key milestones for Fitzroy shareholders
47:15 Valuation, funding options and copper production metrics
49:04 Upcoming catalysts: drill results, permitting and PEA50:27 Building a 10,000 tonne per year copper mine
51:03 Production upside vs exploration upside
52:40 Why high-grade oxide copper near infrastructure matters
54:53 Closing thoughts: drill baby drill
54:57 Thank you and please Like, share, subscribe to Catt Calls
Whether you're a seasoned resource investor or building your first copper position, this is essential viewing for understanding where we are in the cycle — and what comes next.
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⚠️ Disclaimer: The information contained in this video is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment advice, or a recommendation to buy or sell securities. Always conduct your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.Subscribe to Catt Calls for more interviews with copper, uranium, precious metals, industrial commodities, mining and resource market experts.