Following a domestic and global search process, Australian hard-rock lithium miner Core Lithium has appointed Paul Brown CEO with effect from June 4.
Brown’s appointment comes after Gareth Manderson exited Core in mid-March amid a strategic review.
Brown is currently CEO of rare earths miner Hastings Technology Metals, in Perth.
Before joining Hastings, he was at Mineral Resources for eight years, rising to the position of CEO for lithium and iron-ore. Prior to that, he was at Fortescue Metals.
“Paul is an outstanding executive with 25 years’ experience in the Australian mining industry and a proven track record of operating and delivering across different commodities. Paul’s lithium mining and operations experience makes him the ideal person to lead Core as we prepare to restart mining at Finniss in a cost efficient and sustainable way,” said chairperson Greg English.
Commenting on his appointment, Brown said that he was looking forward to working with Core’s senior team to develop a sustainable operation at Finnis, in Northern Territory.
The Finnis mine entered care and maintenance in January in response to low lithium prices.
“Core is an excellent company with potential to grow into a significant lithium company. I will focus on an operational review of the Finniss lithium project and the opportunities for the exploration programme to grow resources,” Brown said.
Brown is taking over the reins from interim CEO Doug Warden, who has operated the Finniss lithium project for the last three months.
In keeping with a focus on costs and cash conservation, Warden will leave the company in early June.
James Virgo, current interim CFO, will continue in that role for the foreseeable future.