Keep up with the latest executive movements across the mining sector, including Hastings Technology Metals, Coronado Global Resources and Cyprium Metals.
****
Hastings Technology Metals interim chief executive officer (CEO) Alwyn Vorster is finishing up at the company at the end of the month.
Vorster was appointed as interim CEO in November 2022 to strengthen the leadership team and organisational structure as Hastings moved into the development phase of the Yangibana rare earths project in WA.
In his role, Vorster oversaw a review of the project delivery and funding model. He chose not to extend his contract to focus mainly on his non-executive roles in the industry.
Chief operating officer Rudolph van Niekerk will continue to oversee the project in Vorster’s absence, with a formal search process for a permanent CEO now underway.
“Alwyn joined the Hastings team to bring his project development experience to the Yangibana project and ensure the delivery of this world-class project remains on track as we navigate the current inflationary environment,” Hastings executive chairman Charles Lew said.
****
Coronado Global Resources has promoted Jeff Bitzer from chief operating offer (COO) – US to group COO.
Bitzer first joined Coronado in 2013 and has also previously held the role of vice president – US operations, where he was responsible for the management of safety and environmental performance, costs and productivity across Coronado’s US operations.
Bitzer has more than 40 years’ experience in coal mining overall, with expertise across the full spectrum of coal operations.
“Today’s executive-level organisational change marks a pivotal moment for Coronado,” Coronado CEO Douglas Thompson said. “Through the establishment of the group COO role and the appointment of Jeff Bitzer, we are laying a strong foundation for the continued growth and success of our company.”
****
Cyprium Metals has appointed Clive Donner as its new managing director, succeeding Barry Cahill who has resigned from the board.
With significant private equity and financing experience in the mining sector, Donner has financed more than 50 mines globally, while also founding two of his own private equity funds focused on emerging and mid-tier mining companies.
Donner’s directive is to drive Cyprium’s capital uplift, and to develop the company’s assets with the hope to make Cyprium a mid-tier copper miner.
Cahill will continue at the company chief development officer, while former Wiluna Mining executive Milan Jerkovic has been appointed as chief operating officer.
****
Kin Mining has reshuffled its board in the wake of Andrew Munckton resigning as managing director.
Rowan Johnston – who has more than 40 years’ resource industry experience – has been appointed in the newly-created position of executive chair. Joe Graziano will step aside as chair but remain as a non-executive director.
Johnston is also currently non-executive chair of Gascoyne Resources and a non-executive director of PNX Metals.
“I am honoured to have been invited and have accepted the role of executive chairman of Kin,” Johnston said. “During our search for Andrew’s replacement, we hope to clearly define our role in the Leonora consolidation and set ourselves targets for growth and expansion which the incoming CEO can run with.
“Along with my fellow Directors and staff, I would like to acknowledge the pivotal role that Andrew played in the resetting of Kin’s future back in 2018 and in leading the Kin team through several significant discoveries and a period of resource growth.”
Kin Mining is developing its Cardinia gold project in the Leonora region of WA.
****
Lucapa Diamond Company has announced its managing director and chief executive officer Stephen Wetherall has stepped down. This will see executive director operations Nick Selby become interim CEO.
Lucapa will continue to engage Wetherall on an independent basis as the company develops its diamond marketing and downstream initiatives.
Lucapa chair Miles Kennedy honoured Wetherall’s contribution to the company.
“Stephen joined the company in 2014 and during this time has helped Lucapa grow and transform from a pure exploration company into an integrated multi-asset diamond group with niche high-value assets spanning exploration, mine development and production,” he said.
Kennedy also highlighted Wetherall’s achievements in establishing multi-channel marketing streams for the company’s mines to derive value both upstream and downstream.
Subscribe to Australian Resources & Investment and receive the latest news on commodity prices, resource developments, executive movements and more.