Role Overview for VP of Critical Minerals / Mining Development – Reno, NV
The Vice President of Critical Minerals / Mining Development will serve as the strategic leader responsible for the identification, evaluation, acquisition, and advancement of the company’s critical mineral projects. This executive will be the driving force behind building a robust and profitable project pipeline, ensuring that all development activities are executed safely, efficiently, on budget, and in compliance with the highest environmental and social governance (ESG) standards. You will be responsible for translating corporate vision into actionable development plans, overseeing everything from geological assessments and feasibility studies to complex permitting processes and stakeholder engagement. Your leadership will be crucial in securing the resources necessary for the U.S. to build a resilient domestic supply chain for materials defined on the official USGS list of critical minerals. This role requires a unique blend of technical mining expertise, sharp business acumen, strategic foresight, and inspirational leadership. You will build and mentor a world-class technical team and represent the company to investors, partners, regulators, and the community. Success in this role means establishing our client as a leader in the American critical minerals sector.
Key Responsibilities of VP of Critical Minerals / Mining Development – Reno, NV
The VP will have a broad range of responsibilities, encompassing strategy, operations, finance, and leadership. Your primary goal is to create and realize value through successful project development.
Strategic Planning & Execution
Develop and implement the company’s long-term strategy for critical minerals exploration and development. Conduct in-depth market analysis, monitor commodity trends, and identify key geographic areas and mineral targets for growth.
Business Development & Opportunity Evaluation
Lead the charge in identifying, sourcing, and evaluating new project opportunities, including greenfield exploration, brownfield expansions, and potential mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Oversee rigorous technical and financial due diligence on all potential assets.
Project Management & Oversight
Provide executive oversight for the entire project lifecycle. This includes managing exploration programs, overseeing pre-feasibility and feasibility studies (PFS/FS), and guiding projects through permitting, engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM).
Financial Management & Capital Allocation
Develop and manage departmental and project budgets, ensuring disciplined capital allocation. Create sophisticated financial models to assess project viability and potential returns. Play a key role in securing project financing from various sources.
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, build, and mentor a high-performing team of geologists, mining engineers, metallurgists, and environmental scientists. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and safety.
Regulatory Compliance & Permitting
Navigate the complex federal, state, and local regulatory landscape. Develop and execute effective permitting strategies to secure all necessary approvals for exploration and mining operations, ensuring a strong social license to operate.
Stakeholder & Community Relations
Act as a primary representative of the company to a wide range of stakeholders, including investors, joint venture partners, government agencies (BLM, Forest Service), tribal nations, and local communities. Build and maintain strong, transparent, and trust-based relationships.
Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Leadership
Champion a world-class safety culture throughout the organization. Ensure all operations adhere to or exceed stringent environmental regulations and corporate ESG commitments.
Technical Excellence
Ensure the application of best practices and innovative technologies in all aspects of exploration, resource modeling, mine planning, and mineral processing to maximize resource recovery and project economics.
Executive Reporting
Provide regular, comprehensive updates to the CEO and Board of Directors on project progress, key milestones, risks, and opportunities. Prepare materials for board meetings and investor presentations.
Requirements for the VP of Critical Minerals / Mining Development – Reno, NV
We are seeking a seasoned and accomplished professional with a proven track record of success in bringing mining projects to fruition. The ideal candidate will possess a deep technical understanding complemented by strategic leadership capabilities.
Education
A minimum of a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mining Engineering, Geology, Metallurgical Engineering, or a closely related technical field is required. A Master of Science (M.S.) or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is highly preferred.
Experience
15+ years of progressive experience in the mining and metals industry, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Director, General Manager, VP) directly responsible for project development, business development, or technical services.
Commodity Expertise
Direct, hands-on experience with critical minerals is essential. Preference will be given to candidates with a background in lithium, rare earth elements (REEs), cobalt, nickel, or copper projects, particularly in hard-rock or brine environments.
Project Development Track Record
Demonstrable success in advancing mining projects through key development stages, from exploration and resource definition through feasibility, permitting, and construction. Experience with successful project commissioning and ramp-up is a significant asset.
Regulatory Knowledge
Deep familiarity with the U.S. mining regulatory framework, including NEPA, and extensive experience navigating the permitting process with federal and state agencies, particularly in Nevada and the Western U.S.
Financial Acumen
Strong skills in financial modeling, project valuation (DCF, NPV, IRR), and economic analysis. Experience in project finance and engaging with capital markets is highly desirable.
Leadership Skills
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to build, lead, and inspire multidisciplinary teams. A history of effective stakeholder engagement and negotiation is critical.
Location
Must be willing to be based in the Reno, NV office and travel frequently to project sites and for corporate purposes.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation package worthy of a senior executive. We believe in rewarding performance and aligning employee success with company growth.
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
Performance Bonus
A generous annual cash bonus program tied to individual and company performance metrics.
Long-Term Incentives
A significant equity package (e.g., stock options, restricted stock units) to ensure a vested interest in the long-term success of the company.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a strong company matching contribution.
Paid Time Off
A generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday policy.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to move to the vibrant Reno-Tahoe area.
Professional Development
Support for continuing education, industry conferences, and professional association memberships.
Additional Perks
Life insurance, disability coverage, and other executive-level benefits.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical executive search. We are a premier recruitment firm specializing in placing top talent within the natural resources and industrial sectors. We pride ourselves on our deep industry knowledge and our commitment to connecting exceptional leaders with transformative opportunities.
If you are a results-driven mining executive ready to take on a career-defining challenge, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and your vision for this role. Qualified candidates will be contacted by a representative from JRG Partners for an initial discussion.
Explore more about our expertise in this sector by visiting JRG Partners’ Mining & Minerals Executive Search Firm practice. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can lead our client into the future of critical minerals.
