Who We Are
Virtus Minerals is a U.S.-based critical minerals platform setting a new standard for global resource development. We are soon to be the first major American-owned mining operation established in the Democratic Republic of Congo in more than a decade, our mandate is twofold: deliver resilient, auditable copper and cobalt supply chains for global industry, and drive enduring economic development for our host nations.
Leadership
Phil Braun
Phil brings more than 20 years of military service and deep operations and supply-chain expertise, including service as a Green Beret with the 20th Special Forces Group. Prior to Virtus he was an operations and supply-chain consultant at Seraph and led the relocation of two manufacturing operations from central Ukraine to Europe following the Russian invasion. He holds degrees in Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management and International Business from the College of Charleston.
CEO
CFOAndrew Powch
Andrew began his career as a U.S. Navy lieutenant and Platoon Commander in Explosive Ordnance Disposal. He later worked in McKinsey & Company's energy practice, served as Chief Operating Officer of an infrastructure startup, and led acquisition and licensing activity for a healthcare-focused private equity firm. His background spans transaction execution, operational leadership, and financial strategy. He holds a B.S. in Ocean Engineering from the United States Naval Academy and an MBA from Harvard Business School.