Mining group Copper 360 has appointed Shirley Hayes as CEO and she will relinquish her position as executive chairperson.
Announcing changes to executive responsibilities on Monday, the group said Jan Nelson has been appointed as executive director of resource strategy and equity value. He was previously CEO.
In addition, Rupert Smith has been appointed as non-executive chairperson, the group said in a statement. The changes are effective immediately.
Since the formation of Copper 360 and its listing in April 2023, it has focused on building a strong foundation from which to turn its vast copper resources to account.
This includes the commissioning of two processing plants (including the Nama Copper plant acquired during 2024) with a third plant nearing completion, the commissioning of Rietberg underground mine while extracting broken rock resources, the conclusion of long-term offtake agreements and the establishment of a world class operating team, the group said.
A robust platform has been built from which to grow Copper 360 into a significant producer and it has now reached a point in its development where its focus will expand to disciplined execution of its strategic plan for copper production from its existing operations in addition to developing and implementing a sustainable growth path.
The Rietberg mine will shortly commence production of hard rock copper ore with higher and more predictable grades, ramping up to volumes that will enable full practical capacity to be maintained at the company’s two sulphide processing plants.
The key component of the group’s strategic plan is the development and implementation of the Cluster Mining Model.
With Rietberg now close to going into full scale production, the growth focus will be to plan and develop the next series of mines and associated processing capacity, not only to turn the extensive copper resource base to account, but also as an integral element of changing Copper 360’s operational risk profile.
The company said the new executive management structure was necessary to achieve the group’s set goals.
As CEO, Hayes will focus primarily on operational and financial excellence, ensuring strict cost discipline and company resource optimisation, the implementation of the transition to producing status ensuring integrated collaboration and disciplined execution and risk management, and driving the company’s long- term vision while delegating investor relations to a capable team.
Nelson will lead mineral resource optimisation, drive the development of the Cluster Mining Model and align operational and equity strategies to unlock and demonstrate the company’s value to investors.
Smith will ensure that the board of directors provides governance oversight and strategic alignment of the executive team with shareholder interests.
The company will implement a formal investment committee which will have responsibility for approving significant capital expenditure and investments.
“As we advance into the next chapter, marked by the commencement of hard rock copper production, our focus will be on disciplined execution, operational excellence and prudent financial management,” said Hayes.
“This phase represents a strategic evolution as we align our resources and capabilities with the long-term objectives of the company, ensuring sustainable progress and measurable value creation for our stakeholders.”
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