Energy Transition Minerals (ASX: ETM) has appointed former senior US national security official Alexander B. Gray to its Strategic Advisory Board as it advances its international engagement strategy around the Kvanefjeld rare earths project in Greenland.
Mr Gray is a former deputy assistant to the US president and chief of staff of the White House National Security Council.
His appointment adds US defence, trade, and geopolitical expertise to an advisory board already featuring former Danish minister for foreign affairs Jeppe Kofod, former Danish ambassador to the United States Friis Arne Petersen, and former Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop.
The board has been formed to provide strategic advice on ETM’s mineral development activities in Greenland, with particular focus on Kvanefjeld and its role in potential new critical minerals supply chains.
US Strategic Experience
Mr Gray directed the daily operations of the US National Security Advisor’s immediate office, along with budget, personnel and security functions of the National Security Council.
He previously served in the White House as special assistant to the president for the defence industrial base at the National Economic Council.
That role made him the principal Executive Office of the President official responsible for matters affecting US defence and the country’s manufacturing industrial base.
Mr Gray was also the first director for Oceania and Indo-Pacific security at the National Security Council, adding regional experience relevant to Australia, Greenland, Denmark, and allied minerals policy.
Critical Minerals Focus
ETM is positioning Kvanefjeld as a strategic undeveloped rare earths project at a time when critical minerals policy has become increasingly linked to national security, industrial policy, and allied supply chain diversification.
The Strategic Advisory Board will support ongoing engagement with Greenlandic and Danish stakeholders, as well as advise on policy and international cooperation.
Mr Gray’s background also includes work as a member of the 2016 presidential transition team at the US Department of State and as senior adviser to former congressman J. Randy Forbes.
He is currently chief executive officer of American Global Strategies, a boutique global advisory firm he co-founded with former US national security adviser Robert C. O’Brien.
International Strategy Strengthened
ETM managing director Daniel Mamadou said Mr Gray’s appointment would strengthen the company’s international strategy.
“We are honoured that Alexander B. Gray has agreed to join ETM’s Strategic Advisory Board,” Mr Mamadou said.
“His experience at the highest levels of US government, combined with his understanding of global security, trade and strategic supply chains, will provide invaluable perspective and strategic direction as ETM advances its international strategy.”
Mr Mamadou said demand for critical minerals had become increasingly relevant to national security and industrial policy.
“As demand for critical minerals becomes increasingly linked to national security and industrial policy, Alex’s insights will be highly relevant to ETM’s long-term positioning—particularly in the context of our engagement with US markets and stakeholders.”
Strategic Greenland Opportunity
Mr Gray said ETM’s work in Greenland represented a strategic opportunity to diversify and strengthen international supply chains.
“I am pleased to join the Strategic Advisory Board of Energy Transition Minerals at a time when critical minerals have never been more vital to both national and economic security,” Mr Gray said.
“ETM’s work in Greenland—particularly the development of the Kvanefjeld rare earths project—represents a strategic opportunity to diversify and strengthen international supply chains.”
Mr Gray’s appointment has been made on the same terms and conditions as existing advisory board members.
His remuneration will include a monthly advisory fee, participation in the employee incentive scheme, and an initial equity grant.
