Critical Metals plc / EPIC: CRTM / Market: Main Market / Sector: Closed End Investments

11 March 2024 

Critical Metals plc 

("Critical Metals" or the "Company") 

Appointment of Non-Executive Director  

Critical Metals plc, a mining company established to acquire mining opportunities in the critical and strategic metals sector, currently developing the Molulu copper cobalt mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo ("DRC"), is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Gordon Thompson to the board as Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Technical committee as of 1 April 2024.

Mr. Thompson brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Critical Metals, with a career spanning over 30 years in both leadership and advisory roles in the mining and exploration industry. He has demonstrated proficiency in overseeing mine operations and executing growth strategies across key mining jurisdictions such as Western Australia, West Africa, Southern Africa, Mali, DRC, and Brazil.

Mr. Thompson is the Chief Operating Officer at Copper 360, an emerging powerhouse in copper mining and processing based in the Northern Cape South Africa, and as a Non-Executive Director at Contango Holdings Plc. His extensive industry experience and engineering background, including several years in technical consultancy and strategic planning, as well as direct technical and commercial work experience in mechanized surface (open cut) and shallow to ultra-deep underground mining operations, will be an invaluable asset to Critical Metals.

Mr. Thompson's previous management roles in the mining industry include Chief Operations Officer of Tiger Resources Limited, Chief Executive Officer of Taurus Gold Limited (BVI), and Chief Operations Officer of Central African Mining & Exploration Co. Plc. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr. Thompson set up and became a Technical Consultant at Gordon Thompson Inc., a Mining Investment consultant advising mid-tier investment funds seeking mining opportunities in West Africa.

Russell Fryer, CEO of Critical Metals said: "We are delighted to welcome Gordon as the Chair of our Technical Committee and newest member of the Board of Critical Metals. His deep understanding of the copper mining industry, and exceptional technical prowess and engineering background bring a wealth of knowledge that will undoubtedly enrich our decision-making processes.  Moreover, his extensive experience in the DRC at the CAMEC, Kipoi, and Chemaf operations coupled with his track record of delivering results, will greatly strengthen our future strategic capabilities both in the DRC and regionally.

Furthermore, Gordon has already visited the Molulu mine and has an early understanding of the first actions that need to begin in order to maximise its potential."

Mr Thompson currently holds the following Directorships: 

***ENDS ***

For further information contact:   

Notes to Editors

About Critical Metals

Critical Metals PLC has acquired a controlling 100% stake in Madini Occidental Limited, which holds an indirect 70% interest in the Molulu copper/cobalt project, an ex-producing medium-scale asset in the Katangan Copperbelt in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In line with its investment strategy of focusing primarily on known deposits, targeting projects with low entry costs and the potential to generate short-term cash flow; the Company intends to produce 120,000t/per annum of Copper Oxide Ore.  

The Company will continue to identify future assets that are in line with its stated acquisition objective of low CAPEX and OPEX projects with near-term production, concentrating on minerals that are perceived to have strategic importance to future economic growth and generate significant value for shareholders.