Katie Zacharia’s brief five-day tenure as White House press secretary was marked by scrutiny over her professional history. Beyond admissions regarding her legal credentials and past involvement in multi-level marketing, new details have emerged linking her to NRED Intelligent Mining, a rare-earths operation claiming to leverage artificial intelligence.
A Disputed Appointment
In June, NRED—then operating as NovaRed Mining—issued a press release stating that Zacharia would join its advisory board alongside former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The release claimed Zacharia would provide "strategic guidance" as the company advanced its AI initiatives.
However, Zacharia has since dismissed the claim as "fake." Her representative, Sam Amsterdam, stated the release was issued without her consent. Valentin Saitarli, NRED’s incoming CEO, confirmed that while discussions took place, the role "never materialized," comparing the situation to signing up for a gym but never attending a workout.
The Pivot to AI and Space Ambitions
The Vancouver-based company appears to be undergoing a significant transformation. Once a junior copper-and-gold exploration firm with minimal cash reserves—holding just $65,689 in January—it is now pivoting toward "MetalCore," described as an AI-assisted mineral exploration platform.
The composition of the company's advisory board has also raised eyebrows. Rather than geologists or technical experts, the ranks have been filled with figures tied to the defense sector, political circles, and media. Phil Ehr, a retired US Navy commander and former board member, resigned after expressing confusion over the lack of technical consultants and the arrival of controversial political figures.
“I want to build a new generation of robotics and mining... We will bring robotics and AI to global mining and beyond our planet, hopefully,” Saitarli told WIRED.
