Chris K. Wilmot
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

Chris is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Critical Minerals Refining and the President and Chief Executive Officer of WCW International Company Limited.

He has over 40 years in the oil and gas industry and international business development.  He ventured with Fortune 500 companies in the United States and Global companies seeking to pursue strategic growth opportunities in Africa. Chris is also the Chairman of Glory Infrastructure Inc.

Prior to establishing Takoradi Refinery Company Limited, he was a career engineer, production supervisor and held senior executive level management positions at Atlantic Richfield (ARCO), a major oil and gas company, USA.

 He is currently involved as a strategic alliance partner with several major United States consulting, engineering, energy, management and security operations firms.

• Education:
  Bsc. EE, Tuskegee University, Alabama
• Memberships: IEEE, SPE, ASME

He honorably served and continues to serve on numerous commissions and boards notably:

• Delegate to the United States Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Trade and Investment Missions to Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Senegal.
• Chairman, City of Houston’s Mayor’s International Affairs Development Council – Africa (2002 – 2003)
• Member of the Board of Directors for the Greater Houston Partnership (2000 – 2013)
• Chairman of the Board Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau (2004 – 2005)
• International Treasurer, Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (2005 – 2006)
• Chairman of the Greater Houston Partnership World Bank Task Force (2010 – 2011).
• Congressional Briefing Moderator: “The Impact of the United States Energy Policy on Trade with the Gulf of Guinea.”
• President and Chief Executive Officer, WCW International, Inc
  (1991 – 2014)
• Chairman of Aviance Ghana Limited (2011 – 2014).
• Chairman of the Greater Houston Partnership World Trade Board
  (2012 – 2013).
• Congressional Briefing Moderator: “The Impact of the United States Energy Policy on Trade with the Gulf of Guinea.”
• Commissioner, City of Houston Clean City Commission
  (from 1990 – present)
• Board Member – Mickey Leyland Kibbutzim Foundation
  (from 1995 – present)

His current engagements include:

• Chairman & Chief Executive of Glory Infrastructure
  Company Limited
• Executive Chairman, Fortune Sustainable Energy & Engineering Company Limited
• Director of McDermott Fortune Company Limited
• Executive Director of AL Bashair Investment Company LLC
• Chris Wilmot, has unrivalled local knowledge and uniquely positioned through extensive business networks across Africa and the United States, providing access to exceptional investment opportunities
• Under the Chairmanship of Chris Wilmot, Takoradi Refinery Company Limited (TRCL) is uniquely placed to ride on the wave of the economic growth in Africa over the next two decades
• Possesses an experienced management team with complimentary skills and proven capability in investing in Africa, employing sound corporate governance
• Has proven track record in execution capability, value creation, and ability to generate superior returns by assembling key strategic partners
• Married with four children

Chip Bayless
Chief Strategy Officer

Chip Bayless is the Critical Minerals Refining Strategic Planning executive. Chip has extensive mining experience in diverse locations from Congo (DRC) to Mexico. Mr. Bayless has provided operational planning and oversight for multi-billion-dollar projects in the private sector.

Mr. Bayless Is an accomplished business professional with over 25 years of experience in senior management positions, focusing on strategy, policy, and program development. He has a proven track record in delivering results in high-pressure environments through creative problem-solving, operational excellence, and effective team building.

He’s the co-founder of a high-grade critical minerals mine, which is worth over $70 billion.

He has been a senior advisor to several African leaders and US officials, such as the Former National Security Advisor to the President of the United States, General James L. Jones.

David Bell
Chief Administration Officer

David Bell is an exceptional individual with a deep commitment to strong ethics and an unwavering moral compass. His extensive education and relentless hard work have positioned him as a highly accomplished professional with many organizational utilities.

As the Chief Administration Officer at CMR, Mr. Bell brings a wealth of experience in creative solutions, business development, brand development, management, visual identity, informational technology, and marketing. Throughout his career, Mr.Bell has consistently showcased his ability to excel in diverse industries within established corporate structures or in building innovative and unique corporate frameworks.

Mr. Bell’s expertise lies in the development, execution, and management of essential business processes that foster a healthy and profitable company culture. His exceptional leadership skills have been instrumental in driving the success of numerous start-ups, and he has played a pivotal role in the growth and development of consumer electronics, global development, and risk mitigation brands, including 501(c)3 charities.

With over 20 years of experience, Mr. Bell has consistently provided invaluable support across various industries, including advertising, editorial, insurance, consumer electronics, industrial, non-profit, and emerging-market development. His dedication to marketing and the arts has taken him overseas as a project lead, where he has successfully managed multi-million-dollar branding campaigns during numerous product launches.

As the CAO at CMR, Mr. Bell has the opportunity to leverage his unique and varied professional insight to establish strong leadership skills and drive CMR’s market leadership. His exceptional talents in brand enhancement, marketing support, visual edge, and executive-level support will undoubtedly contribute to CMR’s continued success and growth.

Mr. Bell’s innovative genius, unmatched creativity, and extensive education make him an invaluable asset to CMR and a driving force behind the company’s success.

Evan Palmer
Chief Experience Officer

Over 30 years of professional experience in Business Development, Logistics, and sales. Mr. Palmer is a strategist who builds strong, dedicated client relationships and partnerships that are built on trust and proven excellence. Highly motivated entrepreneurial passion who leads companies to growth and market differentiation with a record of implementing the necessary business development strategies to accomplish breakthrough sales objectives while creating unique market-entry strategies, managing business relationships, building credibility, and establishing immediate rapport with potential clients. Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities and create long-term value for organizations.

Dr. Hyacinthe K. NDRI
Chief Research Officer

Dr. Hyacinthe K. Ndri, a native of Côte d’Ivoire in West Africa, developed a passion for the medical field at a young age, inspired by his older brother who was completing medical school. After finishing high school, Dr. Ndri pursued undergraduate studies in Business Administration at the University of Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire. However, his true calling led him to Dallas, Texas, where he embarked on his lifelong dream of working in the medical field.

In the early 1990s, Dr. Ndri enrolled at the University of Texas in Dallas to study pre-pharmacy. Following this, he relocated to Houston, Texas, to pursue a degree in Pharmacy, ultimately earning his doctorate at Texas Southern University. With over 20 years of experience in the pharmacy industry, Dr. Ndri decided to venture into entrepreneurship in 2005 by establishing his own successful pharmacy.

In addition to his achievements in the pharmacy field, Dr. Ndri has also engaged in various business ventures, including commodities trading, social housing, and land development in Côte d’Ivoire. Recognizing his contributions and connections within the business and political sectors, Dr. Ndri was appointed as the Honorary Consul of Côte d’Ivoire in Dallas, Texas, in July 2015.

As the Honorary Consul, Dr. Ndri actively participates in conferences and events, expanding his network and establishing valuable connections with accomplished entrepreneurs, businesswomen, businessmen, and politicians. His multifaceted experiences and dedication to both the medical and business realms have shaped his career and influence in the Dallas community and beyond.

Brittany Bayless
Chief Risk Officer

Brittany Bayless is the Chief Risk Officer at Critical Minerals Refining Inc. Brittany has extensive experience in global political environments in various countries of Africa, the United States, and Mexico.  She is responsible for developing and implementing government affairs strategies to support CMR’s business objectives and manage risk. Brittany also represents CMR on various industry boards and committees.

Brittany served as a political risk advisor to several congressional offices and committees focused on Sub-Saharan Africa.

Brittany is responsible for developing and implementing government affairs strategies to support CMR’s business objectives and manage risk.  Brittany also represents CMR on various industry boards and committees.

Brittany has studied International Affairs and Political Science.  Brittany is responsible for developing and implementing government affairs strategies to support CMR’s business objectives and manage risk.

Mukula Makasa
CMR President, Africa

Mukula Makasa is a highly accomplished individual with a diverse background in both the private and public sectors. He is a Zambian national who holds a Master of Science Degree in Agriculture from the Agrarian University at Plovdiv, Bulgaria, and a Degree in International Development from Andrews University in Michigan, United States of America.

In the private sector, Mukula has gained valuable experience working at Hybrid Poultry Farm Zambia Limited, one of the largest poultry breeding ventures in Southern Africa. He has also managed Honda Farm Zambia Limited, a leading commercial egg-producing farm in Zambia.

Mukula’s international development experience comes from his time at International Development Enterprises, an international NGO based in Denver, Colorado, United States of America. He held various leadership positions within the organization, working in Zambia, other African countries, and the United Kingdom.

In the public sector, Mukula has worked at the Zambia Development Agency, where he served as the Director of Enterprise Development and eventually became the Director General or Chief Executive Officer. He has also held positions on important boards and committees, including the Investment Committee at the Securities Exchanges Commission (SEC) and the Investment Committee at Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH).

As the President of Critical Minerals Refining, Inc. Africa, Mukula’s strategic goal is to align non-conflict nations with Africa’s abundant resources. He aims to establish partnerships based on trust, transparency, and shared objectives, focusing on responsible sourcing, sustainable development, and ethical practices in the critical minerals industry.

Mukula is dedicated to steering Impact Investment in our target countries, leveraging his expertise and networks to drive positive change. He believes in partnering with local communities and advancing Inclusive Business models that ensure shared prosperity. By promoting economic growth, technological advancement, and job creation, Mukula envisions creating relationships that benefit investors and local communities. Additionally, he is committed to prioritizing environmental stewardship and community well-being, ensuring all stakeholders are included in the journey toward sustainable development.

Mukula Makasa is a visionary leader who combines his private sector experience, international development expertise, and public sector contributions to drive inclusive and sustainable growth. Through his work in Impact Investment and Inclusive Business, he aims to create partnerships that promote shared prosperity and responsible resource utilization in target countries.

Caleb Pool
Vice President of Administration

Caleb Pool is a remarkable individual with a wealth of knowledge and experience in areas ranging from administration to government affairs. As the Vice President of Administration at CMR, Caleb deeply understands crucial areas such as agriculture, business development, environmental issues, and crisis management. Before joining CMR, Caleb served as the District Representative for US Congressman Mac Thornberry (TX13-retired), gaining valuable insights into policy matters and developing solid relationships with key stakeholders. This experience gave him a unique perspective on policy-making processes and the ability to advocate for CMR’s interests effectively.

Caleb’s involvement in handling large-scale natural disasters, such as wildfires in the Texas panhandle, showcased his ability to address significant environmental challenges through government channels. He also played a vital role as a member of the claim payment methodology development team for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, demonstrating his dedication to responsible and effective problem-solving in the face of environmental crises.

With his comprehensive understanding of government affairs, crisis management, and commitment to transparent and open communication, Caleb is a critical player in CMR’s advocacy efforts. His exceptional education and dedication to making a positive impact make him an invaluable asset to CMR and the broader community in driving meaningful change through government channels. Caleb’s expertise and experience uniquely position him to navigate the complexities of policy-making, engage with stakeholders, and drive positive outcomes for CMR and the industries it represents.