Firefinch Ltd (ASX:FFX) has appointed experienced senior mining executive Scott Lowe as managing director with the appointment to take effect from October 17, 2022.
Lowe is a senior mining executive with considerable industry, management and technical experience and including a successful track record with African operations.
West African experience
His experience in the industry spans more than 35 years in a wide range of commodities and countries with the most recent roles with South32 in Australia and as CEO of ArcelorMittal’s West African mining business in Liberia.
Previous roles have included CEO of publicly listed mining exploration and development companies and senior management positions in BHP (ASX:BHP) and Peabody Pacific.
Firefinch chairman Brett Fraser said: “The Morila Gold Project has contributed to the Malian communities for over two decades and will continue for years ahead.
"Managing the detail to extract the most from the project, maintain the strong community and government relationships, and to operate in an environmentally sensitive manner requires a depth of knowledge and experience that is reposited with Scott Lowe.”
African track record
During his career, Lowe has worked in a number of African jurisdictions and delivered impressive results in challenging environments.
These include achieving record production and low costs in an open cut operation in West Africa during the pandemic; managing the start-up of new open cut and underground mines in South Africa and West Africa; and negotiating successful joint ventures with BHP and Glencore (LON:GLEN).
Lowe has a strong track record in Africa establishing and maintaining positive relationships with employees and unions, government, community and other external stakeholders that are essential for business success.
In “safe, sensible hands”
"Scott’s strong operational capability coupled with African experience places Morila and Firefinch into safe, sensible hands to guide the growth and stability at the project and for Firefinch,” Fraser said.
"I am truly looking forward to Scott taking the helm at Firefinch as the company continues its ramp-up at Morila to become an ASX listed Gold producer.”
Lowe holds a post-graduate qualification in Business Management (MBA) along with tertiary qualifications in Mining Engineering, a Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competency (Australia) and a
Diploma in Marine Terminal Operations from King’s Point Merchant Marine Academy NY USA.
Acting CEO thanked
In a statement, Firefinch said: “The board wishes to thank Andrew Taplin who stepped in as acting CEO and his efforts in carrying out that role are greatly appreciated.
"Andrew has set the foundation for Scott to build upon after pivoting the company and its operation at a critical time for Firefinch.
“Andrew will resume the role of chief operating officer on commencement of Scott’s appointment.”