Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has landed a new role in the private sector, joining the advisory board of Canadian mineral exploration company NovaRed Mining as the firm looks to expand its efforts in the increasingly important critical minerals industry.
NovaRed announced Tuesday that Noem will serve in a strategic advisory capacity while the company pursues the acquisition and development of mineral exploration projects through its artificial intelligence-enhanced technology platform.
The company’s primary focus is on copper and gold projects located in British Columbia, resources that have taken on greater significance as governments and industries place increased emphasis on securing reliable supply chains for critical materials.
In a statement released alongside the announcement, Noem said the opportunity appealed to her because of the growing importance of critical minerals to both economic stability and national security.
“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.”
She added that NovaRed is operating in sectors that are likely to remain important for long-term economic growth and supply-chain resilience.
“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,” Noem said.
The appointment comes as critical minerals continue to attract attention from policymakers and industry leaders concerned about supply-chain vulnerabilities and access to materials necessary for infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology development.
NovaRed leadership emphasized Noem’s government experience and policy background as key reasons for bringing her onto the advisory team.
Chief Executive Officer Brian Goss praised her experience in public service and economic development, saying those skills could help guide the company as it evaluates future opportunities.
“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,” Goss said.
He added that her experience working across both government and industry would provide valuable insight as NovaRed advances its corporate development plans.
According to the company, Noem’s appointment is part of a broader effort to assemble an advisory board that includes individuals with expertise spanning government, industry, infrastructure, resource development, and capital markets.
The announcement also noted that Noem currently serves as Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas.
Her move into the mining sector comes months after a turbulent end to her tenure in the Trump administration.
President Donald Trump removed Noem from her position as Homeland Security secretary earlier this year following a series of controversies that generated scrutiny of her leadership.
Questions surrounding her tenure intensified after the fatal shooting of two protesters by federal officers in Minneapolis, an incident that drew significant attention and criticism.
The controversy deepened further following a Senate hearing in which Noem asserted that Trump had approved a $220 million Department of Homeland Security advertising campaign intended to promote her.
According to the report, that claim ultimately contributed to her dismissal from the administration.
NovaRed’s announcement did not address those controversies, instead focusing on Noem’s policy expertise and strategic experience as the company positions itself within a sector viewed as increasingly important to economic development and supply-chain security.
The Hill reported that it had reached out to the White House for comment regarding Noem’s new role, though no response was included in the report.
As debates continue over economic priorities, resource independence, and long-term supply-chain resilience, companies involved in domestic and North American resource development are increasingly seeking experienced voices with backgrounds in government and public policy. NovaRed’s appointment of Noem reflects that trend as the company pursues new opportunities in the critical minerals sector.
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