Keep up with the latest executive movements across the mining sector, featuring New Century Resources, Firefinch, Liontown Resources and more.
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New Century Resources has appointed Robert Cooper as its new managing director and chief executive officer (CEO). He will lead the company’s strategy for growth beyond its existing Century operation in Queensland.
Cooper’s mining career spans more than 30 years, during which time he has developed a strong track record in the management of multiple large-scale mining assets, operational cost control, business improvement and technical evaluation.
Most recently, Cooper was CEO of Round Oak Minerals, a subsidiary of Washington H Soul Pattison, where he was responsible for the development and operation of a portfolio of Australian base metal mines before the successful sale of the business in June 2022.
New Century chair Rob McDonald said the company had a strong base of assets and was delighted Cooper will be joining the company to take these opportunities forward.
Previous New Century managing director Patrick Walta stepped down from the board with effect from September 16, having served in the role for over five years and overseen the growth of the business from the Century acquisition through start-up and into steady state operations.
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Firefinch has appointed experienced mining executive Scott Lowe as its new managing director, effective October 17.
With more than 35 years’ experience in the mining sector, Lowe has worked in a wide range of commodities and countries. His recent roles have been with South32 in Australia and as chief executive officer of ArcelorMittal’s West African mining business in Liberia. He has also held senior management positions at BHP and Peabody Pacific.
Lowe’s experience in African jurisdictions was seen as an important attribute given Firefinch is represented by its Morila gold mine in Mali.
“The Morila gold project has contributed to the Malian communities for over two decades and will continue for years ahead,” Firefinch chair Brett Fraser said.
“Managing the detail to extract the most from the project, maintain the strong community and government relationships, and to operate in an environmentally sensitive manner requires a depth of knowledge and experience that is reposited with Scott Lowe.
“Scott’s strong operational capability coupled with African experience places Morila and Firefinch into safe, sensible hands to guide the growth and stability at the project and for Firefinch.”
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Simon Linge has joined Lithium Australia as its new CEO. He will commence in the role on or before January 1 2023.
The appointment comes after Lithium Australia engaged a top-tier firm to undertake a global search process for potential candidates following the retirement of the company’s former managing director Adrian Griffin.
Linge brings more than 25 years of global manufacturing, recycling and engineering services experience to the role. He has previously been CEO and managing director of Bradken and part of the executive leadership team at Pact Group Holdings.
“Simon has the experience, knowledge, passion and energy to drive Lithium Australia forward in both the continued pursuit of our battery recycling efforts within Envirostream, and in driving Lithium Australia towards becoming a LFP (lithium ferrophosphate) cathode powder producer through (subsidiary) VSPC,” Lithium Australia chair George Bauk said.
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Critical Resources has named Alex Cheeseman as its new managing director, effective October 10.
Cheeseman has been a non-executive director at Critical Resources since January 2022, and was selected for teh new role due to his lithium industry experience, leadership skills and clear vision and plan to transition Critical Resources from explorer into producer.
Cheeseman previously held a key role at Altura Mining, where he was involved in the delivery of the Altura lithium mine and processing plant, where he became responsible for marketing and export logistics, and developing an extensive network throughout the lithium supply chain.
Critical Resources chair Robert Martin said Cheeseman had proven himself as the right person for the job.
“Since joining the company in January, Alex has been influential in developing a robust corporate strategy, orientating the company to focus on lithium and taking initial steps to transition from explorer to producer,” he said.
Critical Resources is developing its flagship Mavis Lake lithium project in Canada as well as Halls Peak base metals project in New South Wales.
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Liontown Resources has appointed Adrienne Parker to its board as an independent non-executive director, effective October 1.
Parker is a highly respected lawyer specialising in the infrastructure and resources sectors. She is a partner with global law firm Pinsent Masons and is head of Pinsent’s Perth office.
Liontown chair Tim Goyder said Parker arrived at a critical time for the company.
“We are delighted that Adrienne has agreed to join the Liontown board at an exciting and very important time in the development of the Kathleen Valley lithium project,” he said.
“She will bring substantial legal, commercial and business knowledge which will be invaluable as we progress the project through development and into operation.”