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Our leadership
With a broad range of experience in different sectors, our leaders bring valuable expertise to this dynamic project.
Our Board of Directors are committed to upholding rigorous standards while guiding Norge Mineraler towards sustainable growth and a future defined by strategic foresight, ethical leadership and dedication to excellence. This stems from their extensive experience in resource exploration, extraction and management, to energy, politics and finance.
John Vergopoulos, Chairman
John Vergopoulos brings decisive, hands-on leadership, as well as an international financial ‘black book’. He has extensive executive experience as an SME Board Director, CEO and CFO for publicly traded corporations in the tech and mineral resources sector.
- Impressive fundraising track record in capital, private equity and syndicated loan markets
- Highly experienced in dealing with government institutions throughout Europe, Africa and Asia
- Started out as a chartered accountant in Deloitte’s London Audit Department
Articles by John
Ingvil Smines Tybring-Gjedde, Non-Executive Director
Ingvil’s career in natural resources and politics brings a wealth of valuable experience to her role as Non-Executive Director. From a professional climber who trained the military, to Deputy Minister in the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, her diverse professional background helps steer Norge Mining on a national and local political level.
- A former politician and member of the Norwegian Progress Party (FrP)
- Former Minister of Public Security in the Ministry of Justice and Public Security
- Previously a Senior Adviser in the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in oil and gas management positions at Innovation Norway
Committees of the board
- Remuneration (Chair)
Articles by Ingvil Smines
Monika Øksnes, Non-Executive Director
Monika is Non-Executive Director and Norge Mineraler’s former Chief Operating Officer. She joined in 2020 as Camp Manager of the Eigersund project. And rose rapidly through the ranks to become COO, where she led our mineral exploration on the ground.
- Talented communicator who has helped forge strong relationships with communities around the Eigersund site
- Excellent management skills ensuring a good working environment for staff
- Created and nurtured solid links with stakeholders, local landowners and politicians
Mike Hirschfield, Non-Executive Director
Before joining Norge Mining in 2019, Mike served on the boards of several listed companies and ran his own business providing advice and support to AIM and main market listed companies.
- Advises on implementation of corporate governance, processes and regulatory disclosures
- Cut his teeth as a qualified chartered accountant with KPMG, specialising in corporate finance
- Graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science
Committees of the board
- Audit committee (Member)
Norge Mineraler’s Executive Management team is a talented force bringing operational excellence to our resource explorations. Led by industry specialists, the team is committed to maximising the potential of our operations while prioritising community engagement, safety and sustainability through responsible business practices that meet the highest standards.
Olav Skalmeraas, Managing Director
Olav has more than 30 years of international management experience from the oil, gas and mineral processing industry. With deep ESG knowledge, he has held several high-profile roles.
- Senior vice president in Equinor for utilisation and storage of carbon capture, in connection with the start of the Northern Lights-CCS project
- Senior vice president for Norsk Hydro’s aluminium business in South America and senior vice president for marketing and transport of gas within the company
- Experience from board work in several different commercial organisations and research organisations
Committees of the board
- ESG (Chair)
- Remuneration (Member)
- Audit (Member)
Articles by Olav
Event, Opinion piece | 10 April 2024
Massive investment in mineral extraction is needed now…
Do policymakers and the public understand the real-world impacts of a halt to certain critical mineral exports from China? This…
Jørgen Stenvold, Project Director
Jørgen brings 25 years of experience in resource development to Norge Mineraler. Jørgen, who is a mining and exploration geologist, has overall professional responsibility for the company’s mining and development.
- Master’s degree in economic geology
- Postgraduate studies in economics and finance from BI Norwegian Business School
- Continuing education from MIT Sloan and Harvard Business School
Articles by Jørgen
Kjartan Hjorteland, Legal Counsel
Kjartan’s expertise as a lawyer in the areas of property and construction makes him well-placed to be Norge Mineraler’s legal counsel. With a multidisciplinary background spanning more than two decades, he is highly proficient in complex decision-making.
- A lawyer and consultant, committed to excellence
- Proven track record of driving success in diverse and challenging environments
- Dual Master’s degrees: information technology and economics, specialising in finance
Solveig Hognestad, HR Manager
Solveig has experience in HR and organisational development from the public and private sectors.
- Educated nurse with further education in leadership, organisational development and organisational psychology
- Develops and implements HR strategies that underpin Norge Mineraler’s strategy, goals and values
Tone-Lise Rustøen, ESG Manager
Tone-Lise has overall ESG responsibility for Norge Mineraler – bolstered by her 10 years’ experience in significant construction projects for Veidekke, Multiconsult and the City of Oslo’s water and sewerage department. She has solid expertise in environmental geological surveys and engaging with many different stakeholders, as well as an in-depth understanding of Norwegian and Eu regulations.
- Previously environmental lead at Norway’s biggest investment project
- Highly skilled in planning to execution – from zoning plans, to permits and risk assessments
- Master’s degree in environmental and natural resource management
Erik Joa, Community Liaison Officer
Erik’s management experience from various sectors, including the supplier industry in the mineral industry, makes him well suited to be Norge Mineraler’s Public Affairs. He helps underpin our commitment to transparency and open dialogue with all our stakeholders.
- A dedicated and experienced public affairs officer with good knowledge and interest in the local environment
- Agronomist and University Degree in Agricultural Science and Engineering