Metallium (ASX:MTM) has appointed two independent non-executive directors and expanded its US leadership team as it works towards commercial deployment of its flash joule heating technology.
Kellie Benda’s board appointment is effective immediately, while Josh Hawes will join once his Australian director identification number becomes effective.
Hawes has more than 15 years of experience across critical minerals, commodities, capital markets, and strategic finance. He served as chief strategy officer at USA Rare Earth (NASDAQ:USAR) from 2021 to 2023, supporting the development of rare earth magnet manufacturing operations in Oklahoma and an integrated North American supply chain.
He is also an independent director of American Resources (NASDAQ:AREC), where he chairs the audit and compensation committees.
Benda is a former investment banker and lawyer with experience in capital markets, governance, and business transformation. She currently serves on Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board, National Reconstruction Fund, and Takeovers Panel.
Metallium has also appointed Eric Goldstein to its advisory board. Goldstein has more than 30 years of experience in equity research, portfolio management, and investor relations, and is managing director of mobility and industrial technology at Water Tower Research.
Matthew Trauber has been appointed CFO of Metallium’s US operations. The Houston-based executive joins from renewable energy developer Radial Power and previously spent eight years with Blackstone’s (NYSE:BX) Sustainable Resources Group.
The company has also promoted Ibrahim Ayoub to COO, with responsibility for day-to-day operations, engineering, and technology commercialisation across its US business.
Managing Director Michael Walshe says the appointments broaden the company’s financial and operational capabilities.
“Matthew significantly strengthens our US financial capability, and Ibrahim’s promotion recognises his excellent contribution to advancing our technology platform and the increasingly important operational role he will play as we move toward commercial deployment,” Walshe says.
Metallium is developing its flash joule heating technology to recover critical and precious metals from mineral concentrates and ‘high-grade’ waste streams. The company recently secured a commercial site in Texas, US, through subsidiary Flash Metals USA.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Images: Metallium
