ReElement enlists former CIA executive

Enlisting the expertise of a former senior executive at the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and national security expert to its board of directors, ReElement Technologies Corp. is better positioned to launch its patented rare earths and critical minerals separation and purification technology beyond the borders of the United States.

A former intelligence community senior executive who retired from the CIA after 30 years of distinguished service, Kevin Higgins brings ample experience in foreign relations as well as domestic interests to the ReElement board.

"We could not be more grateful to have Kevin join our ReElement board at a crucial moment of our business expansion," said ReElement Technologies CEO Mark Jensen. "Kevin's experience, knowledge, and passion is impossible to replicate, let alone his dedication to our country."

Utilizing its patented multi-modal chromatography technology, developed in partnership with Purdue University, ReElement is redefining how critical and rare earths are sourced and processed while focusing on the recycling of end-of-life products such as rare earth permanent magnets and lithium-ion batteries, as well as coal-based waste streams and byproducts to create a low-cost and environmentally-safe, circular supply chain.

"We have bold ambitions at ReElement Technologies to shift the paradigm on the critical and rare earth element industry, and we know we need to continue to build upon our world class team to achieve our objectives," added Jensen. "Furthermore, our goal as an organization expands well beyond the borders of the United States, and Kevin's experience in Africa and throughout the world will be invaluable to helping us accomplish our mission."

After leaving public service, Higgins founded KSTK Enterprises, a boutique advisory firm that specializes in guiding clients through strategic planning and organizational leadership, comprehensive risk management, venture capital investments, and the integration of emerging technologies.

The firm also specializes in mergers and acquisitions, particularly for companies at the intersection of national security. He is particularly drawn to opportunities to close the divide between private industry and the national security domain, as America's challenges ahead will require whole-of-nation solutions.

"Having the opportunity to learn and better understand the solutions that ReElement is bringing to this critical sector of the economy and national security space has been an eye-opening experience," said Higgins. "ReElement is at the forefront of innovation necessary to address the urgent imperative to shore up and secure our strategic minerals supply chain."

In addition to his decades-long service to the CIA and his work at KSTK Enterprises, Higgins sits as a senior advisor at WestExec, a strategic advisory firm, and sits on several other boards and advisory boards across the tech industry, venture capital community and non-profit space, including Sayari, TRM Labs, New North Ventures, and the Third Option Foundation.

"The company's technology is a gamechanger within the industry and for the world, reducing dangerous dependencies on single-source refining of critical minerals and rare earth elements," added Higgins. "ReElement's approach in Africa and worldwide will strengthen key alliances and presents a template for American companies' success in markets abroad. I am excited to collaborate with the ReElement team as they grow and expand their operations both domestically and internationally."