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Australian Strategic Materials Ltd (ASX:ASM) has enhanced the operational skillset of its executive team through the appointment of Chris Jordaan as chief operating officer (COO), effective August 24, 2023.
The company expects to benefit from Jordaan’s 31 years of operational and corporate experiences, including leadership roles, in the petrochemical, processing and mining industries in South Africa, Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Joining at “exciting time”
ASM managing director and CEO Rowena Smith said she was delighted to have Jordaan take up the COO role and join ASM’s executive management team.
“With Stage 1 of our EPC Definition work for our Dubbo Project now complete, and early establishment activities for the project underway, Chris is joining us at a crucial and exciting time in ASM’s operational development.”
Chris Jordaan
Previous experience
Before accepting the ASM COO role, Jordaan was president and CEO of Superior Gold, a gold mining company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
He has also held senior leadership roles within Newcrest Mining, BHP (ASX:BHP) and several South Africa-based companies.
“Chris has a substantial depth of experience and the leadership qualities required to progress our Dubbo Project, lead the ramp-up of ASM’s Korean Metals Plant and advance our metallisation technologies, particularly our innovative LK Process,” Smith said.
“His skills and experience are perfectly suited to further develop and execute ASM’s mine-to-metals strategy.”
The COO role at ASM was left vacant following the appointment of Ms Smith as CEO in July 2022.
CFO to step down
In addition to Jordaan’s appointment, the company advises that chief financial officer Jason Clifton has resigned to take up a new, non-competing opportunity and will depart ASM on November 10, 2023.
“I would like to thank Jason for his contribution to ASM over the past two years," Smith said.
"Specifically, during the past 12 months since my appointment as CEO, Jason has been instrumental in repositioning the company for future success – strengthening the balance sheet and developing and progressing key strategic investor relationships.
“The ASM team wishes Jason all the best in his future endeavours and looks forward to building further on the positive relationships and opportunities that he has helped foster,” said Ms Smith.
The recruitment process for Clifton’s replacement is underway.