RAPID CITY, S.D. – Former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has joined NovaRed Mining Inc. in a strategic advisory role, the Vancouver-based mineral exploration company announced Tuesday.

Noem will support the company as it utilizes an artificial intelligence-enhanced technology platform to acquire and advance critical mineral exploration opportunities.

The appointment connects the prominent South Dakota political figure with a firm focused on identifying domestic resource development. Noem served as the governor of South Dakota from 2019 to 2025 before serving as the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security in 2025. Prior to her time in the governor’s office, she represented South Dakota in the United States House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019.

“Kristi brings exceptional leadership experience and a deep understanding of the policy, regulatory, and economic factors that influence infrastructure investment, resource development, and long-term economic growth,” Brian Goss, Chief Executive Officer of NovaRed Mining Inc., said in a statement. “Her perspective and experience working across government and industry will be valuable as NovaRed advances its corporate development strategy and evaluates new opportunities.”

NovaRed Mining Inc. focuses on the identification, acquisition, exploration, and development of copper-gold porphyry projects, primarily leveraging its AI-driven geospatial technology platform in British Columbia. The company holds an optioned interest in the Wilmac copper-gold project, located southwest of Princeton, British Columbia.

According to the company, Noem’s background in public policy and economic development aligns with its goals to secure domestic supply chains for critical minerals.

“I look forward to supporting the Company’s strategic objectives,” Noem said. “In an increasingly competitive global environment, secure and reliable access to critical minerals has become an important economic and national security priority. NovaRed is pursuing opportunities in sectors that will remain important to long-term growth and supply-chain resilience, and I am excited to contribute my experience in public policy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning as the Company advances its initiatives.”