Keep up with the latest executive movements across the mining sector, including the founding managing director of Galaxy Resources joining Scorpion Minerals.
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Scorpion Minerals has appointed Michael Fotios as chief executive officer (CEO) as the company drives development of its lithium portfolio in the Murchison region of WA.
As the founding managing director of Galaxy Resources – which has since formed part of the merged lithium entity Allkem – Fotios has a proven track record of taking projects from discovery to production.
In fact, Fotios played a key role in the development and recommissioning of Allkem’s Mt Cattlin lithium mine in WA.
Fotios will lead an expanded management team that includes the appointment of Michael Langford as chief investment officer, and Kate Stoney’s transition from non-executive director to executive director – finance. Bronwyn Barnes will remain as non-executive chair.
Fotios said he joins Scorpion at an exciting time.
“Scorpion has established an enviable exploration footprint in the Murchison region of WA, with the results from exploration work completed to date clearly demonstrating the potential for an economic lithium discovery to be hosted within our tenure,” Fotios said.
“Scorpion is extremely well positioned to leverage the continued demand growth in global lithium markets over the coming years, as we aggressively advance our existing projects and assess new strategic project opportunities in the sector as they arise.”
Fotios has been directed to advance Scorpion’s Youanmi and Pharos projects in the Murchison region, while pursuing additional project opportunities where they arise.
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Emmerson Resources has appointed Mike Dunbar as CEO, replacing Rob Bills who will transition to non-executive director.
With more than 25 years’ experience as a geologist and mining executive, Dunbar has many achievements under his belt, including the discovery, delineation and development of the Thunderbox gold deposit, which is now owned by Northern Star Resources.
He has spent time at Eagle Mining and LionOre, while also being the managing director of Gascoyne Resources between 2011 to October 2018. Most recently, Dunbar was the founding managing director and CEO of Mamba Exploration.
Dunbar said he is excited by Emmerson’s many growth opportunities.
“There is opportunity to grow shareholder value on multiple fronts, including from the high-grade copper-gold exploration opportunities in the Northern Territory, the NT royalty opportunities and the pursuit of exploration success in the regional NSW holdings,” he said.
“The recently discovered high-grade Hermitage prospect is testament to the technical capabilities of the Emmerson team and I look forward to capitalising on this great work and seeking opportunities to enhance both the royalty and tenement portfolios.”
The Hermitage prospect forms part of Emmerson’s Tennant Creek project, which sits within the Tennant Creek mineral field – one of Australia’s highest-grade gold and copper districts.
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Suzanne Retallack has been promoted to the position of chief safety and sustainability officer at Newmont.
Retallack first joined Newmont in 2019 as vice president for health, safety and security, having held senior roles at Rio Tinto before that.
“Suzanne has demonstrated exceptional values-based leadership throughout her career and has led significant improvements in the design and execution of health and safety systems across global operations,” said Newmont president and CEO Tom Palmer.
“By combining the leadership for our safety and sustainability teams, Suzanne will help advance Newmont’s purpose and values, including creating a workplace free from harassment, assault, bullying and discrimination.”
Retallack’s appointment will see Peter Toth, Newmont’s executive vice president and chief strategy and sustainability officer, transition to chief development officer.
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Greg Foulis has joined Pacific Nickel Mines as non-executive chair, bringing more than 35 years’ finance and mining industry experience to the role.
During his time as chair of ASX-listed Nusantara Resources, Foulis was influential in the progression of the 2.4-million-ounce Awak Mas gold project through feasibility and financing before the project was acquired by Indika Energy in a $80 million takeover in 2021.
Foulis also supported Kingsgate Consolidated, where he was CEO for three years, to eliminate over $US100 million of debt whilst operating in a challenging Thailand environment.
Foulis’ appointment coincides with Terry Cuthbertson transitioning from chair to non-executive director.
“Greg brings extensive mining and finance experience to the company at a time when the company is advancing towards production from it Kolosori nickel project and the further development of the Jejevo nickel project in the Solomon Islands,” Pacific Nickel CEO Geoff Hillier said.
“Greg has a track record of achieving growth and delivering value which will complement the existing skill set of the board.”
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