PERTH: Hastings Technology Metals Limited (ASX: HAS) announced Thursday the appointment of Vince Catania as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately. Catania, who previously served as the company’s general manager of corporate, succeeds outgoing leadership as the rare earths miner advances its flagship Yangibana project.
Catania joined Hastings in January 2023 and played a key role in negotiating a joint venture with Wyloo Metals, maintaining agreements with Traditional Owners, and securing environmental approvals for the Yangibana Rare Earth and Niobium Project in Western Australia. Before his corporate tenure, he spent 18 years in the Western Australian Parliament, representing the North West electorate, which includes the Gascoyne Region where Yangibana is located.
“I am excited to commence the role of CEO with Hastings and build on what has been a pivotal first half of 2025 for the company,” Catania said in a statement. He emphasized advancing Yangibana toward a final investment decision (FID) and developing other assets, including the Brockman Heavy Rare Earths and Whiteheads Gold projects.
Executive Chairman Charles Lew praised Catania’s deep ties to the region and his contributions to the Wyloo partnership. “Vince will lead the Yangibana joint venture and the permitting processes for our Whiteheads Gold Project,” Lew said.
The company also announced the retirement of Non-executive Director Neil Hackett, who served since 2018 and chaired the audit committee. Hastings thanked Hackett for his role in Yangibana’s development.
Catania’s remuneration includes a base salary of $340,000 plus superannuation, with a share-based incentive to be finalized.
Hastings’ Yangibana project, permitted for immediate development, targets production of neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr), a critical mineral for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. The mine is slated for a 17-year initial lifespan.