Anova strengthens board with Mark Connelly to take the chair

Anova has appointed veteran financial and commercial executive Mark Connelly as its new independent non-executive chairman as it advances its Big Springs gold project.

Connelly, who will take on his new role from 30 November, has extensive resource industry experience in management leadership and board roles with operational and capital markets experience in many jurisdictions including Australia, North America, South America, Africa and Europe.

His North American operating and development experience includes several years based in the US working for Newmont Mining where he had extensive exposure to and knowledge of the major’s flagship Nevada gold operations.

Connelly was also responsible for the development and eventual sale of Papillon Resources for about US$570m and the US$597m consolidation of Endeavour Mining with Adamus Resources.

He is currently the chairman of Calidus Resources, Chesser Resources and Alto Metals.

Along with the May 2022 appointment of Steve McMillin as the Nevada exploration manager, Connelly’s appointment demonstrates Anova Metals’ (ASX:AWV) commitment towards advancing Big Springs.

Current chairman Edward Rigg will remain on the board until completion of the company’s annual general meeting on 30 November though he will remain a close advisor to the Anova board and assist the team with strategic direction and acquisitions

“I am very pleased that Mark will be joining the Anova team. Mark is a seasoned leader with extensive experience and a proven track record in advancing, developing and realising substantial value from resource assets around the world,” Rigg said.

“He is well placed to assume the chair role at this time and assist in driving Anova’s business development over the coming years.

“Mark’s extensive North American experience coupled with this deep familiarity with the Western Australian gold and base metals industry, brings substantial insight into the opportunities and pathways available to Anova’s emerging gold asset portfolio.”

Big Springs gold project

Big Springs, like the neighbouring Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine which has produced about 10Moz of gold, is a typical Carlin-type gold deposit with an existing resource of over 1Moz.

The company recently completed soil sampling at the Golden Dome South prospect – the closest part of the Big Springs project to the Jerritt Canyon.

Assay results expected in December will dictate follow-up mapping and drill hole definition, targeting northern extensions to the cluster of Jerritt Canyon Gold deposits.

It also collected detailed drone imagery to provide an improved mapping base for further detailed follow-up work while carrying out geological and structural mapping at the Jacks Creek and Mack Ridge prospects, with the goal of refining drill targets within those areas.

This article was developed in collaboration with Anova Metals, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.