Neometals Ltd (ASX:NMT) has appointed mining executive Matthew Read as its general manager of lithium projects.
Read will be driving the company’s feasibility and engineering studies at its core lithium related projects such as its lithium-ion battery recycling project and lithium refinery project.
Most recently Read spent two years as head of projects for Tianqi, overseeing the development of its lithium hydroxide facility in Western Australia.
This is part of his 20+ years experience in the resources industry that includes project and commercial roles at companies including Tianqi, BHP and Roy Hill.
READ: Neometals signs binding MoU to consider developing India’s first lithium refinery
Neometals’ managing director Chris Reed said: “We welcome Matthew to the growing Neometals team.
“His significant commercial and technical experience will be well suited to the role as we continue pursuing our strategy of developing multiple opportunities in the minerals and materials space.
“Matthews’ recent lithium refinery experience will be invaluable”.
Late last month, Neometals entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indian company Manikaran Power Limited to evaluate the development of the first lithium refinery in India.
READ: Neometals sees zeolite as way to boost lithium refinery project economics
Following the MoU, Neometals also revealed continuing positive results from evaluation work on the synthesis of valuable industrial products (zeolites) from lithium refinery waste.
Amongst other things, Matthew Read will be responsible for managing and advancing these projects.
READ: Neometals managing director purchases more than $50,000 in shares
The appointment follows managing director Chris Reed’s recent purchase of 250,000 shares in the company through on-market trades.
The $52,500 purchase was a significant one for Reed who increased his overall direct and indirect holding in the company to 10.22 million shares.
Reed’s average price for the 250,000 share purchase was 21 cents per share.