Dual-listed lithium exploration and development company Atlantic Lithium has announced the appointment of new CEO Keith Muller, and business development head and chief geologist Len Kolff, effective immediately.
Muller has more than 20 years of operational and leadership experience and a background in hard rock lithium mining and processing, specifically in dense medium separation spodumene processing. He will take over from Kolff, who held the position of interim CEO since March last year, following the passing of Atlantic founder and former CEO Vincent Mascolo.
"With Ewoyaa, Ghana has the opportunity to play a role in the increasingly important global [electric vehicle] battery supply chain. We are committed to maintaining a low environmental footprint and we are on track to deliver an exciting project,” Muller said on May 16, noting the value of his previous experience working at Galaxy Resources’ Mt Cattlin lithium mine, in Australia, which he believes bore many similarities to Ewoyaa.
The Atlantic board began the process to strengthen its operational experience in lithium mine construction and production last year.
Muller therefore joined the company in November as COO, to drive the company's transition from explorer and developer to a producer of high-quality, battery-grade spodumene concentrate.
Having provided Muller this period to build his knowledge of the Ewoyaa lithium project and implement operational improvements, the board has said it believes the time is now right for him to lead the company through the construction phase and on to first production.
"We have taken the project from discovery, through studies and now transition towards production. In my new role . . . I will continue advancing the company's exploration portfolio and derisking its assets while identifying new opportunities,” Kolff said.
Muller will be fully focused on bringing Ewoyaa into production, while executive chairperson Neil Herbert will continue to oversee the wider corporate activities of the company including, but not limited to, strategy, business development, finance, commercial and investor relations, supported by Kolff and FD and company secretary Amanda Harsas.
“[Muller] is one of very few people with direct experience of operating a lithium mine with similar characteristics to Ewoyaa. He is in the process of establishing the Ghanaian team that will build and operate the mine,” Herbert said.
In his new position, Kolff will be responsible for the ongoing exploration activities of the company. He will also be responsible for identifying and developing growth opportunities for Atlantic to complement its existing portfolio.
“[Kolff] was key in the initial discovery and evaluation of Ewoyaa and has played a significant role in unlocking the potential it offers. Importantly, we will continue to leverage his considerable experience, expertise and network, particularly in Ghana,” Herbert added.