European Lithium Ltd (ASX:EUR) has promoted Dietrich Wanke to CEO of the company, providing an operational focus as the flagship Wolfsberg Lithium Project advances along the development path.
He replaces the outgoing Steve Kesler who has been with the company for four years.
Wanke has been running company operations as general manager since 2016 based in Austria, the location of the Wolfsberg project.
He has been responsible for the development of the Wolfsberg resource from an exploration into a pre-production project.
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European Lithium’s chairman Tony Sage said: “It’s a critical time for the company as the project progresses toward operation, the skills that Dietrich can bring to his new role will be most valuable at this important time.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Steve Kesler for his dedication to the company over the past four years.
“He has been instrumental in developing the company and completing the positive PFS for the Wolfsberg Lithium Project.”
More than 30 years’ experience
Wanke is a mine engineer and surveyor with over 30 years’ experience in management at operational level for both underground and open cut mines.
His experience extends through all operational phases, starting from greenfield exploration to full-scale production as well as extension of existing mines.
Wanke has worked across multiple countries with multiple commodities.
His previous roles include:
• General manager for Marampa Iron Ore in Sierra Leone;
• General manager for Tolukuma Gold Mines in Papua New Guinea;
• Mine manager for Atlas Iron in Western Australia;
• Technical services manager for Thiess (hard coal) in Indonesia;
• Mine manager for Kimberley Diamonds in Western Australia;
• Technical services manager for Lightning Nickel in Western Australia; and
• Technical director and technical services manager with a coal focus in Germany.
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The next major milestone on the road to becoming Europe’s first lithium producer is the commencement of the definitive feasibility study, anticipated for the September quarter.
European Lithium is also in discussions with numerous European corporates regarding potential partnerships.