Core Lithium has appointed a new chief executive officer (CEO), following Gareth Manderson’s resignation in March.
The Core Lithium board has appointed Paul Brown in the role, which will take effect from June 4. Brown has been CEO of Hastings Technology Metals since September 2023.
Prior to joining Hastings, Brown worked at Mineral Resources (MinRes) for eight years. Brown began his tenure at MinRes as general manager – Pilbara operations, then moved into the role of general manager – mining, followed by executive general manager – mining, and finally CEO – lithium and iron ore.
“Core is an excellent company with the potential to grow into a significant lithium company,” Brown said. “I will focus on an operational review of the Finniss lithium project and the opportunities for the exploration program to grow resources.
“I look forward to working with the Core senior team to transform the way we work as we look to continually improve and develop a sustainable lithium project.”
Core Lithium chair Greg English welcomed Brown to the company.
“Paul is an outstanding executive with 25 years’ experience in the Australian mining industry and a proven track record of operating and delivering across different commodities,” he said.
“Paul’s lithium mining and operations experience makes him the ideal person to lead Core as we prepare to restart mining at Finniss in a cost efficient and sustainable way.
“We are looking forward to the next chapter under Paul’s leadership and, on behalf of my fellow directors, we welcome Paul to Core and look forward to working alongside him in the years ahead.”
English thanked interim CEO Doug Warden for fulfilling the role while Core was searching for Manderson’s successor. Warden will leave Core in early July.
“Doug has led our company with passion and commitment through the transition and focused on safely delivering results aligned to shareholder and stakeholder expectations,” English said.
“Under Doug’s leadership over the past three months, our Finniss lithium project has operated as planned in a challenging environment, and our exploration program has been refined. Doug will work closely with Paul to ensure a smooth transition.”
Core interim chief financial officer James Virgo will continue in the role for the foreseeable future.
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