The new CEO and MD has a proven track record in the lithium sector. Pic via Getty Images
Mining
FBM engages Nicholas Rathjen as CEO and MD at a pivotal point in the company’s transition to becoming a significant lithium business.
In August Future Battery Minerals’ (ASX:FBM) secured full ownership of the Kangaroo Hills project in WA’s eastern Goldfields region.
Recent drilling results returned 29m at 1.36% Li2O, leading to a more than doubling of the planned coverage of a recent Phase 3 program.
These results proved to be a game changer for the scale and potential tonnage of Kangaroo Hills, which is only 30km from Mineral Resources’ (ASX:MIN) Mt Marion lithium mine.
With pegmatites now confirmed over a 1.2km by 1.5km area that remains open in all directions, FBM is about to enter an exciting new phase of growth and has engaged Nicholas Rathjen’s expertise to lead the way as managing director and CEO.
Rathjen’s most recent experience is as head of corporate development at Canadian lithium developer Green Technology Metals Ltd (ASX:GT1) and previously as head of corporate development at Prospect Resources Limited (ASX:PSC).
At Prospect Resources, he played a key role in the advancement and development of the Arcadia Lithium Project in Zimbabwe through both the financing process and marketing of the key products to be mined and processed at Arcadia (spodumene and petalite).
Last year PSC sold its 72.7Mt Arcadia project to a subsidiary of lithium-ion battery material producer, Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co, for ~$466m net, returning most of that to shareholders.
FBM believes his understanding of lithium mining, processing, marketing and downstream conversion brings a broad list of capabilities to the company as it rapidly advances its Kangaroo Hills and Nevada Lithium Projects.
“The board is confident in his ability to lead the company through the current challenges and the next exciting phase of its growth,” FBM Executive Chairman Mike Edwards says.
“He brings energy, enthusiasm and valuable corporate and operational expertise that aligns with the company strategic shift toward advancing exploration and development efforts on its Kangaroo Hills lithium project and Nevada lithium project.”
Rathjen says he is “honoured” to join Future Battery Minerals during this transformational period as it seeks to advance its portfolio of battery mineral assets.
“I’m deeply passionate about developing lithium projects and Kangaroo Hills holds all the characteristics of a truly exceptional lithium project that I am confident my knowledge alongside the project teams can unlock its full value potential,” he explains.
This article was developed in collaboration with Future Battery Minerals, 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.
Mining
Mining
Mining
Mining
Mining
Mining
Get the latest Stockhead news delivered free to your inbox.
