Energy Fuels names Ross Bhappu as president, outlines succession plan

Published 04/08/2025, 21:18
Energy Fuels names Ross Bhappu as president, outlines succession plan

Energy Fuels Inc. (TSX:EFR) (NYSE American:UUUU, TSX:EFR) announced Monday that Ross R. Bhappu will assume the role of president, effective the same day. Mark S. Chalmers will continue as chief executive officer and director. The company stated that this move is part of its long-term succession planning. The announcement comes as the company’s stock shows remarkable momentum, with InvestingPro data revealing an 80% return over the past year and a 64% gain in the last six months. The company maintains a strong financial position with a current ratio of 6.08, indicating robust liquidity.

Mr. Bhappu, 65, brings more than 35 years of experience in mining and private equity, including nearly 25 years at Resource Capital Funds. His background includes technical and financial roles at Cyprus Minerals Company and Newmont Mining Corporation (NYSE:NEM), as well as serving as CEO of GTN Copper Corporation. He also played a significant part in the acquisition of Mountain Pass, the only operating rare earth mine in the United States, and served as chair of Molycorp, Inc. from 2008 to 2013. According to InvestingPro, Energy Fuels currently has a market capitalization of $2.19 billion and maintains a healthy balance sheet with cash exceeding debt. Subscribers can access 15 additional ProTips and comprehensive financial analysis through the platform’s detailed research reports.

According to a press release statement, Mr. Bhappu’s employment agreement with Energy Fuels began Monday and runs through August 2027, with automatic annual renewals unless either party gives notice at least 90 days prior to expiration. His annual base salary is set at $550,000, subject to review. He is eligible for a target cash bonus of 85% of his base salary and an annual equity award opportunity targeting 120% of base salary. Upon starting, Mr. Bhappu will receive a sign-on equity award of 150,000 restricted stock units valued at approximately $1,459,050, vesting in equal installments over three years.

The agreement includes provisions for potential future promotion to CEO, subject to board approval and performance targets, with consideration by April 30, 2026. Severance terms specify that if Mr. Bhappu’s employment is terminated by the company without cause, due to disability, or if he resigns for good reason, he would receive a payment equal to 2.99 times the sum of his base salary and target bonus for that year. If such a termination occurred at year-end 2025, the payment would total approximately $3,042,325.

Mr. Bhappu is also subject to a non-solicitation agreement during his tenure. The information is based on a recent SEC filing and accompanying press release statement.

In other recent news, Energy Fuels Inc. has announced a new equity distribution agreement, replacing its previous arrangement from March 2024. This agreement involves several financial firms, including BMO Capital Markets Corp. and Canaccord Genuity LLC, allowing the company to sell common shares through these agents as part of "at the market offerings." Meanwhile, Roth/MKM has downgraded Energy Fuels from Buy to Neutral, citing that the company’s stock has already reached its revised price target of $6.00. Additionally, Energy Fuels released a technical report for its Bullfrog Project in Utah, marking progress in the project’s development.

In the broader nuclear energy sector, stocks saw a rise following positive comments from Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, signaling potential regulatory shifts. Companies like NuScale Power, Oklo, and Nano Nuclear experienced notable gains. Uranium producers, including Energy Fuels and Cameco (NYSE:CCJ), also benefited, with each seeing a 2% increase. Warren AI’s analysis of uranium stocks has highlighted Ur-Energy as having positive upside potential, providing insights for investors in the sector. These developments reflect the growing interest and activity in the nuclear energy market.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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