SYDNEY: The Board of Geopacific Resources Ltd announced the appointment of Tim Richards as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The appointment follows the completion of a comprehensive executive search process that assessed a strong field of candidates. Richards will commence in the role on October 5, 2020 and the Chairman, Ian Clyne, will continue to operate in an executive capacity to facilitate a seamless management transition.

Mr Richards is a mining engineer with broad experience in open pit mining ranging from scoping and feasibility studies, site technical services, through to operations and mine management. Mr Richards has extensive mining experience both in Australia and in the expatriate environment across Papua New Guinea, Europe, Africa, and the Caucasus.

Mr Richards was most recently General Manager Technical Services of St Barbara Limited and was General Manager Simberi Operations from 2013 to 2019for St Barbara Limited. During this period, Mr Richards was instrumental in the turn around of the Simberi Gold Mine, delivering five record years of gold production and cashflow performance.

Chairman Mr Ian Clyne stated: “Tim brings an extremely high level of enthusiasm, motivation, and proven success in terms of building and operating a gold mine in Papua New Guinea. Tim displays strong leadership, team building and people management skills. These attributes coupled with strong commercial, financial management, accountability and governance skills see Tim well positioned to efficiently and effectively build and operate a gold mine in Papua New Guinea.

“He understands the challenges and delights of Papua New Guinea as well as the importance of building and maintaining an open and transparent dialogue with the local communities, all levels of Government and Regulatory Authorities. Our views are completely aligned on the enormous potential of the Woodlark Gold Project and the potential and capacity of Papua New Guineans generally –when they are given the right training, opportunities and rewards.

“Tim is ready to meet the challenges of delivering the Woodlark Gold Project and to take a more strategic leadership role as CEO of Geopacific.”