#Canada #Vancouver #Defense Metals #Wicheeda Project #David Baker

Defense Metals Welcomes New Leadership Amid Growth Plans

Defense Metals Corp. has exciting news as it prepares to strengthen its executive team with the appointment of David Baker as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Head of Strategy. Effective August 1, 2025, this strategic move comes as the company is gearing up for notable developments in its Wicheeda Rare Earth Element (REE) project.

Background on David Baker

David Baker has a robust background in finance, having earned a Bachelor of Economics and gained recognition as a Chartered Accountant in Australia. He has been an integral part of the financial landscape since moving to Vancouver in 2005, where he furthered his education with an MBA from the University of British Columbia. His substantial experience in the sector includes over 20 years within the Ivanhoe Mines group, where he held various roles that emphasized operations, financial management, and strategic development, notably during the financing and operational phases of the Oyu Tolgoi Copper mine in Mongolia.

Mr. Baker has also taken leadership in the high-tech arena as the CFO of VRB Energy, contributing to innovative contributions in manufacturing and R&D in China and beyond. Before his appointment at Defense Metals, he spent two years as CFO at Camino Mineral Resources, where he was pivotal in developing a corporate strategy that led to a successful acquisition of a construction-stage copper project.

Leadership Perspective

Under this new leadership structure, Guy de Selliers, Executive Chairman of Defense Metals, expresses his enthusiasm. “I have known David professionally for more than 15 years. He exemplifies a high level of integrity and sound judgment that is essential for guiding the Wicheeda project forward.”

Mark Tory, President and CEO of Defense Metals, shared confidence in the team’s synergy: “David brings complementary skills to our operations, and I am looking forward to collaborating with him on our initiatives.”

David Baker himself commented on his new role, stating, “I am thrilled to join this team as we embark on developing what I believe is the best new rare earth project in North America. It is a significant geopolitical priority, and I am motivated to drive its swift and successful advancement.”

About the Wicheeda Project

Defense Metals is fully invested in the development of its Wicheeda REE Project, which spans over 11,800 hectares located in British Columbia. Situated approximately 80 kilometers northeast of Prince George, the project benefits from its proximity to established infrastructure, including road access, hydro power transmission, and gas pipelines. These factors position the Wicheeda Project advantageously for developing key connections to the Canadian National Railway and highways leading to port facilities at Prince Rupert, making it the closest major North American port to Asia.

Following a recently completed Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS), the project demonstrated favorable economic viability, reinforcing its potential importance in the North American rare earth supply chain.

Moving Forward

The company also acknowledged the contribution of Ryan Cheung, who filled in as interim CFO ahead of this announcement. As Defense Metals embarks on this pivotal transition, the leadership under David Baker is set to navigate the complexities and capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead in the ever-evolving market of rare earth elements.

For further details about the company’s developments, visit Defense Metals or contact Mark Tory directly.