Lodestar Minerals (ASX:LSR) intends to advance exploration efforts across its US and Chile project portfolio with the appointment of three experienced industry experts.
The company has appointed Robin Wilson as a consultant, noting his experience spanning over 35 years in the industry across rare earth elements, copper, gold, and uranium.
Wilson previously acted as Exploration Manager for Northern Minerals (ASX:NTU), bringing the team through to discovery at the Browns Range heavy rare earth element deposits in North Australia.
Lodestar also appointed Ross Chandler in the same role. Chandler has a PhD in Economic Geology and Geochemistry and is also the recipient of the AMEC’s Prospector of the Year award in 2023.
Chandler is a co-discoverer of the Yin rare earth element deposits.
Finally, Lodestar has appointed Felipe Jiménez as the company’s exploration manager for Chile, drawing on his 20 years of experience with copper and gold across multinational mining companies in Chile, Argentina, Australia, Canada, and Peru.
Jiménez was the former Chief Geologist for Codelco subsidiary, Exploraciones Mineras.
Executive Director Coraline Blaud says the company’s project pipeline has “developed rapidly” over the past several months.
“With viable xenotime-related heavy rare earth mineralisation confirmed at Virgin Mountain, encouraging early indicators from the Three Saints iron oxide copper-gold and Los Loros porphyry projects in Chile, it was crucial that we strengthen our exploration team to support the successful development of these projects,” Blaud says.
“Mr Wilson, Dr Chandler and Mr Jiménez bring an exceptional depth of experience to our team, each with a proven record of discovery and project advancement in their respective fields.
“Their combined technical expertise directly supports our strategic priorities for 2026, from expanding our rare earth footprint in the USA to advancing drilling programs across our Chilean copper-gold portfolio.
“These appointments ensure we have the right leadership in place and represent a pivotal point for Lodestar.”
Lodestar Minerals is a gold and base metal explorer focused on developing its portfolio of assets in Australia, Chile, and the US.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: Lodestar Minerals
