RareX Limited (ASX:REE) has made a number of key changes to its management and board structure, aimed at enhancing market reach and driving the development of the company’s flagship wholly-owned Cummins Range Rare Earths and Phosphate Project in Western Australia.
Effective April 3, 2023, experienced mining executive James Durrant will assume the role of CEO, leveraging his extensive experience in rare earths, bulk commodities and fertilizers to lead the company through its next phase of growth.
In conjunction with Mr Durrant’s appointment, RareX founder and current Managing Director, Jeremy Robinson, will transition to the role of Non-Executive Chairman, while current Chairman, John Young, will become a Non-Executive Director.
Mr Durrant holds degrees in mechanical engineering and mining engineering from the Camborne School of Mines in England, a Quarry Manager’s Certificate of Competency, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of company Directors. He is an elected board member of AAMEG, which supports responsible mine development in Africa.
Mr Durrant joined RareX as General Manager – Projects in 2021 and has been Chief Operating Officer since January this year. He was previously Director of Projects with Canyon Resources and, before that, held project development and marketing leadership roles at Danakali Limited. Prior to that, he spent seven years with BHP Billiton Iron ore.
RareX has also appointed experienced mining operations manager, Kay Hofmann, as Cummins Range Study Manager. Mr Hofmann was most recently Manager – Ground Control and Water at Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) and, prior to that, held a number of production roles at BHP and BHP Billiton Iron Ore.
The company has also confirm that long-serving Exploration Manager, Guy Moulang, will continue to serve as Exploration Manager.
Michael Prassas has left RareX to pursue other opportunities after making a significant contribution to the company’s rebranding and preparation for this crucial development stage.
The Board of RareX said it believes that this is a logical time to make these changes to its senior leadership team as the Cummins Range Project advances from exploration to the study and development stage.
Recent exploration and drilling efforts have positioned Cummins Range as the third largest undeveloped rare-earth resource in Australia, with a clear path for development now taking shape.
Mr Robinson will continue to provide valuable insights and support in his new role as Non-Executive Chairman and will be available for consulting in Business and Corporate Development roles as needed.
“Having grown the resource almost 10 times in size in just three years and with a clear pathway to development involving two increasingly-in-demand commodities, I believe now is the logical time to hand over to James. I have every confidence that the restructured senior leadership team will be well qualified to lead RareX forward into its next exciting growth chapter,” Mr Robinson said.
“The Board is well-constructed to provide the breadth of support and governance necessary as the company transitions towards becoming a developer.
“These changes also follow the recent appointment of Danny Goeman, who brings senior marketing and sales expertise to the Board, as well as Kay Hoffman, who joins the team as Study Manager.”
For further information please visit: https://www.rarex.com.au/
