Ken Engquist is a distinguished executive and engineer in the mining sector, boasting over 30 years of global expertise in advancing intricate projects from the exploration phase through construction and operational stages. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Michigan Technological University and is widely recognized for his leadership in various areas, including technical studies, permitting, stakeholder engagement, Indigenous community relations, corporate development, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and project financing.
Since September 2024, Mr. Engquist has held the position of Chief Executive Officer at Intrepid Metals Corp., where he has been instrumental in guiding the exploration and strategic development of copper, silver, lead, and zinc projects in southeastern Arizona, including Corral Copper, Tombstone South, and Mesa Well. Prior to his appointment as CEO, he joined the company’s Board of Directors in November 2023 and also serves as a Director at Silver One Resources.
In his previous role as Chief Operating Officer at Western Copper and Gold, Mr. Engquist oversaw development, exploration, corporate growth, mergers and acquisitions, and due diligence efforts. At First Mining Gold, he led the progression of the Springpole gold project towards construction readiness, effectively integrating technical, regulatory, and stakeholder considerations to maximize project value and timelines.
Mr. Engquist’s extensive project portfolio includes significant developments such as Nevsun’s Timok copper project in Serbia, South32’s Hermosa zinc project in the USA, and Tinka Resources’ Ayawilca zinc project in Peru. He has also played a pivotal role in advancing assets within the Oxygen Capital group towards production readiness. Earlier in his career, he held senior positions at Rio Tinto, contributing to projects such as Kennecott Utah Copper, Oyu Tolgoi in Mongolia, Resolution Copper in Arizona, and La Granja in Peru, as well as at AngloGold Ashanti, where he managed large-scale capital mining operations.
As a results-oriented leader, Ken combines profound technical knowledge with strategic insight and operational discipline. He excels in building high-performing teams, cultivating strong stakeholder relationships, and navigating complex regulatory environments. His proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget has established him as a trusted advisor for both junior explorers and established producers, steering them towards sustainable, long-term success.