Gippsland Critical Minerals (GCM) recently announced three senior appointments reporting to chief executive officer Michelle Wood that will accelerate the work underway to rescope the Fingerboards Critical Minerals and Rare Earths Project in East Gippsland.
– Stefan Wolmarans: Project director, technical. Stefan is responsible for the development and design of mining and processing operations, including technical rescoping.
Stefan has worked in the mining and infrastructure industries for more than 25 years, and his experience includes the project development of multiple mineral sands and rare earths projects.
– Ryan Leslie: Project director, Community and Stakeholder Engagement. Ryan’s focus is on community and stakeholder engagement to inform the project design and build shared benefits for East Gippsland. Based in Gippsland, Ryan has over 25 years of experience in business development, project management, regional development and stakeholder engagement in mining, power, infrastructure and manufacturing.
– Geoffrey Shepherd: Senior Advisor. Geoff has responsibility for project governance, management and delivery. He has 40 years of experience in engineering and construction in the infrastructure and resources sectors, including with a range of notable projects, including mineral sands, lithium and iron ore mines and major infrastructure projects such as Southern Cross Station and West Gate Tunnel.
“These senior team members bring further experience in critical minerals mining design and operations, engineering, project governance, regional development and community engagement that will help ensure we develop the best possible project for East Gippsland and Victoria,” Ms Wood said.
“Importantly, they all have a proven record of delivering important projects.
“We are working hard to rescope the project by speaking to as many stakeholders as possible, as well as conducting initial environmental and technical monitoring to support our studies.
“Completing this work will enable us to share concepts with the community by mid-June.”
The new senior members join a team of project managers, environmental and sustainability experts, geologists, mining engineers, and construction and community specialists working on the ground in Bairnsdale.
Michelle added: “As we start 2025, we have also received a great set of applications for our Community Reference Group, and we hope to share more details on its membership in the coming weeks.”
