LONDON: Tungsten West (LON:TUN), the mining company focused on restarting production at the Hemerdon tungsten and tin mine in Devon, UK, announced the appointment of Stephen Harrison as Non-Executive Chairman of the Company.

David Cather will continue to serve as a Non-Executive Director of the Company.

Stephen is currently Chairman of Epwin Group plc, the AIM listed manufacturer of energy efficient and low maintenance building products, and a non-executive director at Castings plc, a leading iron casting and machining group. Until May 2023, Stephen was Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of Forterra plc, a London Stock Exchange Main Market listed supplier of building materials to the UK’s construction sector.

Stephen joined Hanson plc in 2002 and was appointed Managing Director of Hanson Building Products, the predecessor to Forterra, in 2012. During his tenure, Stephen successfully steered Forterra through its divestment from Heidelberg Materials in 2015 and led its IPO in 2016. Stephen holds a degree in Economics and an MBA from Cranfield School of Management.

David Cather, Chairman of Tungsten West, said: “On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Stephen as the Chairman of Tungsten West. Stephen is a highly successful businessman whose skills and experience will be invaluable to the Project at this crucial time. Following Jeff Court’s appointment as CEO in October, the Company now has a highly experienced leadership team which is well placed to bring Hemerdon back into production.”

Jeff Court, CEO of Tungsten West, said: “On behalf of the Company and its shareholders, I would like to thank David for his tenure as Chairman. He has ably steered the Company through this difficult period, such that it is well placed to restart mining in 2026. We look forward to his continuing contribution as a non-executive director as we complete our feasibility study and capital raise.”

Stephen Harrison, incoming Chairman, said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Board of Tungsten West at this exciting time, and I look forward to helping progress Hemerdon towards the recommencement of production to secure this vital supply of critical minerals in the UK. Initially, I will support Jeff and the leadership team in optimising the structure of the Company to ensure it is best placed to enter the important next phase of its development.”