Northern Minerals seeking new CEO

Northern Minerals managing director George Bauk has resigned from the role after 10 years, with the West Perth-based company now on the hunt for a new leader ahead of a planned restart of its Browns Range operations.

Mr Bauk, who served as both chief executive and managing director, will be temporarily replaced by current non-executive chairman Colin McCavana, while the company evaluates potential candidates to fill the role.

The former CEO joined Northern Minerals in 2010 from Lithium Australia, where he served as non-executive chairman for five years.

Prior to that, Mr Bauk was the managing director of (then) ASX-listed Western Metals for three years, and chief financial officer for Perth companies Arafura Resources and View Resources, each for one year.

Mr Bauk also held senior governing positions, including chair and vice-president, with the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia between 2013 and 2019.

Mr McCavana thanked the former Northern Minerals managing director for his decade of leadership, during which the company transitioned from explorer to producer for its 3,600 square kilometre Browns Range heavy rare earths project in the East Kimberley.

The operation was placed into care and maintenance last month due to COVID-19.

“George has been an exceptional and resilient leader for the company, having steered it through some low points in the market with an unwavering focus on realising the potential of the Browns Range project in northern Western Australia,” Mr McCavana said.

“I speak on behalf of the entire leadership team when I wish George prosperity with his future commercial and personal pursuits.”

Mr Bauk will remain in a strategic advisory role for the Northern Minerals board and executive management team.

Shares in the company closed up 8.3 per cent to trade at 2.6 cents.