As a leader in value creation, the Seventy Ninth Group is committed to identifying and seizing long-term opportunities that others often overlook. With a keen eye for identifying under-valued assets, the company excels at transforming them into significant ventures that benefit clients and entire communities alike. Rooted in the real estate sector, The Seventy Ninth Group has carved out a niche in commercial, residential, and leisure asset management. The company’s Chairman, Dave Webster, brings over 30 years’ of real estate expertise to the table. His vision extended beyond traditional boundaries though, leading him to explore the natural resources sector.

Recognizing the escalating demand for gold and critical minerals, Webster identified the Republic of Guinea as a promising region for long-term development due to its under-explored natural wealth.  Seventy Ninth Resources was established and, has been operational in the Republic of Guinea since 2011. The company has established robust relationships with local communities, granting unique access to lands rich in gold and other precious resources. An experienced Board and an in-country team of world-class geologists, field consultants, and ESG specialists drive their operations. Strategic partnerships with industry leaders like SRK Exploration Services and The MSA Group have enhanced their ability to target precise exploration and ensure strong data verification of natural resources assets.

Recently, Seventy Ninth Resources broadened its horizons through a partnership with First Class Metals (FCM) PLC, which holds extensive land in North Ontario, Canada. This collaboration has diversified their portfolio, reinforcing their commitment to global natural resource asset management. As Seventy Ninth Resources looks toward an IPO, their focus remains on building a diverse, meaningful portfolio that not only thrives in the present but also leaves a lasting, positive impact. They are committed to evolving their ventures in high-demand, low-supply markets, continually aiming to create value and foster sustainable growth.

In conversation with Natalie Bellis, CEO of Seventy Ninth Resources

Q. What have been your key challenges and successes while operating in the Republic of Guinea?

Working with communities in developing nations poses a range of unique challenges. For one, you have to approach the communities impacted by your activities and address their concerns before you can start to gain their trust. We’re committed to making a difference. To adding value, providing local people with opportunities and support, improving living conditions, and contributing positively to sustainable development in the country. This has helped us build trusted relationships with neighboring communities and unlock privileged access to land and resources. The Republic of Guinea stands out for its untapped potential and its people’s unwavering spirit. We’ve found not just minerals there, but a community eager to collaborate and grow. Their resilience and drive mirror our ethos of being creators of enduring value.

Starting in the Republic of Guinea was a leap into the unknown. Building a local team wasn’t just a solution; it was a commitment to lasting community development. The challenge was embedding our roots locally, which turned into our triumph. We cultivated a team that’s as local as the soil, mirroring the community’s spirit. This was the very thing that propelled our project forward by reinforcing our belief in nurturing local talent and creating developmental synergies—making every challenge a stepping stone towards collective success.

Q. Could you elaborate on some of the initiatives you’ve implemented to support local communities in the Republic of Guinea?

Our entrepreneurial spirit is deeply connected to community commitment. For us, it’s a community-centric approach that fuels our mission and strengthens our commitment to sustainable development and an impactful legacy. Our support for the FOMBEK orphanage is a great example of this commitment. We’re making a difference in the lives of its 44 young inhabitants as we cover the annual cost of education, food, hygiene, and safety.

Our in-country team has also recently toured over 40 communities local to our permits to see how we can make a difference. We’ve already made donations to a number of smaller initiatives and are working with them on building projects such as a water tower and shelter.

Q. Your team includes world-class geologists, field consultants, and ESG specialists. How do these experts help guide your operations?  

Our multidisciplinary team, which includes consultant geologists, ESG specialists, and an established in-country team, plays a crucial role in identifying and developing our natural resource assets. Our geologists pinpoint promising formations and deposits, allowing us to target exploration efforts effectively. This team is led by Will Slater, who gained exposure to the sector through his roles as VP Exploration and VP Operations at Altus Strategies, managing the company’s portfolio of exploration projects. Will holds a MGeol in Applied Geology from the University of Leicester, UK.  Meanwhile, our in-country team manages exploration activities, overcoming logistical challenges, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Our ESG specialists ensure that our operations meet stringent ESG standards by conducting impact assessments and shaping our sustainability strategy.

Our approach to ESG is deeply rooted in sustainable development, focusing on meaningful actions through environmental projects, educational support, and community enrichment. We integrate sustainability into our operations, making it a core part of our mission and positively impacting every stakeholder, especially young Guineans.

Our strategy combines business acumen with ethical and environmental mindfulness, supporting local infrastructure and businesses. We address industry challenges with a focus on both sustainability and profitability, using smart procurement, technological advancements, and strategic diversification to balance immediate needs with long-term growth.

Q. You intend to apply for a listing on the TSX-V later this year. Why have you decided to make this move?

We think this move offers several strategic benefits, potentially. Applying to the list will make us more visible to clients interested in natural resources. That will put us in a stronger position to attract new sources of capital for our exploration efforts. Greater liquidity also makes it easier for us to raise capital through equity offerings and to facilitate trading for our clients.

Enhancing our market credibility in the natural resources sector also signals to stakeholders, clients, and partners that we’re working towards stringent regulatory and governance standards.

Q. What does the future hold for your company and its customers?

The plan is to continue Seventy Ninth Resources’ success story and keep expanding globally. Our next step is clear: applying to be listed on the TSX-V. This will make us more visible and attractive to clients and give us greater access to capital for future exploration projects. Our plan is to expand our operations across West Africa, North America, and beyond.

We’re undertaking a global recruitment drive to onboard top talent and build offices in Dubai, Tokyo, Mauritius, Barbados, Gibraltar, and across the United States of America.

Meet the leader behind the success of Seventy Ninth Resources

As CEO of The Seventy Ninth Group and Seventy Ninth Resources, Natalie Bellis leads a team of executives to deliver on the company’s primary goals and objectives, covering acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, and large-scale expansion.

Natalie is a seasoned compliance specialist with a wealth of regulatory and administrative knowledge. Her expertise in creating and implementing governance frameworks and FCA regulations has been instrumental in her career. She has also chaired several Corporate Risk Committees, demonstrating her ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.

“Our strategy combines business acumen with ethical and environmental mindfulness, supporting local infrastructure and businesses.”