Kuniko announced the appointment of Ms. Mona Schanche as Chief Operating Officer, effective 14 August 2023. Ms. Schanche is a graduate of the University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, Norway, where she obtained a Master of Science in Resource Geology. With her distinguished background in the mining industry, Ms. Schanche's journey included serving as the Vice President of Resource & Sustainability at Nordic Mining ASA.

Her instrumental role contributed to the successful advancement of the Engebø Rutile and Garnet project in western Norway, transitioning it from exploration to its current construction phase, with production slated to begin in 2024. To ensure a smooth transition, Ms. Schanche will assist Nordic Mining on various task forces on an ad-hoc basis through the remainder of 2023. Throughout her impressive fifteen-year tenure at Nordic Mining ASA, of which approximately seven years were spent as VP, Ms. Schanche played a pivotal role in advancing the company's resource and sustainability initiatives.

Notably, she also leads an expert group established by The Norwegian Mining Association of Norway, dedicated to the ongoing implementation of the Towards Sustainable Mining Initiative in Norway.