Rare earths project developer Viridis Mining and Minerals (ASX:VMM) has bolstered its board with the addition of former Serra Verde Chief Operating Officer Jose Carlos Guedes Rosado to its executive team.
Guedes, who has more than 3 decades of experience in the rare earths processing space, joins Viridis at a ‘critical juncture’ in its journey, according to the company, as it accelerates work on the Colossus Project in Brazil that thrust it into the investor spotlight.
Viridis Executive Chairman Agha Shahzad Pervez says it’s a ‘great achievement’ for the company to have attracted someone of Guede’s calibre to its board.
“He brings an enormous knowledge base to the table, from both a technical and commercial perspective — experience which you simply can’t buy.
Having held such critical project delivery roles at both Serra Verde and Lynas, his experience in rare earth element processing, especially in ionic adsorption clay, and driving major capital projects through the complex execution gates, will support Viridis in its aggressive development timeline.”
Serra Verde represents one of the only ionic adsorption clay (IAC) rare earths projects currently in production outside of China, according to Viridis, and Mr Guedes held the role of COO at this business from 2016 to 2019.
Meanwhile, Lynas Rare Earths’ (ASX:LYC) Mt Weld project in Western Australia is one of the world’s ‘premier’ rare earths deposits, and the company also operates the largest single rare earths processing plant in the world, based in Malaysia.
Guedes was Vice President, Industrial at Lynas from 2010 to 2014, and he helped deliver and commence operations at the Malaysian facilities.
“Based in Brazil, Mr Guedes has a vast understanding of the supply chain and regulatory landscape, and I’m personally looking forward to tapping into his array of lessons learned, as we look to ensure that we de-risk the execution strategy of the Colossus Project,” Viridis’ Chairman says.
Meanwhile, Guedes had high praise for Viridis, saying he is ‘honoured’ to join the company’s board at this point in its development journey.
“I have watched with much interest as Viridis has quickly progressed through the gears over the last 6 months and the remarkable results they have released to date, establishing the Colossus Project as a truly world-class ionic adsorption clay asset.
I look forward to working with Viridis management and imparting the many experiences gained in my career, as the company progresses towards becoming the next Rare Earth producer outside of South Asia and China.”
Viridis’ exploration success at Colossus has seen the company’s share price skyrocket over the past 13 months, with shares that were worth $0.20 in January 2023 closing at $1.20 on 20 February 2024.
The company says it has been working to bring together the ‘right team’ to capitalise on the ‘world-class’ potential at Colossus, and Guedes’ appointment helps achieve this goal.
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