SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Australian lithium producer Pilbara Minerals Limited announced the appointment of experienced mining and resources leader, Vince De Carolis, to the position of Chief Operating Officer. Vince will commence as Chief Operating Officer early in the new year.

This appointment, which forms part of the planned expansion of the Company’s Executive Leadership team, follows an extensive search which attracted an impressive field of candidates.

With an extensive career in the resources industry, Mr De Carolis has held senior operational leadership positions with BHP, South32 and, most recently, Newmont, where he oversaw its Tanami operation in the Northern Territory.

His depth of experience working in nickel and gold operations will be extremely valuable to Pilbara Minerals as it continues to drive strong operational performance at the Pilgangoora Project while executing its accelerated expansion pathway towards 1Mtpa.

Pilbara Minerals’ Managing Director and CEO, Dale Henderson said he was delighted to have secured such a high-calibre individual to join the Pilbara Minerals team at a pivotal time in its history as it moves to the next level as a global lithium producer.

“I was very impressed by the calibre of candidates that participated in the selection process, however Vince’s track record of driving operational performance and his ability to cultivate high-performing teams was what set him apart,” he said.

“Vince brings an impressive track record of delivering exceptional outcomes at complex mining and processing operations. At the same time, he has an inclusive and personable leadership style which will complement the great culture we have developed at Pilbara Minerals.”

“This unique combination of attributes helped distinguish Vince amongst an impressive group of candidates.”

“Vince joins our business at an incredibly exciting time as we embark on a major scaling-up of our operation to capitalise on the growing demand for lithium products. His appointment forms part of a planned expansion of the Executive Leadership team as we embark on a transformational period in the market and for our business.”

“I look forward to welcoming Vince to the team and working closely with him to continue to deliver on our core objectives as the leading ASX-listed lithium company.”