Hawsons Iron Ltd (ASX:HIO) has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Andre du Preez to lead the Hawsons Iron Project as project director, responsible for the successful completion of the bankable feasibility study (BFS), along with construction and operation of the mine.
Du Preez is a senior mining executive with 30 years’ experience in the resources sector and a successful track record of evaluating and delivering major capital projects for top-tier multinational companies across broad portfolios, business units, geographic locations and commodity groups.
Hawsons is focused on developing its flagship Hawsons Iron Project near Broken Hill into a premium provider of high-quality iron ore products for the global steel industry.
“Part of the strategic plan”
Hawsons managing director Bryan Granzien said the appointment of a project director had always been part of the strategic plan to provide additional skilled leadership as work on the bankable feasibility study (BFS) intensified.
“Andre is coming on board at a critical point in the BFS cycle because we and our large team of global consultants are now approaching a peak in activity on the evaluation, analysis and design work underway on the various aspects of the project,” he said.
“His appointment will also now enable me to focus more on corporate affairs, including our engagement with potential product off-takers, banks and financial institutions, and managing key relationships with a broadening range of stakeholders in NSW and South Australia.”
Mr Granzien said du Preez, who has a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Project Management and a Bachelor of Science with a major in mining, possessed a rare and sought-after combination of technical, management and leadership skills.
Leading the BFS
As project director, du Preez will take responsibility for leading the BFS and for its completion on time and within budget.
He will then lead the development of the Hawsons Iron Project from detailed design through construction to commissioning and handover.
Notable experience
Andre du Preez operates his own consultancy, but previously worked for ASX-listed New Hope Corporation Limited from 2011 to 2020 – the last five years as project development manager with responsibility for the coal miner’s $6 billion portfolio of resource projects.
Prior to that, du Preez worked as the regional development manager for the BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), having previously worked abroad for Anglo American, SASOL and Harmony Gold (NYSE:HMY).