Lindian Resources Ltd (ASX:LIN, OTC:LINIF) has appointed Alwyn Vorster as chief executive officer as the company moves from an exploration phase to ramping up project development and construction of the Stage 1 mining and processing operation at its world-class Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi.
The Lindian board appointed Vorster as he is an experienced CEO with a track record of successful project delivery and company transition management.
He has extensive international leadership experience in technical, commercial, marketing and corporate roles, and a track record managing mining projects from inception to development.
Vorster has managed various companies in the resources industry over the past 14 years and was formerly:
- CEO of Hastings Technology Metals Ltd (rare earths);
- managing director of BCI Minerals Ltd (iron ore and salt projects);
- managing director of Iron Ore Holdings Ltd (iron ore); and
- CEO of API Management.
His current and previous non-executive director roles include:
- Arrow Minerals Ltd (iron ore);
- ChemX Materials Ltd (high purity alumina); and
- Volt Resources Ltd (graphite).
Development and construction ahead
As the company moves to ramp up project development and construction of the Stage 1 mining and processing operation at the Kangankunde Project, the company took the view that different people skills and experiences are required.
As Lindian CEO, Vorster will be responsible for the accelerated development of all Lindian assets. He is exceptionally well-credentialed in this regard and is now focused on expanding the project team to coincide with construction works commencing.
With his appointment to CEO, Vorster will relinquish his role as a director of the company so he can focus on project delivery and management functions
Alistair Stephens has resigned as CEO, effective immediately, following completion of the exploration phase at Kangankunde which has defined one of the largest, high-quality rare earths ore bodies globally.
The company notes that the feasibility study for the project is well advanced which it expects to showcase Kangankunde’s very robust project economics and low start-up capital cost.
Kangankunde project delivery in focus
Lindian executive chair Asimwe Kabunga said: “Lindian has made excellent progress to advance our Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi and the bauxite assets in Guinea during the last two years. The board is grateful for the contribution made by outgoing CEO Alistair Stephens.
“We have now reached the point where project delivery experience and focused transition management is required to finalise feasibility studies and funding, and then move into construction of these assets.
"It is therefore essential that we strengthen our management team and organisation structure for this next phase of development and ensure that we are well prepared to steer the company forward.”
“Alwyn has made an important strategic contribution at board level as non-executive director during the last year and we believe his CEO skills, mining experience, market knowledge and focused energy is now required to transform the team culture which will benefit all stakeholders.
“I am as committed as ever as executive chairman focusing on growth initiatives and funding strategies, where we are very well-placed, while Alwyn will manage the Lindian team on a day-to-day basis with a strong focus on the Kangankunde project delivery.”