American Rare Earths Ltd appoints new president of North America


American Rare Earths Ltd (ASX:ARR) has appointed a new president of North America to continue to build the company’s presence and partnerships in the region.

The highly experienced Melissa (Mel) Sanderson replaces Marty Weems in the position and brings with her accomplished leadership skills in mining and diplomacy.

Sanderson’s global career spans 30-plus years, including time at global mining leader Freeport-McMoRan, in a corporate ESG role and as vice president for Africa.

She has also received several awards, including the US State Department Superior Honor Award and the Women in Mining UK 2022 ‘top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining’.

Sanderson serves on several boards, including American Rare Earths where she will remain as an executive director, Advance Metals Ltd, the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations and chairs the Arizona District Export Council.

“Mel is an outstanding leader and brings a wealth of experience to the role as head of our North American business headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. I could not be more excited and pleased to have Mel take on this appointment,” ARR chairman Creagh O’Connor said.

Leaving a legacy

Under the leadership of Marty Weems, ARR established significant partnerships with various research organisations and the Departments of Energy and Defense.

Sanderson will be tasked with continuing these relationships as she is well versed in working with US Government agencies having served as a senior diplomat in the US State Department.

A further benefit is Sanderson’s status as a Wyoming native, where ARR has a significant asset at its Halleck Creek Rare Earth Project in Platte and Albany counties in southeast ranch country.

The southern end of the Laramie Range is home to a massive geologic pluton rare earth deposit, estimated to have more than one billion tonnes of ore, potentially making it the biggest such project in the US with few global deposits rivalling such immense size and scope.

While Sanderson has big shoes to fill, it is likely she will fit easily into the role and build on Weems’ foundations.

Weems has accepted a role with a company outside the rare earth industry.

“Although we are disappointed to lose Marty, we would like to thank him for his extraordinary service to American Rare Earths and wish him the best in the future,” O’Connor said.

About American Rare Earths

ARR is emerging as an alternative international supply chain player to China’s market dominance of a global rare earth market expected to expand to US$20 billion by the mid-2020s.

Its mission is to supply critical materials for renewable energy, green tech, electric vehicles, national security and a carbon-reduced future.

The company is one of only a few listed companies with exposure to the rapidly expanding US market, developing its 100% owned magnet metals projects, Halleck Creek in Wyoming, and La Paz in Arizona.

Both have potential to be among the largest rare earths deposits in North America.

The company is concurrently evaluating other exploration opportunities while collaborating with US Government supported R&D to develop a sustainable domestic supply chain for the renewable future.



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