SYDNEY: Solis Minerals Limited (ASX: SLM, TSXV: SLMN) has announced the appointment of Mitch Thomas as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective March 2025.
Thomas, who previously served as Chief Financial Officer of Latin Resources Limited (ASX: LRS) and CFO Battery Materials for Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO), brings extensive corporate, commercial, and project development experience to the role.
His background includes significant work in South America, particularly in Peru, where he supported Rio Tinto’s La Granja copper project. Thomas also played a key role in the A$0.6 billion divestment of Latin Resources’ Salinas Lithium Project in Brazil to Pilbara Minerals Limited (ASX: PLS).
Thomas will take over from Mike Parker, who has been an Executive Director since August 2024. Parker will transition to the role of Technical Director, focusing on the technical aspects of Solis Minerals’ operations. Parker, a geologist with 16 years of experience in the AusIMM, has a strong track record in copper discoveries, including the Lonshi and Frontier Copper Mines during his tenure with First Quantum Minerals (TSX: FM). He also served as country manager for FQM in Peru from 2011 to 2017, overseeing the company’s corporate strategy in Latin America.
Non-Executive Chairman Chris Gale expressed enthusiasm about Thomas’s appointment, highlighting his proven ability to deliver shareholder value through early-stage and large-scale mining projects in South America. Gale also acknowledged Parker’s contributions over the past six months, particularly in identifying drill-ready targets and expanding Solis Minerals’ tenement package in southern Peru to 66,000 hectares.
Solis Minerals is an emerging exploration company focused on developing its copper portfolio in South America, particularly in Peru’s Coastal Belt. The company currently holds 81 exploration concessions, covering 69,200 hectares, and is led by a team with extensive experience in the mining sector.