RER announces new top chief

Local mining organization Rare Element Resources has announced the appointment of a new CEO to replace Randall Scott, who will shortly be retiring.

Brent Berg will be taking the reins of the company, which is gearing up to build and operate a demonstration plant for its rare earth extraction technology in Upton, using ore previously gathered from its proposed mine site in the Bear Lodge.

According to a press release from RER, Berg is a mining and mineral professional with more than 25 years of experience in the minerals industry, including 16 in mine management roles and 11 with in-situ recovery operations.

Berg worked in various roles for Cameco Resources for 21 years and was responsible for oversight of operations in Wyoming and Nebraska, following which he was general manager of Florence Copper Inc and led the successful completion of a production test facility for in-situ copper recovery.

“Brent is a proven mining professional with extensive experience in the resource sector, including many years developing and operating mining projects in the great state of Wyoming,” said Gerald Grandey, Chairman of the Board of Directors.

“Following a thorough and rigorous process led by the Board’s Executive Search Committee, we unanimously selected Brent to lead the company through the upcoming rare earth processing and separation demonstration project and beyond.”

The board also offered its gratitude to Scott for his “long-standing and steadfast leadership”. Scott has been associated with RER since 2011 as president, CEO and member of the board of directors.

“Our succession planning was a thoughtful and collaborative process, and we appreciate Randy’s commitment to the company during the transition that will occur over the month of November,” said Grandey.

“Randy is leaving a solid legacy and foundation for the Company. We wish him the very best in his retirement.”

According to the most recent information released by the company, the demonstration plant project is reaching the final detailed engineering stage while the plant location in Upton is prepared for construction. The company expects to build the plant next summer, with an estimated completion time of 12 months.