Kelli Kast is a respected leader in the mining industry and currently serves as Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer at Rare Element Resources, Ltd. Rare Element Resources is a publicly traded rare earth development company with a critical rare earth project in Wyoming, USA.
Kelli Kast | President, General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer | Rare Element Resources, Ltd.
Over the past two decades, she has built a strong career in mineral project development and operations, first in precious metals and now in critical minerals, with a focus on rare earth elements. Her journey reflects dedication, resilience, and a deep understanding of the industry from both legal and operational perspectives. At EliteX, we are proud to have Kelli Kast as part of the edition: Prominent Women in Mining, 2026.
Growing up in a family construction business, Kelli developed an early appreciation for hard hats, job sites, and the satisfaction that comes from building projects that support industrial production. Before entering the mining sector, she worked for many years as in-house counsel in industrial construction. In 2005, she joined a precious metals producer as General Counsel. Over time, her responsibilities expanded significantly. She eventually took on the role of Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Administrative Officer, overseeing international operations and administrative and legal functions. That experience shaped her executive leadership style and prepared her for the next chapter of her career.
The future of mining depends on responsible development and diverse voices at the table.
Since 2012, Kelli has been with Rare Element Resources, where she plays a central role in guiding the company’s legal, administrative, and strategic direction. Her responsibilities include overseeing project permitting and licensing, managing government , community and investor relations, supporting business development activities, and handling the company’s legal affairs She previously served on the company’s Board of Directors and as interim-CEO, further strengthening her governance and strategic insight. In addition to her executive role, she is also a Board member at Bunker Hill Mining Corp., where she chairs the Governance Committee and serves on both the Compensation and Audit Committees. Bunker Hill Mining is working to restart a historic silver-lead-zinc mine in North Idaho, USA.
Kelli’s journey into mining was not planned in a traditional sense. The defining moment came when she witnessed her first silver pour at a precious metals processing plant. The sight and complexity of the operation captured her interest immediately. The combination of geology, metallurgy, and global metals markets presented a challenge that she found both complex and rewarding. Although she had already spent years in construction, mining felt like a natural extension of her background and upbringing.
Having grown up in northern Idaho, she was familiar with industries such as timber and mining. These industries supported local communities, funded schools, and provided stable livelihoods. As a child, it was common for her to see logs floating down rivers and hear news from deep underground at historic mines in the region. That early exposure created a foundation of respect for resource industries. When she later received a call from a CEO inviting her to join the executive team of a mining company as General Counsel, she felt that her upbringing, education, and professional experience had come together at the right moment. More than twenty years later, she continues to find purpose and growth in the industry.
Like many women who entered mining at a time when leadership roles were largely male-dominated, Kelli faced skepticism early in her career. She recalls being told by a fellow executive that she would not last a week in the company, especially as a young woman and the only woman in the executive suite. Instead of being discouraged, she used that challenge as motivation. She focused on showing up every day, working diligently, and demonstrating that professional contribution is defined by competence and character, not gender. Over time, she earned the respect of her peers.
A defining moment in her leadership journey occurred at a remote mine site in northern Mexico. During a visit, the on-site General Manager questioned why she was there, pointing out that she was the company’s lawyer. In that moment, she realized that physical presence at mine sites was essential. From then on, she made it a priority to visit operations regularly, attend local team meetings, eat in the camp dining hall, and spend time with employees on site. She believed that to lead effectively in mining, one must understand operations firsthand. That decision shaped her leadership identity. She became known not only as a legal advisor but as an active and present member of the operations team.
Leadership in mining begins by showing up on site, not just in the boardroom.
Kelli believes that success in mining requires grit and tenacity. The industry is cyclical, complex, and often unpredictable. Professionals must be resilient and willing to take a long-term view. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the full scope of operations, from early exploration through production. She believes leaders should not be confined to boardrooms but should also be comfortable wearing hard hats and walking underground with headlamps on. For her, leadership means being fully engaged in both strategy and execution.
Over the past twenty years, she has observed significant changes in the mining industry. Environmental, social, and governance considerations have moved from necessary business considerations to central pillars of decision-making. Boardroom conversations today are more focused on sustainability, safety, and responsible development. She has seen how these standards have evolved into global benchmarks that apply across jurisdictions. Being part of that transformation has been both rewarding and meaningful for her.
Mentorship has played an important role in her career. Many of her mentors in mining were men who supported her professional growth and recognized her potential. Today, she feels a responsibility to mentor others, especially women entering the field. She works with women in law school to encourage them to explore in-house roles in resource development. She has also hired female interns and paralegals, guiding them toward long-term careers in mining. She believes representation and support at all levels of the organization are critical for the continued growth of women in the industry.
Balancing a demanding career with family life has not always been easy. She knows this first hand, having raised three daughters during her many years of international travel and intense work schedules. Earlier in her career, working mothers in mining often kept their personal lives separate from their professional identities.. Over time, she has seen a shift in this culture. She now encourages her colleagues and team members to pursue a healthy life balance. She believes women in mining can build rewarding careers while also maintaining fulfilling personal lives.
Among her many accomplishments, one stands out in particular. She led a legal team that that defended a mine permit challenge all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The multi-year legal process ultimately resulted in a victory that secured the project’s future and protected jobs in a rural American community. Experiences like this reinforced her belief that mining requires patience, perseverance, and a long-term commitment to unlocking value.
Over her more than two decades in mining, she has seen steady progress in the participation and leadership of women across all areas of the industry, including geology, engineering, metallurgy, environmental services, legal, finance, and the boardroom. She believes that diverse perspectives strengthen decision-making and improve outcomes. Her message to women considering mining is clear – this is an evolving, meaningful, and essential industry with room for talent, resilience, and leadership.
Over her two decades in mining, she has seen steady progress in the participation and leadership of women across all areas of the industry, including geology, engineering, metallurgy, environmental services, legal, finance, and the boardroom. She believes that diverse perspectives strengthen decision-making and improve outcomes. Her message to women considering mining is clear – this is an evolving, meaningful, and essential industry with room for talent, resilience, and leadership.
Grit and tenacity are the foundation of every successful mining career.