Western Copper and Gold WRN surges 5.28% on strategic leadership appointments

Western Copper and Gold (WRN) surged 5.2795% in pre-market trading on January 13, 2026, following strategic leadership appointments that bolster its operational and technical capabilities.

The company announced the appointment of Robert Dirk as Chief Operating Officer and Christian Roldan as Vice President, Technical. Dirk brings 37 years of mining expertise, including executive roles at Suncor and Kaz Minerals, while Roldan has over 25 years in exploration and project development, notably with Newmont. Management highlighted these hires as critical for advancing permitting, de-risking the Casino project, and unlocking value after a transformative 2025.

Western Copper and Gold emphasized the appointments strengthen its leadership team to execute on its vision for the Casino Project, Canada’s largest critical minerals initiative. The additions align with the company’s focus on responsible mining practices and collaboration with First Nations communities, positioning it to capitalize on growing demand for copper and gold in the green energy transition.

With these strategic appointments, the company is expected to drive forward on its key milestones in 2026, including environmental assessments and project financing. The leadership team’s collective experience in mining and project execution is anticipated to accelerate progress on the Casino Project, with an aim to deliver sustainable returns and align with global decarbonization goals.