Emerging rare earths miner Hastings Technology Metals appoints veteran mine builder as CEO

• Ex-Mineral Resources executive Paul Brown to join Hastings Technology Metals as its new CEO
• Executive chairman Charles Lew confident Brown is the right person to “lead Hastings team at pivotal moment for company”
• First production from Yangibana REE project pencilled in for 2025

Hastings Technology Metals has appointed a new CEO to lead the company into production at its at its world class Yangibana rare earths project in WA.

Seasoned mining executive Paul Brown will come across from Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN) to lead the team at Hastings Technology Metals (ASX:HAS) as its new CEO, effective 21 September 2023.

Brown most recently spent eight years at $14.5bn-capped MIN, where his roles included chief executive – commodities, and chief executive – lithium, demonstrating his profound knowledge of the critical minerals sector.

Before joining MIN, his career spanned general management, operational leadership, technical direction, project and studies management, business enhancement, mineral resource assessment, and mine strategy.

Brown’s contributions have been pivotal to the advancement and achievements of prominent names in the mining sector, including in senior roles at Leighton Holdings, HWE Mining, and Fortescue Metals Group (ASX:FMG) between 2010 and 2015.

He has successfully delivered and operated significant mining projects, including FMG’s Solomon Hub, along with MIN’s Mount Marion and Wodgina lithium projects and Wonmunna iron ore mine.

HAS says Brown’s background as a mining engineer and mechanical trade credentials further underline his technical acumen and capability.

Hastings leading with rare earth discoveries

HAS’s flagship Yangibana rare earths project boasts one of the world’s most valuable NdPr deposits, with some areas of the orebody having an NdPr:TREO ratio of up to 52%.

NdPr are vital in the manufacture of permanent magnets used in advanced technology products like electric vehicles and wind turbines.

Development of the project will occur in two phases. Initially, the focus will be on constructing the Yangibana mine and beneficiation plant, with the goal of producing 37,000 tonnes per year of mixed rare earth concentrate.

Subsequently, a hydrometallurgical plant will be built in Onslow, designed to process 15,000 tonnes per annum of mixed rare earth carbonate.

Importantly, the Yangibana project has secured the necessary permits for long-term production. Hastings is currently finalising offtake agreements and debt financing.

‘Well positioned to steer the Yangibana project’

HAS executive chairman Charles Lew says Brown’s appointment reflects his deep expertise across the entire mining project lifecycle and strong track record in major project construction management, commissioning, and operation.

“We are pleased to welcome Paul as our new CEO to lead the Hastings team at a pivotal moment for  the company, as we look to transition from completion of infrastructure work to commence construction of the Yangibana mine and beneficiation plant, the first stage of our two-stage development plan,” Lew says.

“Paul will also drive the ongoing review of the capital and operational expenditures  for the proposed hydrometallurgical plant, as well as work alongside myself on Hastings’ mine to  magnet strategy.

“Under his leadership, the board is confident that Hastings will be well positioned to steer the Yangibana Project to first rare earth concentrate production in early 2025, creating long term value for our shareholders, stakeholders and our people.”

‘Yangibana Project holds immense potential’

Brown says collaborating closely with Lew and the entire HAS team, he’s confident the company can navigate the challenges ahead for a successful and sustainable future in the rare earths industry.

“The Yangibana Project holds immense potential, and I’m eager to apply my experience and insights to realise its full value,” he says.

“My passion for forward-facing commodities like battery minerals and rare earth  magnets resonates deeply with the ecosystem crucial for a greener future.”

This article was developed in collaboration with Hastings Technology Metals, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.

The post Emerging rare earths miner Hastings Technology Metals appoints veteran mine builder as CEO appeared first on Stockhead.

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