Case StudyUS processing and sales leadership for a critical mineral miner

A critical mineral miner preparing for production needed people in the US who could turn its oxide into metal, close to its main customers.

Wenham Carter made two appointments: a Technical Director to build and run a US metallisation plant, and a VP of Sales and Marketing to secure offtake agreements.

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The business ambitionMoving processing closer to the customer

The company is developing a critical mineral mine outside the US, and the US is its main market. Its products are used in strategic industries, from aerospace to semiconductors and energy.

The US faces some of the biggest challenges in securing critical minerals. With tariffs and export restrictions reshaping supply chains, American customers want secure sources.

The company plans to export its oxide to the US and convert it into metals and alloys there. A metallisation plant close to its customers strengthens security of supply and brings the benefits of onshored processing.

The technical leadershipSomeone to build the plant and then run it

The search began on a call with the CEO, who was looking for someone in the US who knew how to turn oxide into metals and alloys.

The role needed knowledge of rare earth metallisation processes and the supplier base, combined with the project leadership to develop a plant from scratch and the operational experience to run it.

Since joining as Technical Director in April 2026, they have led the project end to end: selecting the site, developing the engineering process, engaging partners and procuring for the build. Once the plant is complete, they will operate it.

Turning oxide into metal in the US called for someone who knew the process and the suppliers, and could both build the plant and run it.

The commercial leadershipSecuring customers for the metal

Early in the relationship, Anouska introduced a commercial leader to the company, but the timing wasn’t right for a move. When the company turned to securing offtake agreements, that conversation resumed, and they joined as VP of Sales and Marketing in July 2026.

The role focuses on offtake agreements for its oxide and metal products, mainly with US customers and some in Europe. Well networked and experienced in contract negotiation, they give the company a commercial presence in the market it intends to serve.

With both roles filled, the company has technical and commercial leadership in the US before production starts, building the processing capability and the customer agreements its onshoring plans depend on.

The company now has leaders in the US building its plant and negotiating with customers, before its first metal is produced.

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