MetalsTech chair, director launch defamation action

The founders of lithium miner MetalsTech have sued former Madacu Resources director Bruce McFarlane for defamation over comments he allegedly published to online stock forum HotCopper.

MetalsTech chairman Russell Moran and director Gino D'Anna are seeking damages and a court-issued injunction over the publication of five posts they claim defamed the pair.

According to a writ lodged in the Supreme Court this week, the posts were published on a thread dedicated to the Subiaco-based Canadian lithium miner on the website between March 23 and September 21 this year.

As is the case with most defamation proceedings, however, the writ provides little detail about the nature of the comments made.

Mr Moran and Mr D'Anna, who are being represented by defamation lawyer Jonelle Dilena, are claiming damages, including aggravated damages, and an injunction that would prevent further publication or republication of the comments.

They are also pushing for Mr McFarlane to cover the legal costs associated with the action.

Blina Minerals, now Tennant Minerals, acquired Madacu Resources in late 2018; a company controlled by Mr McFarlane.

Mr D'Anna has been a non-executive director of Tennant Minerals since 2019.