Ionic Rare Earths Limited (ASX: IXR) has appointed experienced African mining executive, Dr Tommie van der Walt, to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO).
“This significant addition to our executive team demonstrates our focus on the delivery of the Makuutu Heavy Rare Earths Project in Uganda,” Tim Harrison, Managing Director at Ionic, said.
“Dr van der Walt is key to us harnessing our technology to accelerate our mining, refining and recycling of magnets and heavy rare earths which are critical for the energy transition, advanced manufacturing, and defence.”
Before joining IonicRE, Dr van der Walt was General Manager of Projects and Studies Africa with specialist resources private equity group EMR Capital, where he was leading the Lubambe Copper Project in Zambia.
Prior to that he was with Newmont as Regional Project Director for Africa where he delivered the US$2 billion Ahafo mega-project in Ghana.
Dr van der Walt has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pretoria, a Master’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Cape Town and a PhD in Business Administration from the Potchefstroom Business School, University of North West, South Africa. He has over 20 years’ experience in mining industry leadership and delivering large-scale projects in Africa.
Dr van der Walt will oversee all aspects of IonicRE’s day-to-day Makuutu Heavy Rare Earths Project, which will include further growth strategies for the mine.
“Dr van der Walt has a proven track-record in mining project development and has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a deep understanding of project delivery in Africa,” Mr. Harrison said.
“His appointment reflects our commitment to delivering one of the most strategic magnet and heavy rare earths projects outside of China with our product destined to supply critical European, north Asia, and US supply chains.
“Dr. van der Walt is the ideal executive to join the company now, as we await the Mining License award at Makuutu in the very near future.”
Mr Harrison said Ionic wanted to accelerate its mining, refining and recycling to align with global policy priorities and offtaker objectives.
For further information please visit: https://ionicre.com.au/
