Leo Lithium (ASX:LLL) reports it has appointed experienced mining executive, Rick Crabb, as its new Non-Executive Chairman as it progresses development of its world class Goulamina Lithium Project in Mali, West Africa.
The appointment will see Crabb join the board effective from 1 November this year.
Crabb brings over 30 years of experience in mining as a director and strategic shareholder in many public companies operating in Australia, Asia and Africa, including ASX-listed uranium miner Paladin Energy (ASX:PDN), which built 2 uranium mines in Namibia and Malawi.
He is currently Non-Executive Chairman of both copper focused exploration and development company Eagle Mountain Mining (ASX:EM2) and Australian gold exploration company Ora Gold (ASX:OAU).
Additional prior roles include his time as a solicitor, specialising in mining, commercial and corporate law for Robinson Cox (now Clayton Utz) and Blakiston and Crabb (now Gilbert and Tobin), as well as his time serving as a WA Councillor of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
He was awarded the AICD Gold Medal in 2021 for his services to the business community and AICD, while also holding degrees of bachelor of Jurisprudence (Honours), Bachelor of Laws and Master of Business Administration from the University of Western Australia.
Commenting on the appointment of the new Chairman, Leo Lithium’s Managing Director, Simon Hay said: “We are delighted to welcome Rick Crabb as Chairman of the company as we continue to progress the development of our world class Goulamina Lithium project.
Rick is an experienced Non-Executive Chairman with an extensive history in the mining and metals space and brings strong business development, business planning, investor relations and dispute resolution experience to the role. His experience in West Africa will be an asset to Leo Lithium as we get closer to becoming the next lithium project of ‘significant’ scale to enter production.
“His experience in West Africa will be an asset to Leo Lithium as we get closer to becoming the next lithium project of ‘significant’ scale to enter production”
On behalf of the board of Leo Lithium I would like to thank Alistair Cowden for his contribution to the company as inaugural Chairman, guiding Leo Lithium through many key milestones including securing the joint venture with Ganfeng Lithium, de-merging and establishing the company, IPO and listing. I wish Alistair well in his retirement.”
Crabb’s appointment also coincides with a ‘pivotal time’ for the company as it progresses with the advancement of the Goulamina Lithium Project from development into production.
Incoming Non-Executive Chairman, Rick Crabb added: “I am excited about joining Leo Lithium at this pivotal time when there is a clear opportunity to ‘significantly’ advance the Goulamina project from development into production and create ‘substantial’ shareholder value.
“I look forward to working with Simon Hay and the team to deliver further ‘significant’ project growth and develop Leo Lithium into a leading lithium producer”
The development work already completed at the world class Goulamina Lithium Project has been executed on budget and schedule, demonstrating the exceptional team I am joining at Leo Lithium. I look forward to working with Simon Hay and the team to deliver further ‘significant’ project growth and develop Leo Lithium into a leading lithium producer.”
With the appointment now finalised, Leo Lithium announces Crabb will hold office as a director until the next annual general meeting, where he will be required to seek election.
Images: Leo Lithium Ltd
