Ariana Resources PLC (AIM:AAU) has appointed Michael Atkins as deputy chairman, bringing in a veteran mining executive with decades of international experience and a strong track record in African gold exploration and development.
The AIM-listed company, which holds mineral interests across Europe and Africa, said on Tuesday that Atkins would join the board immediately.
He is expected to play a key role in advancing Ariana’s African strategy, particularly its flagship Dokwe gold project in Zimbabwe.
Atkins has led a string of listed companies in Australia and has worked in over 15 countries across Africa, North America, Asia and Europe.
He is best known in the mining sector for his role as founder and executive chairman of Gallery Gold, which developed the Galane gold mine in Botswana, which is within the same geological zone as Ariana’s Zimbabwe project.
The Galane asset was later sold to Canadian miner IAMGold and has since operated at around 100,000 ounces per year.
His previous roles also include chairing Azumah Resources, which built a 1 million ounce reserve base at its Wa project in Ghana.
He has held senior executive positions at Westgold Resources, where he oversaw a pivot from oil and gas into gold, and Beach Petroleum during a period of restructuring.
He currently sits on the boards of SRG Global and Memphasys, both listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, and advises European Metals Holdings, which is developing Europe’s largest hard rock lithium resource.
Ariana said Atkins' background would support its growth plans across key regions and help guide project development and corporate strategy at a time of renewed interest in gold and critical minerals.
Managing director Kerim Sener told investors: "We believe his extensive corporate network and residing in Australia will be invaluable in Ariana's ASX dual-listing, and his specific experience operating successful mining companies, particularly in southern Africa, is impressive, as we continue to progress our over 1 million ounces Dokwe Gold Project in Zimbabwe through feasibility.
"Michael's appointment will complement the current board and he will become chair of a new board committee tasked with company-wide transformation, positioning it for future growth and success."