Ryan Zinke, the former Trump Cabinet official in charge of the country's natural resources, has landed a more than $100,000-a-year job with a Nevada gold mining firm.
Zinke confirmed Tuesday he has accepted the consulting and board position with U.S. Gold Corp., a company with business before Zinke's former agency, the Interior Department.
His new job comes about four months after he resigned as Interior secretary amid ethics allegations.
CEO Edward Karr says he expects Zinke's recent Cabinet position will help his company move ahead with mining projects on state and federal lands.
Karr says Zinke will receive $114,000 a year as a board member and consultant. The company's filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission says Zinke will also receive up to $120,000 a year in expenses.
Karr stated, "All of the Directors of U.S. Gold Corp. are thrilled to welcome the Honorable Ryan Zinke to our Board. As the former Secretary of the Interior and a geologist, Commander Zinke has an in-depth knowledge of the governmental regulatory and permitting process for mining and exploration companies. We look forward to his future contributions to the overall Board, technical committees and permitting assistance with our Copper King project in Wyoming."
Zinke commented, "I look forward to joining a winning team. U.S. Gold Corp. has attractive exploration and development projects in two mining friendly jurisdictions of Wyoming and Nevada. I am confident that my prior experience can add tremendous value to the company. I am excited to work closely with management and the Board to help make mining great again in America."
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
