Rackla Metals Appoints Paul Gruner to Advisory Committee to Support Indigenous Partnership and Northern Development Strategy

Executive Summary

• Rackla Metals Inc. announced the appointment of Paul Gruner to its advisory committee to assist in developing an Indigenous partnership strategy and engagement framework.
• Gruner brings extensive executive experience leading Indigenous economic development corporations across Northern Canada, including the Tlicho, Yellowknives Dene, and Tahltan Nations.
• The appointment aligns with Rackla’s strategy for the responsible advancement of its northern critical minerals assets, particularly the 100%-owned Lentung tungsten property in the Northwest Territories.

Key Details

• Appointee: Paul Gruner
• Role: Advisory Committee Member
• Strategic Mandate: Assist in shaping an Indigenous engagement approach emphasizing early engagement, respect for Indigenous rights and interests, employment and training opportunities, business participation, environmental stewardship, and long-term value creation for Indigenous communities.
• Current Position: Chief Executive Officer of Tlicho Investment Corporation (economic arm of the Tlicho First Nation).
• Previous Leadership: Former CEO of Det’on Cho Management LP (Yellowknives Dene First Nation) and Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (Tahltan Nation).
• Core Expertise: Indigenous business leadership, mining, infrastructure, renewable energy, economic development, and partnership building across Northern Canada.
• Project Context: Lentung tungsten property (100% owned, Northwest Territories); tungsten recognized as a critical mineral essential to defense, manufacturing, energy, and industrial supply chains.
• Strategic Rationale: Rackla considers meaningful Indigenous participation central to the responsible advancement of critical mineral projects in Northern Canada, requiring strong technical work, environmental responsibility, and constructive stakeholder partnerships.

Notable Quotes

• Simon Ridgway, CEO: “Paul brings exactly the kind of experience Rackla needs as we advance our northern critical minerals strategy... He has led major Indigenous economic development organizations in regions where mining and infrastructure are important parts of the economy, and understands how to structure relationships that are commercially sound, respectful, and capable of creating lasting benefits. His involvement will be invaluable as Rackla works to build the right partnerships around its projects.”
• Paul Gruner: “I am pleased to be working with Rackla as it advances its critical minerals portfolio in Northern Canada. Successful resource development requires trust, transparency, and meaningful participation by Indigenous communities. I look forward to assisting Rackla in developing an approach that recognizes those priorities while supporting responsible project advancement.”