About BN Strategic Metals
BN Strategic Metals Corporation (formerly B&N Mining, Inc.) has assembled a highly strategic land position in the heart of California’s historic Rand Mining District. This portfolio includes the renowned Kelly and Atolia mining centers—once the richest silver and tungsten producers in the United States, with a legacy of production dating back to the 1890s.
Today, BN Strategic Metals is revitalizing this proven mining region at a pivotal moment defined by strong commodity pricing, tightening global supply chains, and significant underexplored gold potential. With tungsten designated as a critical mineral essential to defense, energy, and advanced manufacturing, the Company is focused on reestablishing a reliable, domestic source of this strategic resource.
Our objective is clear: to help secure U.S. mineral independence by advancing one of the nation’s most historically productive tungsten districts into a modern, scalable operation. By combining proven geology with disciplined development and responsible mining practices, BN Strategic Metals is positioning itself to become a key domestic supplier of tungsten and other critical metals.
Our team is focused on advancing these assets with precision and purpose—unlocking new discoveries, expanding known resources, and building a next-generation mining operation capable of supporting America’s long-term supply chain resilience.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
ROBERT BINKELE | CEO
KEVIN ERNST | PRESIDENT
SAM J. SHOEMAKER | COO
Robert Binkele is a business leader with a diverse background spanning natural resources, financial services, and advanced tax strategy solutions. He currently serves as CEO of BN Strategic Metals Corporation (formerly B&N Mining Inc.), where he leads the company’s strategic vision and development in the mining sector.
In addition to his
Robert Binkele is a business leader with a diverse background spanning natural resources, financial services, and advanced tax strategy solutions. He currently serves as CEO of BN Strategic Metals Corporation (formerly B&N Mining Inc.), where he leads the company’s strategic vision and development in the mining sector.
In addition to his role at BN Strategic Metals, Robert is the founder and operator of Estate Planning Team and DST Wealth Management, two firms focused on sophisticated financial and tax-efficient planning strategies. Through these platforms, he has helped structure and facilitate billions of dollars in assets, with a particular emphasis on capital gains tax solutions for business owners, real estate investors, and high-net-worth individuals.
With a substantial resource base and a defined path toward regulatory alignment, we are building what we believe can become America's premier tungsten platform.
SAM J. SHOEMAKER | COO
KEVIN ERNST | PRESIDENT
SAM J. SHOEMAKER | COO
Sam J. Shoemaker has over 40 years of experience in mining operations, engineering, consulting, and executive leadership. He has served as an independent consulting mining engineer to the Company since 2020, working closely with B&N’s leadership to advance projects across the historic Rand Mining District. His expertise spans both surface
Sam J. Shoemaker has over 40 years of experience in mining operations, engineering, consulting, and executive leadership. He has served as an independent consulting mining engineer to the Company since 2020, working closely with B&N’s leadership to advance projects across the historic Rand Mining District. His expertise spans both surface and underground operations across a broad range of commodities, including precious metals, base metals, rare earths, tungsten, lithium, and industrial minerals.
KEVIN ERNST | PRESIDENT
KEVIN ERNST | PRESIDENT
KEVIN ERNST | PRESIDENT
Kevin brings over 30 years of experience in financial markets, investment banking, and corporate strategy. He plays a key role in advancing the Company’s mission to develop sustainable, secure critical minerals resources, supporting long-term growth and strategic partnerships.
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