Andromeda Metals Ltd (ASX:ADN) has appointed Joe Ranford to the position of chief operating officer (COO) to enhance development and operational management, as the company progresses the development of its flagship Great White Kaolin Project (GWKP) in South Australia.
This is a critical time for the near-term producer of the industrial mineral halloysite-kaolin, which will see Ranford move from a part-time consulting role to a full-time position to focus on building the operating team, management systems and delivering the project for ADN.
Highlights reel
Ranford will resign from his board position with ADN to focus solely on his COO duties and he has already been instrumental in progressing the development of the project by leading Andromeda’s exploration, development and permitting activities.
Over the last two years, Ranford has also successfully developed the technical parameters for the success of the GWKP. His guidance and leadership have been crucial in the achievement of several recent significant milestones, including:
- increasing the company’s resources and reserves;
- securing a Mineral Claim across the Great White geological deposit;
- successfully preparing and lodging the Mining Lease application for the project, which resulted in the Mining Lease (ML) and Miscellaneous Purposes Licences for GWKP being granted;
- providing the technical leadership and support integral to completing the Definitive Feasibility Study; and
- collating, preparing and lodgement of the Program for Environment Protection and Rehabilitation (PEPR) to South Australia’s Department for Energy and Mining.
He has been active in building partnerships with local stakeholders.
Focus on development
“These changes enhance executive focus on the development of the GWKP through to production, thereby better enabling Andromeda to create long-term shareholder value,” chair of the board of Andromeda, Mick Wilkes, said.
“Having worked closely with Joe on the board, I value his strong operational capabilities and experience and look forward to working with him to deliver the production and financial outcomes of the GWKP as outlined in the DFS.”
Of his appointment, Ranford said, “This is an important stage of growth for Andromeda and focusing on the successful progression of GWKP through to production is not a part-time role.
“My time on the Andromeda board provided the experience needed in guiding the company through the transition phase from explorer, through approvals and towards becoming a developer.
"Now is the time to singularly direct my focus to developing the team and GWKP. I look forward to working collaboratively with the board while doing this.”