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American Rare Earths Ltd has welcomed John G. Mansanti to the board as the company continues to build its presence in the US.

The appointment sees ARR continuing its strategy of adding new highly skilled American professionals to give it an edge in the US rare earths market.

Mansanti is the second of three targeted appointments and with more than 45 years of experience, is an experienced mining leader with operational, technical and capital projects experience.

The new board member has led successful teams in mining, with project development, engineering, project financing, capital execution and operations a key focus.

“We are very excited to have John join our board as he has significant operating and management experience,” ARR chairman Creagh O’Connor said.

“His noteworthy capability in leading successful teams in mining and the minerals industry will enhance our ability to grow our promising rare earth projects in the US.

“ARR’s commitment to strengthening its position in the rare earths industry and expanding its presence in the United States led to the decision to appoint three highly skilled and accomplished American-based directors, John being the second of the new appointments.”

About Mansanti

Mansanti led several teams in the successful procurement of project permits and subsequent compliance. He has a vast multi-commodity background, which includes leading the development and operation of conventional mined, solution mined and solar-evaporated potash production, base metals operations and trona solution mine development.

He was CEO of Pacific Soda, CEO and president of Crystal Peak Minerals, and senior VP of Operations for Intrepid Potash.

Mansanti also served as a director for Rye Patch Gold and Alio Gold and was general manager for Barrick’s Goldstrike, Barrick/Placer Dome’s Cortez/Cortez Hills, Turquoise Ridge and Bald Mountain, leading successful restarts for the latter two.

Further to this, Mansanti served in multiple operational and project roles for Newmont, Getchell Gold, Santa Fe Pacific Gold, Gold Fields Operating Company, Freeport McMoRan and Kennecott.

Other accolades include a MS in Mineral Processing Engineering and an Honorary PhD from Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology. He was the 2017 president of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) and served and continues to serve on several university advisory boards, educational boards and foundations.

Throughout his career, Mansanti has received multiple honours and awards for his technical and leadership skills, including recognition by the Department of the Interior for support of a new Secretarial Order in 2012.

“I am excited to join the board of American Rare Earths. I look forward to working with fellow board members and the management team in the development of viable American-based rare earth projects,” Mansanti said.