Comstock names Judd B. Merrill as CFO and mining subsidiary president

VIRGINIA CITY, Nev. - Comstock Inc. (NYSE: LODE), a company focusing on mineral exploration and mining technology, has announced the appointment of Judd B. Merrill as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and President of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Comstock Mining LLC. Merrill, who has a background in mining and clean mineral technology, will begin his role on Thursday, May 19, 2025.

Bringing over two decades of experience to the table, Merrill has worked in various financial management roles in the mining sector. His most recent position was with Aqua Metals, Inc. (NASDAQ: AQMS), where he served as CFO from November 2018 until this recent appointment. According to InvestingPro data, Aqua Metals has faced significant challenges, with a market capitalization of $9.53M and an EBITDA of -$17.16M in the last twelve months. Merrill’s experience extends to Klondex Mines Ltd., Fronteer Gold Inc., and Newmont Mining Corporation. He began his career at Deloitte and Touche LLP.

Comstock’s Executive Chairman and CEO, Corrado De Gasperis, expressed enthusiasm for Merrill’s return to the company, highlighting his expertise in Nevada-based mining and innovative clean technology. Merrill’s previous tenure at Comstock, which included roles such as CFO and Corporate Secretary, as well as a director on the company’s board, is seen as an asset to their executive team.

Walter Marting, Chairman of the Audit Committee, also praised Merrill’s appointment, noting his comprehensive financial acumen and experience in metal-based business development. His appointment comes at a crucial time, as InvestingPro analysis reveals that Aqua Metals has experienced significant stock volatility, with a year-to-date decline of 61.8% and challenging financial metrics. InvestingPro subscribers have access to over 15 additional key insights and detailed financial analysis for both companies involved in this transition.

Comstock Inc. is known for its innovative approach to converting under-utilized natural resources into renewable fuels and reclaimed metals. The company is preparing to expand its metal recycling business and is also working towards spinning off its renewable fuels business into an independent entity.

This strategic appointment is part of Comstock’s broader efforts to strengthen its financial and operational leadership as it continues to develop and commercialize technologies across various industries. For detailed analysis and comprehensive insights into companies in the mining and clean technology sectors, including exclusive Fair Value estimates and financial health scores, visit InvestingPro, where you’ll find in-depth Pro Research Reports covering over 1,400 US stocks.

The information in this article is based on a press release statement from Comstock Inc.

In other recent news, Aqua Metals Inc. reported a net loss of $8.3 million for the first quarter of 2025, equating to $0.03 per share. The company has been actively working on reducing operational costs, achieving a 67.2% decrease in plant operations expenses and a 27.2% reduction in administrative expenses. Despite the financial loss, Aqua Metals raised $1.2 million through an At-The-Market offering and recorded a $5.2 million impairment charge for its Sierra Arc facility. The company is also exploring new cost-efficient locations and potential partnerships to enhance its operational efficiency. In a strategic move, Aqua Metals entered into an agreement to sell a property, which will allow it to retire all debt and generate meaningful cash reserves. The company is also focusing on product innovation, having produced initial samples of nickel carbonate and mixed hydroxide precipitate. Furthermore, there is a transition in leadership, with Eric West set to succeed Judd Merrill as CFO, as Aqua Metals continues to navigate the critical minerals market.

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