Chalice Mining Ltd (ASX:CHN) (OTCQB:CGMLF) (FRA:C8U) has appointed the highly-regarded sustainability expert Dr Soolim Carney as general manager – Environment and Community, effective immediately.
Dr Carney has more than 20 years of experience specialising in environment, health and safety, indigenous affairs, government relations and community investment.
She was previously regional environment manager for Alcoa Corp’s (NYSE:AA) mining, refining and smelting operations in Australia, providing leadership on environmental standards, risk management and performance.
Joining Chalice, Dr Carney will focus her considerable skills and experience on leading the regulatory approvals process for the Julimar Project and championing the company’s environment and community strategy.
“Deep and diverse knowledge of ESG”
The new appointment reflects Chalice’s values-based approach and commitment to best practice environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles as well as its desire to accelerate development of the globally significant Julimar Platinum Group Element (PGE)-Nickel-Copper-Cobalt-Gold discovery.
Chalice managing director Alex Dorsch said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome Soo to the Chalice team.
“She brings a deep and diverse knowledge across all facets of ESG and her unique skill-set will be invaluable as we deliver on the next phase of growth for our business.
“Soo has delivered State and Commonwealth environmental approvals for several major projects across Western Australia and is highly regarded in the industry.
“She will be an immensely valuable addition to our leadership team.
“We have already demonstrated our strong ESG credentials since our major discovery at Julimar, through regular open engagement with the local community and by adopting a proactive approach to environmental practices.
“Soo will lead the formalisation of these practices into company-wide systems and processes.”
Extensive leadership experience
Dr Carney was previously member of Alcoa of Australia’s senior leadership team and the company’s global environment leadership team, contributing to the delivery of the global Environment and Sustainability strategy.
She has also held senior health, safety and environment leadership roles across BHP Group Ltd’s (ASX:BHP) (NYSE:BHP) iron ore operations in Western Australia, where she coordinated the delivery of major State and Commonwealth environmental approvals for the $20 billion Outer Harbour Development ahead of schedule and without third-party appeal.
At Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX:WPL) (FRA:WOPA) (OTCMKTS:WOPEF) Dr Carney delivered major State and Commonwealth environmental approvals to enable board sanction of the $15 billion Pluto LNG Project.
Community and environment Initiatives
Chalice has implemented a number of community-based initiatives as part of its stakeholder engagement and advocacy plan, including a suite of communications materials aimed at providing key information to the local communities surrounding the Julimar Project.
The company has also developed a Julimar Project Community Newsletter, distributed at key locations throughout the Shire of Toodyay and has commenced community investment initiatives within surrounding communities, including funding for local events and environmental groups, with investment to be increased as the project advances.
Dorsch said: “The rapid success and growth of the company over the past 12 months, particularly as it relates to our external stakeholders, has highlighted the importance of continued best practice in ESG and affirmed our belief that we must create positive and long-lasting impacts on the local communities in which we operate.
“Soo will be tasked with helping Chalice to deliver on this vision as we advance our major project towards development as a long-term supplier of many of the critical metals required to decarbonise the global economy and reduce pollution.”