Iron ore explorer UMC has announced that prominent company director Alan Birchmore will be its non-executive chairman, taking over from Philip Crabb.
Mr Birchmore, who is currently deputy chairman, will take over the role with immediate effect.
A Director of the Company for most of the time since listing, he is an experienced Company Director of listed Australian, British, European and American Companies, with a majority in the mining industry.
He has also been Chairman of several WA Government enquiries and Statutory Authorities including Fremantle Ports where he remains Chairman today.
Mr Crabb has been a dedication Director of the Company who contributed much as an experienced explorer during that stage of the Company's development, including the Railway Iron Ore Deposit in the East Pilbara.
He was also an enthusiastic supporter of UMC's negotiations with China's 60th largest Company China Railway Materials Commercial Corp. Group, to become a major UMC shareholder.
These negotiations led to the signing of an agreement earlier this month and are now subject to due diligence and the approvals process, which are expected to be completed within 90 days.