La Ferla new Sandfire chairman

Sandfire Resources says it has appointed corporate and commercial lawyer Derek La Ferla as its non-executive chairman.

Mr La Ferla's appointment comes as the company progresses development plans at its DeGrussa copper-gold project in Western Australia.

Mr La Ferla is a senior corporate partners of Norton Rose's Perth office.

He has worked closely with the boards and management of many public, private and statutory corporations, Sandfire said in a statement.

"We are very pleased to have secured someone of Derek's calibre and experience to join the Company at this time of transition and rapid growth as we move towards commencement of a Feasibility Study on the DeGrussa Project in the second half of this year," Sandfire managing director Karl Simich said.

"His experience in the key areas of corporate governance and extensive contact network in investment markets will be invaluable to Sandfire as we make the transition from explorer to mid-tier mining company."

Sandfire intends to appoint additional non-executive directors to its board.

Previous Sandfire chairman Miles Kennedy resigned late last year after a reported punch up with Mr Simich.