In a strategic board reshuffle, ASX-listed Emmerson Resources Ltd (ASX:ERM) has appointed Mike Dunbar as its new managing director and CEO.
Set to assume his role from July 17, Dunbar brings a solid track record to the gold and copper explorer, with experience in the management of multi-staged exploration programs, financing and development of mining assets, business improvement and technical evaluation.
As a seasoned resource industry professional with more than 25 years of industry experience, Dunbar replaces Rob Bills, the company's long-standing executive leader.
After a tenure spanning more than 15 years, Bills will transition to the role of non-executive director, pursuing fresh executive opportunities.
Extensive independent search
Emmerson chair Andrew McIlwain expressed the company’s confidence in Dunbar’s appointment, citing the comprehensive executive search that led to this decision.
“Mike is a geologist by profession and has a wealth of experience having been involved in the discovery, evaluation and development of a broad range of deposit styles and commodities, including copper, gold and nickel,” said McIlwain.
“He has also been involved with equity and debt financing and investor relations and community and traditional owner engagement.
“In a competitive market we are fortunate to have secured Mike, who we consider will seamlessly take over the reins at Emmerson and focus on both advancing our current assets and seeking the next generation of discoveries.”
Raft of previous successes
Dunbar's achievements include the discovery and development of several deposits.
This includes the 2-million-ounce-plus Thunderbox gold deposit and the Waterloo and Amorac nickel sulphide deposits in Western Australia.
He also served as the managing director for Gascoyne Resources Limited from 2011 to October 2018 and was the founding managing director and CEO of Mamba Exploration since its ASX listing in early 2021.
“I am delighted to join Emmerson at an exciting time for the company,” incoming managing director and CEO Mike Dunbar said.
“There is opportunity to grow shareholder value on multiple fronts, including from the high-grade copper-gold exploration opportunities in the Northern Territory, the NT royalty opportunities and the pursuit of exploration success in the regional NSW holdings.
“The recently discovered high-grade Hermitage prospect is testament to the technical capabilities of the Emmerson team and I look forward to capitalising on this great work and seeking opportunities to enhance both the royalty and tenement portfolios.”