Green Technology Metals Ltd (ASX:GT1) has appointed Nicholas Rathjen as head of Corporate Development in its Perth office, a move aimed to spearhead the commercialisation of the company's lithium portfolio.
GT1 plans to accelerate its push into North America, to become the first pre-eminent vertically integrated lithium business in Ontario, Canada.
The company sees the appointment of Rathjen, a commercial professional with more than 10 years of experience in equity capital markets and corporate development, as a milestone on its way to advancing its projects towards production to meet the global demand for lithium.
High-calibre lithium expertise
“We are pleased to have secured someone of Nicholas’ calibre and lithium project experience to lead GT1’s Corporate Development as we embark on the next phase of development and growth for the company,” chief executive officer Luke Cox said.
“Mr Rathjen’s industry knowledge and proven track record in leading the development of early-stage lithium projects will be a huge benefit to the company and shareholders and I look forward to working with Nicholas for what is an exciting time of growth for GT1.”
Rathjen will lead development activities on the corporate front to build on the company’s established strategic partnerships and explore downstream Investment and new business opportunities as the company throws the spotlight on lithium potential across its portfolio.
The appointee has led early-stage lithium projects through development, definitive feasibility studies, execution of offtake agreements and the execution of commercial transactions. He holds a Masters of Applied Finance, Bachelor of Commerce, Diploma of Investor Relations and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Led world-class asset delivery
His most recent role was head of corporate development at Prospect Resources Ltd (ASX:PSC), where he played a key role in the advancement and development of the Arcadia Lithium Project in Zimbabwe through both the financing process and marketing of the key products – spodumene and petalite – to be mined and processed at Arcadia.
Across 2021, he led the strategic competitive process to advance the project, culminating in the sale of the asset for US$422 million.
“I’m delighted to join the company during this transformational period as it seeks to advance its portfolio of exceptional lithium assets in Canada and explore value-adding opportunities for shareholders,” Rathjen said.
“What attracted me to Green Technology Metals is the quality of the existing assets, quality of the management team and the company’s strategic focus to become a large-scale integrated lithium producer. I look forward to contributing to the company's strategy and delivering value to shareholders.”
New Toronto base to fuel opportunities
In other news, the company will open a new office in Toronto in the coming months. The office will be centrally located to access the financial district of the city, allowing GT1 to advance new business development opportunities including off-take and strategic partnerships.
The Toronto office will be the Canadian headquarters for the processing and engineering teams. The company has also recently appointed a project manager, based in Toronto, who will be responsible for leading the scoping study and feasibility study.