PolyMet appoints mining executive Hilmar Rode to board of directors

PolyMet Mining Corp. TSX: POM; NYSE American: PLM, today announced the appointment of Glencore mining executive Hilmar Rode to the board of directors.

Mr. Rode brings significant experience to the board including 30 years in global mining, chemicals and industrial gases. He currently leads operational strategy, technical services and projects, and capital management for Glencore’s copper assets group. He replaces Peter Freyberg, maintaining Glencore’s three seats on the board.

“We are delighted to have the depth of experience, broad industry view and intellect Hilmar will bring to the board,” said Ian Forrest, chairman. “It will be of tremendous benefit as we continue to progress the NorthMet Project through financing, construction and operations.”

Mr. Rode began his career in process development and research engineering before joining Anglo American, where he worked for 12 years in positions of increasing leadership in its industrial diamonds, base metals and paper divisions in South Africa, United Kingdom and Austria, respectively. He joined Glencore in 2007 as CEO of its zinc division in Bolivia, returning in 2019 to the copper division in his present position after a two-year stint with BHP as president of Minera Escondida Ltda. in Chile, and nearly three years at Nyrstar as CEO and executive director in Switzerland. Mr. Rode holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa, a master’s in environmental engineering and doctorate in chemical engineering from State University, Buffalo, New York, and a certificate in the Advanced Management Program from Harvard Business School.

About PolyMet

PolyMet Mining Corp. (www.polymetmining.com) is a publicly traded mine development company that owns 100% of Poly Met Mining, Inc. (together “PolyMet” or the “company”), a Minnesota corporation that controls 100% of the NorthMet copper-nickel-precious metals ore body through a long-term lease. The project features significant assets including the deposit itself and infrastructure including existing rail, roads and utilities that connect the ore body to the plant site approximately seven rail miles away. The project is located in the established mining district of the Mesabi Iron Range in northeastern Minnesota. Poly Met Mining, Inc. has completed its Definitive Feasibility Study and received permits that provide authorization to build and operate an open pit mine and associated processing facilities. The permits, however, are the subject of ongoing litigation. NorthMet will take advantage of the region’s established supplier network and skilled workforce, is expected to require approximately two million hours of construction labor, will create approximately 360 long-term jobs directly, and generate a level of activity that will have a significant multiplier effect in the local economy.