CTMF 2026: Financing the Future Panelists
Emma Malensek, CPA
Assistant Controller,
Sunshine Silver
Emma Malensek is a CPA who completed her studies at Dalhause and Quadri University of Canada. She had previously worked at KFMC, Toronto in the Energy and Natural Resources Group with a focus on the engagement for junior miners to mid-tier producers. She is currently transitioning to a new role as Assistant Controller at Sunshine Silver in Kellogg, Idaho.
emma.malensek@sunsunhinesilver.com
Daniel Rau
Founder & CEO,
Kunin
Daniel Rau is the founder and CEO of Kunin, a venture capital-backed start-up. Kunin is commercializing a new ion-exchange technology, used for selective metal extraction and recovery in hydroelectricity. Kunin is known for its high product valorization at operating assets. Kunin is vertically integrated from manufacturing its new nanofiber-based ion-exchange material, building high-yielding small-scale plants, and growing interest in solar energy. A key player in the solar energy industry was awarded to pilot gallium and germanium production with the Nybarstir USA (Now Korea Zino) Zinc Smelter.
daniel@kunin.tech
Curtis Johnson
Founder, President & CEO,
Scout Discoveries
Curtis Johnson is the Founder, President and CEO of Scout Discoveries, a private US-based, integrated mineral exploration and drilling company. Prior to Ing, he led the generation, advancement, and marketing of gold and copper projects. He also founded the Newmont University of Newmont, a B.S. in Economics of Marketing with Newmont University of Nevada, Reno, a M.S. in Geology from the University of Idaho. He enjoys long walks on the beach discussing ore deposits and how to find them.
curtsis@scoutdiscoveries.com
Connor Olson
Associate,
ING
Connor Olson is an Associate at Ing., where he focuses on financing mineral mining transactions through project finance, credit structuring & arranging, structured commerce, and corporate finance. Prior to Ing, Connor interned with Resource Parks, Newman, and a similar company and received a B.S. in Economics of Marketing with Newmont Mining through production and exploration geology roles between 2012 and 2017. In Newmont, he worked as a Junior Researcher with Newmont University of Nevada, Reno, a M.S. in Geology from Oregon State University, and a B.S. in Geology from the University of Idaho. He enjoys long walks on the beach discussing ore deposits and how to find them.
connor.alson@ing.com
Tyler Hall
President,
ExploreTech
Tyler Hall is President of ExploreTech, a company which optimizes the discovery and derisking of mineral assets using the latest technologies. “Tyler has 13 years of experience across major vendors, trainers, and completed a PhD in geology at Stanford University.
tyler@exploretech.ai
