Akora Resources Ltd (ASX:AKO) has tapped former BHP (ASX:BHP) Iron Ore president Graeme Hunt for the position of non-executive chair, effective from February 1, 2024.
Hunt’s 34-year career with BHP covered multiple management roles, including operations management, port operations and corporate strategy.
He served as president BHP Iron Ore between 1999 and 2005, spearheading the expansion of BHP’s Pilbara operations and the development of strong commercial relationships with Asian steel mills.
“Akora’s high-quality iron ore has huge appeal to an emerging Green Steel world,” incoming non-executive chair Graeme Hunt said.
“It’s an exciting opportunity and I look forward to helping Akora reach its full potential.”
Advancing pre-feasibility studies
“Mr Hunt is an internationally accomplished company leader whose extensive iron ore experience and long track record of shareholder value creation in capital-intensive and globally competitive industries will be a major asset for AKORA as we develop our high-grade iron ore projects in Madagascar,” Akora Resources managing director and CEO Paul Bibby said.
“This is the company’s second significant appointment in as many weeks, following the announcement of Jason Whittle as general manager – Development, and reflects the significant commitment and momentum that Akora is now building as we advance a pre-feasibility study for our flagship Bekisopa Project, and continue our exploration activities there and at the emerging Satrokala Project.
“I thank our inaugural chair Mr Mike Stirzaker for his commitment and guidance over the past three years, which has left the company with a good foundation and with excellent prospects.”
Hunt’s commodity experience covers iron ore and steel, coal, manganese, aluminium, copper, uranium, gold, electricity and gas while his management expertise spans steel production, exploration, mining, logistics and port operations across Australia, South America, PNG and West and Southern Africa.