Westwin Elements, America’s only Class 1 nickel refinery, today announced the appointment of David Kronenfeld as Chief Legal Officer. Kronenfeld joins Westwin from USA Rare Earth, Inc., where he most recently was General Counsel. He brings over 15 years of corporate legal experience to the role, including expertise in critical minerals, corporate transactions, and securities law.

During his five-year tenure at USA Rare Earth, he oversaw corporate legal matters and supported the company’s efforts to develop a domestic supply chain for rare earth elements and permanent magnets used in defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.

“David brings a strong understanding of the growing critical minerals industry in the U.S.,” said KaLeigh Long, Founder and CEO of Westwin Elements. “As we advance our commercial refinery in Natchez, his experience will be an important asset in helping us navigate the next stage of growth.”

Westwin is advancing domestic nickel refining capacity to strengthen America’s critical minerals supply chain and provide high-purity Class 1 nickel for national security and industrial applications. The company operates a demonstration plant in Lawton, Oklahoma, and recently announced plans to invest $502 million over five years to establish a commercial-scale Class 1 nickel refinery in Natchez, Mississippi.

“Westwin is taking important steps to expand America’s domestic nickel refining capacity, and I’m excited to be part of that work,” said Kronenfeld. “I grew up in a region that saw its industrial capacity depart for foreign shores in the 1990s and early 2000s. As a result, I’ve devoted much of my career to the critical minerals industry in order to reshore the manufacturing capacity needed to maintain American independence and national security. I look forward to working with the team as we build on our foundation in Oklahoma and advance commercial-scale nickel refining in Mississippi.”

Earlier in his career, Kronenfeld held roles in private legal practice, investment banking, and in-house counsel to a deep-sea critical minerals exploration company, bringing experience across corporate transactions, securities, and business development to Westwin.

Kronenfeld holds a Juris Doctor and a Master of Laws in Taxation from Washington University in St. Louis, as well as a bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University.

About Westwin Elements

Westwin Elements is building America’s only major Class 1 nickel refinery, delivering high-purity Class 1 nickel and specialized nickel products for national security and industrial applications. Westwin is driving critical mineral independence and reshaping the future of sustainable metal refining. Learn more at www.westwinelements.com.

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