American Resources Corporation announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Josh Hawes as an independent director. Mr. Hawes brings over 20 years of experience in the areas of capital market construction, organizational and product strategy and driving shareholder returns. Mr. Hawes will replace Michael Layman as an independent director of the board of directors as well as a member of the Board's Audit Committee effective immediately.

Mr. Layman will continue to advise the Company as a member of its Advisory Board. Mr. Hawes most recently served as Chief Strategy Officer of USA Rare Earth from 2021 to 2023 and Chief of Staff from 2020 and 2021 where he oversaw an exceptional ten-fold increase in the company's value and spearheaded the creation of the Magnet Manufacturing Tax Credit, while leading their magnet manufacturing transition team in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Furthermore, Mr. Hawes built the first ex-China, North American magnet supply chain network through strategic partnerships and collaboration, allowing for the future capture of hundreds of millions in revenue.

Mr. Hawes has over 15-years of leadership experience with specific focus on commodities, buy-side and sell-side investment sectors of the financial industry, and advanced technologies. Before his tenure at USA Rare Earth, Mr. Hawes held executive leadership roles for investment firms Delta1X and Hawking Alpha. He has led entrepreneurial capital integration for several companies by leading seamless combination of entrepreneurial spirit with Wall Street expertise to empower businesses of all sizes.

Mr. Hawes' vision includes leveraging technology and global markets for corporate and shareholder growth. This approach has led to the creation of new markets and remarkable revenue growth of 200-1,000%. He has also advised gubernatorial and executive leadership in the White House and DoD, along with private sector leaders on integrated economic supply chain implications.

Mr. Hawes holds several professional designations, including Chartered Market Technician, Certified Hedge Fund Professional, and Qualified Family Office Professional. Hawes holds licenses spanning commodities, investment banking, public, and private securities including Series 3, 63, 65, 7, 79, 82, and SIE. A graduate of Auburn University in Wireless Software Engineering with a minor in Business, Mr. Hawes actively supports Auburn's FMA program by speaking at the Business School.

He has made media appearances, including a feature on Trend Following Radio, where he shared insights into the trading industry with a focus on risk management and a passion for mathematics. Mr. Hawes serves on the Board of an international missions organization and is a dedicated supporter of Metro Ministries in Tampa, Florida. Outside of his professional pursuits, he cherishes time spent with his wife, family, and two golden retrievers while fostering children for West Florida Foster Care Services.