Our Mission
Our mission is to build the next generation of US-based heavy mineral sands mining/processing expertise,and to reshore domestic supply chains for minerals that are critical to consumers, defense and the green energy transition.
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Our goal is to conduct our business to the highest standards of business ethics, operational safety and environmental responsibility:
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People – we care deeply for our employees and our community
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Place – we will operate efficiently and responsibly, taking care of our workplace and the local environment.
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Profit – we aim to create substantial long-term, sustainable, responsible value for all stakeholders
Our team
Our growing team has wide-ranging international experience in developing and operating mineral operations, most of whom have direct experience operating our Virginia-based mineral processing facilities.
John Elder
Chief Executive Officer
John is a mining professional with over 40 years of experience in the critical minerals sector. Prior to joining ASM, John was the Head of US Mining and Metals at Hatch, where he was responsible for growing the Company’s engineering and consultancy services, with a focus on critical minerals. Before joining Hatch, John was the Vice President of Outotec, leading their physical separation and titanium feedstock business units. He was also previously the Director, Global Exploration and Development, at RGC (now Iluka Resources) for over ten years.
Shawn Conaway
Processing Operations Manager
Shawn is an experienced processing production executive with over 25 years in the mining industry. He has successfully managed operations across a diverse range of mineral resources, including mineral sands, phosphate, and gold. The majority of Shawn's career has been dedicated to the critical mineral sands sector, with contributions made in both the United States and Australia. He started as a plant metallurgist, actively involved in the commissioning and start-up of Iluka Resources’ Old Hickory operation. He advanced to manager responsible for overseeing the mineral separation plant's operations, final product shipping, and laboratory functions.
Craig Hairfield
Executive Director
Craig is a mining finance professional with over 20 years of broad experience in the mining industry, working initially as a mining engineer and later as an investment professional at Resource Capital Funds, a leading mining-focused private equity firm. Craig left RCF in 2018 to start his own advisory firm, assisting clients in the areas of M&A and business strategy. Craig has extensive international experience financing and developing mining projects related to a variety of commodities. Craig is a Virginia native and briefly worked at Iluka Resources' Old Hickory Operation early in his career.
Shari Epps
Director, People & Corporate Services
Shari is a strategic human capital leader and trusted advisor to executive leadership with more than 20 years of experience in complex, operational environments. As Director, People & Corporate Services, she leads company-wide workforce strategy across talent management, organizational effectiveness, total rewards, training, compliance, and culture. Her current focus is building scalable people infrastructure that strengthens workforce capability, equips employees with the resources to succeed, and drives engagement—advancing the company’s greatest asset: its dedicated workforce. She previously held leadership roles with Norfolk Southern and Veolia Water.
Christopher Walker
Chief Financial Officer
Chris is a finance executive with over two decades of global experience in the mining and energy industries. He began his career in accounting roles with Arthur Andersen, KPMG, and Georgia Power before joining global miner Peabody Energy in 2007. During 14 years at Peabody, Chris held senior leadership roles across the finance, strategy, and commercial organizations based in the U.S. and Australia. Most recently Chris served in senior executive roles with junior miners including Chief Financial Officer of Allegiance Coal and Chief Executive Officer of Ben’s Creek Operations.