Leading Edge Materials Appoints Kurt Budge as New CEO
Leading Edge Materials has announced the appointment of Kurt Budge as Chief Executive Officer. Chairman Lars-Eric Johansson expressed confidence in Mr. Budge's extensive experience in leading junior mining companies and his specific knowledge of working in Sweden.
Mr. Johansson highlighted the significance of the Norra Kärr rare earth elements project, noting its potential as a Strategic Project under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act. The application for this designation, alongside the Exploitation Concession and environmental work for Norra Kärr, are top priorities for the company.
In addition to Norra Kärr, Leading Edge Materials holds other valuable assets, including natural graphite at the Woxna mine in Sweden and high-grade nickel and cobalt at the Bihor Sud exploration project in Romania. Each project has substantial potential for value creation, bolstered by favorable European political momentum.
Kurt Budge brings 30 years of experience in the mining sector, covering major and junior companies, operations, corporate roles, private equity, and investment research. His most recent position was CEO of Beowulf Mining, where he served from September 2014 until May 2023. During his tenure in Sweden, Mr. Budge successfully delivered the Exploitation Concession and Pre-feasibility Study for the Kallak Iron Ore Project. He is also well-versed in Nordic graphite, battery value chains, and Eastern European exploration campaigns.
Mr. Budge holds a degree in Mining Engineering from The Royal School of Mines, Imperial College London, and an MBA from London Business School.
Commenting on his new role, Kurt Budge said:
"I am very excited about joining Leading Edge Materials. As the European Union seeks security of supply of critical raw materials and supports the establishment of new mines on the continent, the company's assets in Sweden and Romania are incredibly well positioned."
