QMines Ltd (ASX:QML) has tapped Simon Kidston to take the role of non-executive chairman, effective immediately, replacing Andrew Sparke, who will move to the role of managing director.
Kidston is a director and co-founder of Genex Power Limited, which has benefited from his expertise since its inception.
Renewable energy expertise
Kidston and his team have funded, permitted and constructed a diversified $1 billion portfolio of renewable energy assets In Queensland and NSW, comprised of two operating solar farms, the Kidston 250MW pumped hydro project (in construction), the 50MW Bouldercombe battery project (in construction) and a 258MW wind farm (in development).
Outside of his role with Genex, Kidston also serves on a number of other boards including as non-executive director of Lithium Plus Minerals, non-executive director of QC Copper and Gold Inc and chairman of Permagen, a premium private carbon credit developer.
“I feel very privileged to take on this role at such an exciting time for QMines,” Kidston said.
“QMines has been moving at an undeniably fast pace and is accomplishing milestones that will benefit all stakeholders for years to come. This makes QMines an amazing opportunity for not only myself but also our shareholders.”
Proven business builder
New managing director Andrew Sparke said: “We are very excited to appoint such a well credentialled and respected chairman to our team. Simon is a proven business builder and value creator. His passion for renewable energy and growing businesses sustainably has many parallels to QMines’ growth plans.
“Simon has guided a number of businesses to cashflow, taken them through the permitting and approvals process and has deep connections in Queensland, the home of our flagship Mt Chalmers copper mine.
“With the rapid growth of the company’s resource base since listing in May 2021 and some very exciting plans for 2023, we wish to welcome Simon to the company and know he will make a valuable contribution for all shareholders".
What’s next?
It’s a busy time for the company, which is working on updated metallurgical test work for the Mt Chalmers deposit and the delivery of a pit optimisation study to inform on how best to approach a feasibility study.
Also on the horizon is the completion of a planned study of the Mt Chalmers project assessing the potential for a standalone mining operation.
Qmines also expects to complete the ongoing VTEM™ Max airborne Electromagnetic survey, which will allow it to analyse, rank and drill new anomalies and kick off the drilling of prospective regional targets.