Ivanhoe Atlantic has announced changes to its board and management as it advances the Kon Kweni iron ore project in Guinea. The company is focusing on expanding its presence in the U.S. market and preparing for the construction phase of its flagship mining project.
Ambassador (Ret.) J. Peter Pham has moved from Non-Executive Chairman to Executive Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer. New appointments to the board include Erik Bethel, Samantha Carl-Yoder, and Daniel Pfeffer as non-executive directors, replacing Patrick Tsang, Ken Lau, and Robin Sandenburgh. Bronwyn Barnes has left her role as CEO, with the board acknowledging her tenure.
The leadership changes are part of Ivanhoe Atlantic’s strategy to focus future capital raising primarily in U.S.-aligned markets to support construction at Kon Kweni. The company recently secured Liberian legislative ratification of its Concession and Access Agreement, which allows access to multi-user rail and port infrastructure in Liberia—a key step for shipping iron ore from Guinea through Liberia’s Port of Buchanan.
Ambassador Pham said: “These appointments expand our capacity to navigate a complex operating environment in West Africa and indeed across the globe. The experience of our new team members across mining, metals and financial markets brings tremendous value as we execute Ivanhoe Atlantic’s commitment as an American company to develop U.S. aligned critical and strategic mineral projects to power America’s future.”
Erik Bethel added: “The global mining and metals sector is undoubtedly shaped by a sharp focus on supply chain security. I am pleased to join Ivanhoe Atlantic at a time when disciplined strategy, strong governance and alignment with long-term U.S. strategic interests matter more than ever.”
Samantha Carl-Yoder commented: “I am looking forward to collaborating with my Ivanhoe Atlantic Board colleagues and our management team as we work to provide the world’s highest grade iron ore to U.S.-aligned markets in 2027 by unlocking a strategic corridor that can provide so much to local communities in both Guinea and Liberia for decades to come.”
Ivanhoe Atlantic holds a mining convention for Kon Kweni Iron Ore Project in Guinea—one of the highest-grade undeveloped iron ore deposits globally. The project contains 751.9 million tonnes of Direct Ship Ore, including 209 million tonnes classified as high-grade ore (>67% Fe). Société des Mines de Fer de Guinée (SMFG), an Ivanhoe Atlantic subsidiary, owns 85% of the project while the Government of Guinea holds 15%. Located near Liberia’s border, Kon Kweni is close to key railway infrastructure needed for export.
A bilateral agreement between Liberia and Guinea supports shared use of transport infrastructure aimed at promoting mining development and economic integration between both countries.
In Liberia, Ivanhoe Atlantic plans significant upgrades on the Yekepa–Buchanan railway corridor via its subsidiary Ivanhoe Liberia. These upgrades will support increased export capacity—starting from 2-5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) up to 30 mtpa—from Kon Kweni through Buchanan Port. The recent Concession and Access Agreement was ratified by Liberia’s legislature with backing from President Joseph Boakai on December 18, 2025.
Liberia will also establish a National Rail Authority responsible for oversight of this strategic asset.
J. Peter Pham brings diplomatic experience from his roles as United States Special Envoy for African regions under President Donald Trump; he is also affiliated with several policy institutes and serves on boards including Africell Global Holdings.
Erik Bethel has held positions such as World Bank representative for the United States—overseeing major financial deployments—and worked extensively in finance focused on emerging markets.
Samantha Carl-Yoder co-chairs international practice at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck after nearly two decades at the U.S State Department; she also sits on boards related to Africa business relations.
Daniel Pfeffer has built his career around critical minerals investments holding senior roles at investment firms like I-Pulse Inc., Bornite Capital, Point72, 3G Capital, Morgan Stanley Basic Materials Group in London, among others.