Aim- and TSX-V-listed Mkango Resources has appointed Philipa Varris to its board as nonexecutive director and chairperson of its sustainability committee.

The company states that the appointment is part of its global expansion strategy and highlights the importance the company places on upholding the highest standards of sustainability.  

Varris has held leadership positions in environment, health, safety and community management in the mining sector for over 25 years, primarily in Africa, Australasia and Latin America, across a number of mineral commodities.

She has been awarded the Australian Centenary Medal for leadership in Australia's largest community consultation and strategic vision development initiative and was recognised, in 2020, as one of Women in Mining's 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining.

She holds a Master of Science in Natural Resources from Curtin University of Technology, is an AusIMM Chartered Environmental Professional and UK Committee member, and is qualified with Corporate Directors International. She holds the position of Head of Sustainability with Horizonte Minerals and is a nonexecutive director of TSX-listed EnviroGold Global.

As a champion for mining environment, social and governance (ESG) leadership, Varris has led teams recognised with the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Award for Environment and Social Responsibility, the Australian Minerals and Energy Environment Foundation Award for Environmental Excellence and the Mines and Money ESG Producer of the Year Award, among others.

"On behalf of my fellow directors, I would like to welcome Philipa to the board and look forward to working closely with her. Philipa brings a wealth of experience to the board and her background in sustainability, health and safety will be of enormous value to Mkango as we progress the Songwe Hill project, in Malawi, and our recycling business in the UK, Germany and the US.

"We particularly look forward to her contribution as chair of the newly formed sustainability committee of the board. Sustainability has deep roots in Mkango's corporate culture and is a key driver of our success in Malawi. The inauguration of a dedicated board committee reflects Mkango's desire for deeper board-level oversight of this increasingly technical arena, as the company positions itself for production in both mining and recycling," Mkango chairperson Derek Linfield comments.