Iondrive Ltd (ASX:ION) has appointed Dr Ebbe Dommisse as its new chief executive officer (CEO) as the company works to finalise the pre-feasibility study (PFS) for its lithium battery recycling technology.
The appointment of Dommisse follows his success over the past three months in initiating and progressing the PFS, which is expected to be finalised in the current quarter.
Dommisse has a strong track record in operations and commercialisation, having led large-scale operations and commercialising innovative technologies.
Diverse experience
With 25 years of diverse industry experience, Dommisse has held key executive positions across various global markets including Australia, USA, South Africa, Europe, China and South-East Asia.
Based in Australia and with his experience in enhancing company operations, and in bringing innovative products to market, the company views Dommisse as being perfectly positioned to progress its strategic objectives. This includes the commercialisation of three battery-related technologies exclusively licensed from the University of Adelaide.
The priority battery-related technology is Iondrive’s environmentally sustainable lithium battery recycling technology.
In parallel, the company is also undertaking an internal study to identify next steps for the Sodium Aqueous Battery and High-Performance Safe Lithium Metal Battery technologies.
Dommisse will also be responsible for the company’s exploration business, focused on lithium exploration in South Korea through an earn-in and joint venture agreement with KoBold Metals Company.
Smillie steps into consultant role
With Domisse stepping into the CEO role, Robert Smillie is retiring from his role as managing director and CEO but will remain engaged as a consultant, focusing on South Korean lithium exploration.
Under that agreement, KoBold has engaged Iondrive’s in-country resources and experience to progress their earn-in expenditure requirements, which in turn not only progresses these projects but also substantially reduces Iondrive’s net cost of operations in South Korea.
Smillie will also continue to lead efforts to monetise the company’s exploration projects comprising precious metals and rare earth elements.
“A significant milestone”
Iondrive chairman Michael McNeilly said: “The appointment of Dr Dommisse as CEO marks a significant milestone for Iondrive.
"Ebbe’s experience and proven leadership skills make him the ideal person to lead our company, particularly as we focus on the commercialisation of our innovative battery technology stemming from our collaboration with the University of Adelaide.
“Ebbe’s passion for this technology following his leadership of the pre-feasibility study for lithium battery recycling technology is a clear personal validation of the exciting direction in which Iondrive is headed.
"We believe that, with his leadership and energy, Iondrive will continue to make significant commercial progress with its exclusively licensed battery technology.
“I also wish to express my gratitude to Robert Smillie for his invaluable contributions. His leadership and strategic insights have been fundamental to Iondrive's emerging position in the energy transition and we look forward to his continued involvement as a consultant to deliver value on the company’s lithium exploration business”.