Meteoric Resources has appointed Nicholas Holthouse as the company’s new chief executive to lead its rare earth elements venture in South America.
Meteoric Resources has appointed Nicholas Holthouse as the company’s new chief executive to lead its rare earth elements venture in South America.
With more than 30 years’ experience in the mining industry, Mr Holthouse will take on the top job with a focus on progressing Meteoric's Caldeira rare earths project in Brazil.
Previouslt, Mr Holthouse was Hastings Technology Metals’ chief operating officer and general manager.
Prior to his tenure at Hastings, he held positions at Newcrest Mining, Merdeka Copper Gold, CSA Global and Finders Resources.
Meteoric director Andrew Tunks, who was the company’s previous managing director, said the appointment was an initial move in upskilling the company into the rare earths space.
“Globally there is an absolute shortage of rare earth experience outside of China,” he said.
“However, Nick is in the unique position of having been immersed in the development of one of the world’s newest rare earths projects through feasibility studies, capital raising and construction.
“His knowledge of mining, process routes and ultimately sale of product is up to date and in this sense, will bring a whole new perspective to Meteoric.”
In December 2022, Meteoric entered into a binding agreement to acquire the Calderia project from Brazilian company Togni S/A Refractory Materials.
Under the deal, Meteoric will acquire the rights to explore and develop rare earth elements in the 30 mining leases within the project area.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to join the Meteoric team at this early stage of project development of the Calderia rare earth elements project,” Mr Holthouse said.
“The current in-country team and management have done an outstanding job in securing this world-class ionic clay rare earth element asset, which appears to have all the required hallmarks to progress, strengthen even more so by the impending maiden mineral resource due to be released this April.
“I’m very much looking forward to getting my boots on the ground and driving the Caldeira project forward.”
On the ASX, Meteoric Resources shares were up 9.37 per cent to trade at 10 cents at market close.
