Streetwise Reports conducted an interview with Chris Ritchie, a former mining executive and current investor in Green Bridge Metals Corp. (GRBM:CSE; GBMCF:OTC; J48:FWB), in which he discussed his professional background, investment experience, and involvement with Green Bridge Metals.
Ritchie said, “I spent 13 years in institutional equity sales,” adding that this period included time at UBS, Canaccord, and National Bank Financial. He said his role involved working with resource companies and institutional investors, stating, “My job was effectively helping resource companies raise capital.”
He said that experience provided exposure to investor perspectives and risk considerations. “I learned risk management,” he said, adding that he worked with “portfolio managers, pension funds, hedge funds from all over the world,” and learned “what they think, what they care about and what attracts them to resources and when.”
Ritchie discussed his subsequent role at SilverCrest Metals Inc. (SIL:TSX.V; SILV:NYSE.American), where he said his initial responsibility was capital raising. “My job at SilverCrest was effectively to start out by raising them capital,” he said. “We raised about CA$600 million in about three and a half years, all at higher prices,” referring to equity financings completed at progressively higher share prices as the project advanced. He said the company advanced an asset “from an exploration property to a full blown producer,” and that he spent eight years with the company. He described that experience as including “taking an asset from the early days exploration through permitting, through financing, through construction, through capital allocation decisions, through corporate development.”
Ritchie also described his personal investment in SilverCrest. “My investment I put at CA$750,000 was everything I had into SilverCrest at the time,” he said, noting that it represented 100% of his net worth. He added that the company had a market capitalization of “probably about $60 million US” when he made the investment.
During the interview, Ritchie discussed his current investment allocation, stating, “I have about 25% of my overall portfolio in three copper projects.” He described those investments as including “one’s a producer, one has a really strategic late stage project,” and said, “Green Bridge is my early stage more speculative play.”
Ritchie said his interest in the company related in part to project positioning relative to existing infrastructure. Referring to lessons learned from prior projects, he said, “When you build a mine, there’s two big components that cost money. One is the mine itself, and then you have to build a processing plant.” He also emphasized the importance of the necessary supporting infrastructure required to operate and move material, noting that infrastructure can represent a major capital component of development. He said that if infrastructure is already in place, material can be transported to an existing facility rather than constructing new processing capacity, stating, “Instead of mining it and building a billion dollar processing plant, you can mine it and put it on a truck and just truck it to the other facility.” He said the presence of nearby processing capacity and infrastructure can significantly reduce capital requirements, lower dilution, and make the path to production easier. He also noted that projects located near established infrastructure can become acquisition targets for operators seeking additional feed for existing facilities rather than building new standalone operations.
He discussed the company’s project portfolio as consisting of “three distinct assets,” stating that “the Serpentine is the most advanced target,” while describing other properties as earlier stage. “The Chrome Puddy one is a very early stage target,” he said, noting that additional drilling would be required. He also indicated that, in his view, projects positioned this way could advance materially over time and potentially become strategic assets within the regional development landscape.
Ritchie said his current focus was investing rather than operating roles. “Right now I’m just sort of recalibrating to what’s out there,” he said, adding, “I had 100% of my net worth in one name for a long time.”
He also discussed broader industry conditions, including changing perceptions of mining investment and government involvement in critical minerals supply. He said resources had become strategically important and emphasized supply chain considerations and domestic production. He described the sector as approaching an inflection point following a prolonged period when mining had been out of favor with investors, while government support and policy visibility had increased. He also connected rising electrification and artificial intelligence development to physical resource demand, stating that expanding power systems require large amounts of copper and that power availability is a key constraint on scaling new technologies. He added that major governments and global actors have been stockpiling critical minerals, including copper, as supply security becomes more important.
The Electric Ecosystem and Power Infrastructure
In The Emerald, Volume 6: The Electric Ecosystem, Pinecone Macro Research examined the structure and demands of the modern electric system, with a focus on how electricity generation, transmission, and consumption have evolved alongside industrial, technological, and economic development. The report described electricity as a foundational input across multiple sectors and emphasized that modern economies rely on large-scale, continuous power availability to support manufacturing, transportation, computing, and infrastructure.
The report outlined how electrification trends have expanded beyond traditional uses, noting increased power requirements associated with data centers, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence workloads. According to the analysis, these applications require high levels of reliable baseload power, which places additional strain on generation capacity, grid infrastructure, and transmission systems. The report stated that energy systems are becoming more interconnected and complex as demand profiles shift toward constant, high-density consumption.
The publication also discussed constraints within existing power infrastructure, including the pace at which new generation and grid capacity can be added. It noted that energy development involves long permitting timelines, significant capital investment, and coordination across regulatory, industrial, and geographic boundaries. As a result, the report described a widening gap between rising electricity demand and the speed at which new supply and supporting infrastructure can be brought online.
Pinecone Macro Research further highlighted that materials and inputs required for power generation, transmission, and electrification are integral to the functioning of the electric ecosystem. The report framed these materials as essential components within broader energy systems, stating that the reliability and scalability of electrification depend on both energy production and the physical infrastructure that enables power delivery.
Ritchie also discussed the relationship between electricity demand growth and the physical limits of power development, stating that large amounts of capital have been directed toward artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, but that power availability remains a key constraint. He said expanding generation capacity and transmission networks requires significant quantities of copper, which is used throughout electrical systems.
He described copper supply as directly tied to the ability to expand power infrastructure, explaining that electricity systems cannot be scaled without the materials required to build them. He said that as computing demand rises, so does the need for the physical components that enable power generation and distribution.
During his interview with Streetwise Reports, Chris Ritchie addressed how electrification trends translated directly into demand for physical materials, stating, “If you think about electrification, everything needs copper. Transmission lines need copper. Power generation needs copper. Processing plants need copper.” He added that as electricity demand grows, “you’re not just building power, you’re building the infrastructure that moves it,” which he said places increased importance on copper supply tied to existing infrastructure.
Ritchie said that copper exposure can also function as a way to participate in broader technological growth trends tied to electrification and artificial intelligence, because expansion of computing capacity depends on expansion of power infrastructure. He said electricity systems cannot be built or expanded without the materials required for transmission and distribution.
He also discussed supply dynamics, noting that governments have begun placing greater strategic emphasis on securing access to copper. He said China has been stockpiling copper and that the United States has announced plans to build strategic reserves as well, which he described as reflecting the growing importance of supply security.
Ritchie characterized the current period as a transition point for the sector, stating that mining had previously seen limited investment but that policy support and strategic interest have increased. He said government involvement has become more visible, while investor participation has not yet fully reflected those developments.
Digging Into Copper and Critical Minerals
In a report dated January 2, Sprott Asset Management examined copper demand in the context of global electrification and power infrastructure. The firm stated that copper was “needed more than ever before” as electricity demand increased alongside grid expansion and technological change. The report said that clean energy accounted for “41% of the worldwide copper demand,” and cited projections indicating that this share was expected to rise to “68% by 2040.” Sprott also referenced data estimating an annual copper supply gap of “28 million metric tonnes by 2050,” while noting that the average copper mine required “17 years” to move from discovery to production. Addressing technology-driven demand, the report stated that global data center electricity demand “may rise 2.5x by 2030,” and that cumulative new copper demand from AI data centers was projected at “5 million metric tons by 2030.”
According to a Reuters report published on February 4, U.S. senators introduced legislation to reauthorize funding for the U.S. Export-Import Bank as part of efforts to support domestic access to critical minerals. Senator Kevin Cramer said President Donald Trump was “all in” on funding the Ex-Im Bank and added that “The Export-Import Bank makes some un-doable deals doable.” Senator Mark Warner stated that renewing the bank was “critical for Virginia businesses to stay viable in a global economy with China and other foreign competitors,” and said the legislation would help protect American jobs while supporting economic and national security. The report also noted that the United States was preparing to host talks with more than 50 countries aimed at boosting access to critical minerals and reducing reliance on Chinese supply chains.
In an Associated Press report updated on February 5, Vice President JD Vance said the United States sought to form a critical minerals trading bloc with allies to ensure supply security. “We want members to form a trading bloc among allies and partners, one that guarantees American access to American industrial might while also expanding production across the entire zone,” Vance said. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the goal was to move beyond discussion and toward action, saying, “Everyone here has a role to play.” The report also referenced Project Vault, a strategic U.S. stockpile of rare earth elements backed by a US$10 billion loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank and additional private funding.
Also on February 5, Robert Friedland commented on X about copper supply constraints relative to global power and technology demand. He stated, “We’re consuming 30m tonnes of copper a year. Only 4m tonnes of which is recycled.” Friedland said that maintaining economic growth placed extraordinary pressure on supply, adding, “That means to maintain 3% GDP growth, with no further electrification, we have to mine the same amount of copper in the next 18 years as we mined the last 10,000 years, combined.” He emphasized that this estimate excluded additional demand sources, stating, “This is without any new electrification, without data centers, without solar and wind and the greening of the world economy.”
"Serpentine is the cornerstone concept for the company in Minnesota."
In a January 2 contributed opinion, Michael Ballanger of GGM Advisory Inc. discussed Green Bridge Metals Corp. following his decision to add the company to his portfolio. Ballanger wrote, "I added Green Bridge Metals Corp. to the portfolio in late 2025 after meeting CEO David Suda via a ZOOM call during which time he walked me through his Serpentine Project located in the Duluth Mining District in northeastern Minnesota." He stated that the district "contains an absolute wealth of exploration and development projects" and described it as "one of the most highly-prospective regions on the planet." Ballanger also discussed the company's titanium exposure at the South Contact Zone and cited a white paper describing titanium as "a critical mineral by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) due to its essential role in economic and national security." He wrote that drill programs at the South Contact Zone were scheduled to begin later in the month, with drilling at Serpentine to follow. Ballanger stated a 2026 target price of CA$0.75 and US$0.55.
1In a February 4 contributed technical analyst report, John Newell of John Newell & Associates provided commentary on Green Bridge Metals Corp. in the context of U.S. critical minerals policy. Newell wrote that the company was "building a North American portfolio around copper, nickel, titanium, vanadium, and associated metals" and stated that its approach focused on advancing projects with existing infrastructure and meaningful historic work rather than early-stage exploration. He wrote that Green Bridge's position in Minnesota was "designed for exactly this kind of moment" as domestic critical minerals policy became more supportive. Discussing the TITAC Project, Newell wrote that the company had "now commenced diamond core drilling at the TITAC Project in Minnesota, targeting copper mineralization associated with the same intrusive package that already hosts a titanium dioxide resource." He stated that the Phase 1 program consisted of "six diamond drill holes, roughly 1,800 metres total." In his conclusion, Newell wrote that Green Bridge Metals "remains a Speculative Buy" and identified a next resistance target near CA$0.40.
Advancing Exploration and Technical Programs in Minnesota
At the Serpentine copper-nickel project, the company reported an inferred mineral resource of approximately 280 million tonnes at 0.53% CuEq and an indicated resource of 21.6 million tonnes at 0.69% CuEq. The company stated that platinum group elements were not included in the historical estimate. The presentation outlined a pre-feasibility pathway that includes exploration and infill drilling planned for the second and third quarters of 2026, totaling approximately 25,500 meters, along with water monitoring wells, metallurgical studies, and engineering and environmental work. Drill permitting for Serpentine was reported to be in place for 2026, with a preliminary economic assessment targeted for 2027 and a pre-feasibility study identified for 2029, according to the corporate presentation.
At the Titac titanium-copper-vanadium project, the company reported a titanium resource of 46.6 million tonnes grading 15% TiO2, including 13.3 million tonnes of ilmenite, with historical drill holes intersecting copper mineralization within the existing titanium resource. For 2026, Green Bridge Metals outlined a fully permitted drilling program consisting of six diamond core holes totaling approximately 1,800 meters, scheduled for the first quarter. The company stated it signed a contract with Foraco to complete drilling at Titac and that all core will be analyzed for trace elements, whole rock composition, and platinum group elements. Preliminary metallurgical investigations cited in the presentation indicated recoveries of approximately 64% ilmenite from ore and approximately 70% titanium from ilmenite.
Streetwise Ownership Overview*
Green Bridge Metals Corp. (GRBM:CSE;GBMC:OTCQB)
The presentation also detailed planned sampling work at the Skibo prospect, where five historic drill holes are scheduled for assaying with results expected in the first quarter of 2026. The company stated that cumulative results from this sampling will be used to determine whether further exploration drilling is warranted. Green Bridge Metals also reported engagement with local engineering, environmental, and community relations groups in Minnesota in preparation for upcoming drill programs, according to its corporate presentation.
During the Streetwise Reports interview, Ritchie described Green Bridge Metals as a potential acquisition candidate, stating, “I think this is exactly the type of company that majors and mid-tiers look for.” He added that companies with defined resources, permitting visibility, and proximity to infrastructure were “much easier to bolt on than starting from scratch,” particularly where existing infrastructure can reduce capital requirements and shorten development timelines.
Looking ahead, Ritchie said that over the next five years, the company could move “from where it is today into a much more advanced, de-risked asset base,” adding that execution rather than discovery alone would determine that outcome, including continued advancement of technical studies, permitting progress, and resource development.
Ownership and Share Structure2
Encampment Minerals, a strategic partner and asset vendor, holds approximately 10% of Green Bridge. Four institutional investors collectively own 15% of the float. Management and insiders own a total of 1.14%, including CEO David Suda, who holds 2 million shares.
Green Bridge Metals has 196,758,632 shares outstanding and a market capitalization of CA$30 million. The company has a 52-week trading range of CA$0.08-CA$0.26.
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Important Disclosures:
- Green Bridge is a billboard sponsor of Streetwise Reports and pays SWR a monthly sponsorship fee between US$3,000 and US$6,000.
- As of the date of this article, officers, contractors, shareholders, and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Green Bridge.
- James Guttman wrote this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an employee.
- This article does not constitute investment advice and is not a solicitation for any investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her personal financial adviser and perform their own comprehensive investment research. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company.
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- Disclosure for the quote from the John Newell article published on December 26, 2025
- For the quoted article (published on December 26, 2025), the Company has paid Street Smart, an affiliate of Streetwise Reports, between US$3,500.
- Author Certification and Compensation: [John Newell of John Newell and Associates] was retained and compensated as an independent contractor by Street Smart for writing this article. Mr. Newell holds a Chartered Investment Management (CIM) designation (2015) and a U.S. Portfolio Manager designation (2015). The recommendations and opinions expressed in this content reflect the personal, independent, and objective views of the author regarding any and all of the companies discussed. No part of the compensation received by the author was, is, or will be directly or indirectly tied to the specific recommendations or views expressed.
John Newell Disclaimer
As always it is important to note that investing in precious metals like silver carries risks, and market conditions can change violently with shock and awe tactics, that we have seen over the past 20 years. Before making any investment decisions, it's advisable consult with a financial advisor if needed. Also the practice of conducting thorough research and to consider your investment goals and risk tolerance.
- Ownership and Share Structure Information
The information listed above was updated on the date this article was published and was compiled from information from the company and various other data providers.
