AKORA Resources Ltd has appointed Jason Whittle as general manager – development.
Whittle, who took the position on January 15, holds an Honours Degree in Mineral Processing and brings extensive experience in mining operations and project development.
His career spans leadership roles across the mining value chain, including mining and processing operations, marketing and significant involvement in project development and implementation for major projects in Australia, Peru and Africa.
He has previously worked with notable companies such as Pasminco, Zinifex, OZ Minerals and MMG.
Most recently, he served as general manager – projects at Podium Minerals, where he was responsible for resource development, study management, metallurgical test work, financial modelling, as well as environmental, licensing and ESG planning.
“Adding Mr Whittle to the AKORA team as we progress from explorer to developer, building on the encouraging scoping study, will ensure informed and timely delivery of the Bekisopa pre-feasibility study," AKORA’s managing director and CEO Paul Bibby said.
"Jason’s operational and project studies experience will be a tremendous asset to the company as we advance our high-grade iron ore projects in Madagascar.”
Advancing Bekisopa and Satrokala
Whittle’s appointment closely follows the recent appointment of AKORA’s new chief financial officer and company secretary Shane Turner, who began his tenure on January 1, 2024.
These strategic appointments mark the start of 2024 with a reinforced executive team at AKORA, poised to further advance the Bekisopa and Satrokala iron ore projects, and build upon the achievements of the direct shipping high-grade iron ore scoping study completed in 2023.
AKORA is focused on the exploration and development of four iron ore projects in Madagascar. These projects, namely Bekisopa, Satrokala, Tratramarina and Ambodilafa, span a combined area of 308 square kilometres of tenements in regions noted for their iron ore potential.
The Bekisopa Iron Ore Project, a highlight among these, features a high-grade iron ore deposit with an approximately 6-kilometre strike length. It boasts an inferred resource estimated at 194.7 million tonnes. This project is characterised by outcropping and a weathered zone of direct shipping ore (DSO) iron ore.
Furthermore, Bekisopa shows promise for producing a high-quality iron concentrate, with over 68% iron content, ideally suited for the creation of direct reduced iron pellets, aligning with the emerging demand for green steel production.