SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Kuniko, a leading mining company with operations in Africa and Asia, has announced the appointment of Ms. Mona Schanche as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective 14th August 2023.

Ms. Schanche will bring her distinguished background in the mining industry and her passion for sustainability to Kuniko, as the company aims to enhance its responsible mining practices and create enduring shareholder value.

Ms. Schanche is a graduate of the University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, Norway, where she obtained a Master of Science in Resource Geology. She has over fifteen years of experience in the mining sector, most recently serving as the Vice President of Resource & Sustainability at Nordic Mining ASA, a Norwegian company developing mineral projects with high-end industrial applications.

At Nordic Mining, Ms. Schanche played a pivotal role in advancing the Engebo Rutile and Garnet project in western Norway, transitioning it from exploration to its current construction phase, with production slated to begin in 2024. The project is expected to produce high-quality rutile, a titanium mineral used in pigments and aerospace applications, and garnet, an abrasive mineral used in waterjet cutting and sandblasting. Ms. Schanche also led an expert group established by The Norwegian Mining Association of Norway, dedicated to the ongoing implementation of the Towards Sustainable Mining Initiative (TSM) in Norway. TSM is a globally recognized framework for improving environmental and social performance in the mining industry.

To ensure a smooth transition, Ms. Schanche will assist Nordic Mining on various task forces on an ad-hoc basis through the remainder of 2023.

Kuniko’s CEO, Mr. James Lee, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mona Schanche as our new COO. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the mining industry, as well as a strong commitment to sustainability and responsible mining practices. She will be instrumental in driving Kuniko’s success and ensuring our operations remain in alignment with the evolving expectations of today’s investment landscape. We look forward to working with her to deliver excellence and value for our shareholders and stakeholders.”

Ms. Schanche said: “I am honored to join Kuniko, a company that is committed to delivering innovative and profitable mining solutions. I look forward to working closely with the CEO and the Board as we shape Kuniko’s growth strategy. Kuniko has a diversified portfolio of assets, including gold, copper, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which offer significant opportunities for value creation and positive impact. I am confident that we will continue to uphold the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility in our operations.”