With over 25 years of experience in production management and international resource development, Michael Ji has held senior executive positions with leading mining companies operating across Australia, China, and Mongolia.

He brings deep expertise in the exploration, development, and processing of gold, lithium, and non-ferrous metals. Known for his strategic foresight and people-centric leadership, Michael has a strong track record of accelerating corporate growth through structured guidance, inclusive decision-making, and the cultivation of collaborative workplace culture. His previous leadership roles include serving as Director and Deputy/Chief Executive Officer of Minjar Gold Pty Ltd for over a decade. Now, as President & CEO of Rivaz Resources LLC, Michael leads the company’s long-term vision under the broader umbrella of Rivaz Inc., headquartered in Pasadena, LA.

The Honourable Christian Paradis, P.C., LL.B.

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Member of the Quebec Bar since 1997, the Honourable Christian Paradis was a Member of Parliament of Canada from 2006 to 2015 and served as Cabinet Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Natural Resources, Industry and International Development and La Francophonie.

He left his mark on important issues in Canada. He has worked closely with stakeholders in the agri-food, energy and mining, telecommunications, aerospace, automotive, pharmaceutical and investment sectors.

Prior to his years in government, he practiced law for nine years, specializing in corporate law.

After he left public office, he joined the multinational GardaWorld as Senior Vice President, Strategic Development. During his tenure, he worked closely with the police sector and police services boards across Canada, the military and indigenous communities. He worked at a senior level with the International Security Ligue.

He is currently a senior advisor specializing in business and corporate development and a corporate director.

The Honourable Christian Paradis has been a member of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada since 2007. He is the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012) and of the King Charles III’s Coronation Medal (2025).

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Juan Sonoda is an international lawyer specializing in foreign investment, infrastructure, and natural resources. With over 20 years of experience, he has advised leading global energy and mining companies on major transactions and dispute resolution matters across Latin America.

A managing partner at Beretta Godoy, Juan has been recognized by Chambers & Partners and Who’s Who Legal as a leading expert in energy, mining, and international arbitration. He holds a Master of Corporate Law from New York University and is admitted to practice in both Buenos Aires and New York.

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Mike Que holds a Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley. Over the course of his career, he has cultivated a diverse global business portfolio, spanning real estate development, medical technology, clean energy, mining, refining, and electric vehicle manufacturing.

As a forward-thinking leader in the natural resources sector, Mike has built a significant portfolio of mineral assets across North America, Australia, South America, and Africa. Among his holdings are substantial spodumene resources in Western Australia—recognized as some of the richest globally. His leadership continues to drive strategic expansion efforts for Rivaz Resources LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rivaz Inc., based inPasadena, Los Angeles, with operations anchored in the United States.