"Gregory brings a wealth of experience and expertise in public affairs and legislative and regulatory relations, having worked successfully in both the public and private sectors with a specialty in the energy and natural resources industries," Sheriff said.

The company noted that Zerzan's position with the department saw him direct legal efforts in areas including energy development, access to public lands, environmental reform, and tribal relations.

Red Cloud Securities said: "While we do not see this appointment moving the stock per se, his connections in the government and with native communities could have considerable positive impact as enCore moves several of its projects towards production".

He has also previously worked as deputy assistant secretary of the United States Treasury and served as counsel to three different Congressional committees, enCore said.

The company added that in the private sector, Zerzan has been counsel and head of global public policy for the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, director at Koch Companies, and a shareholder in the law firm Jordan Ramis PC.

"Zerzan has served as a senior fellow at the University of Melbourne, Australia School of Law and frequently speaks at conferences, trade associations and on television regarding matters of law and regulatory policy," enCore said.

He is to be granted 400,000 stock options with 25% immediate vesting, 25% vesting on 31 December, and 25% every six months thereafter. The options are exercisable at a price of US$1.07 per share.

The company's share price rose 4% day on day to trade at US$0.91 on July 19. It has a market capitalization of US$281.2 million.