Job Description

Position: Vice President – Studies & Development
Location: Flexible (Preference for candidates based in the Western U.S.)
Reporting to: CEO

About the Role

We’re seeking an experienced and strategic Vice President – Studies & Development to lead the technical, environmental, and permitting efforts for a major critical minerals project located on the Oregon–Nevada border. This is a high-impact leadership role that will guide the project through feasibility and into development—ensuring all technical, economic, environmental, and social aspects are thoroughly integrated and optimized.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience managing large-scale mining or mineral processing studies (preferably in critical minerals or similar sectors), a hands-on approach to execution, and the leadership to scale a high-performing team as the project progresses toward construction.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Serve as the lead for U.S. operations, acting as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, partners, and regulatory bodies.

• Drive the advancement of technical studies across mining, processing, infrastructure, and environmental disciplines.

• Provide regular updates and strategic recommendations to the executive team and board.

Project & Development Management

• Lead the execution of project optimization and definitive feasibility studies (DFS).

• Oversee permitting and stakeholder engagement, integrating regulatory and community needs into development plans.

• Manage engineering consultants and ensure deliverables align with technical and commercial objectives.

• Develop and manage study and development work plans, budgets, and timelines.

• Identify and mitigate key risks while ensuring development milestones are met.

Organizational Growth

• Build and lead a multidisciplinary team to support project advancement.

• Support organizational design and talent recruitment aligned with long-term execution needs.

• Contribute to the company’s broader growth strategy, including evaluating future development opportunities.

Qualifications & Experience

• 15–20+ years of experience in mining and mineral processing project studies and development, with a track record of leading PFS/DFS phases.

• In-depth knowledge of the North American mining sector, including permitting, labor relations (e.g. unions), and construction.

• Technical expertise in bulk mining and hydrometallurgical processing is strongly preferred.

• Proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams and manage third-party consultants.

• Skilled at navigating both strategic and tactical aspects of project execution.

• Strong financial and commercial acumen with a history of delivering projects on time and within budget.

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Why This Role

This is a rare opportunity to help shape one of the most significant critical minerals development projects in the U.S. You’ll have the autonomy and support to lead a critical workstream while contributing to a high-growth, purpose-driven business. As the project moves toward execution, your role will continue to grow—with long-term career upside in a fast-moving, future-focused environment.

If you're an experienced mining leader ready to take on a career-defining role, we’d love to connect.