Cornish Lithium’s independent non-executive chair has stepped down from the role, the company has confirmed. Ian Cockerill is leaving the Penryn-based mining exploration business to take up the position of chief executive and executive director of London-listed Endeavour Mining.
Jeremy Wrathall, founder and chief executive of Cornish Lithium, will take over the role of chair on an interim basis until a replacement is appointed. The company, which has undertaken a number of projects to demonstrate the commercial capability of lithium production in Cornwall, said the process of identifying a candidate would start “shortly”.
Meanwhile, former Cornish Lithium director Keith Liddell has re-joined the board as a non-executive director. Mr Liddell, who is also chair of NYSE-listed Lifezone Metals, is a metallurgical engineer and resource company director. He has worked since 1981 in the minerals industry and has experience in management and ownership of a number of public and private businesses and joint ventures.
Mr Wrathall said: “Firstly, I would like to thank Ian for his leadership and advice as chairman over the past two years. During this period, the company has made significant progress developing its projects and has secured a landmark financing package. On behalf of the company, I wish Ian every success with his role at Endeavour Mining.
“I am pleased to welcome Keith Liddell back to our board. Keith’s operational and metallurgical experience will be invaluable as Cornish Lithium commissions the demonstration plant at Trelavour and finalises the process flow sheet for its geothermal projects. I look forward to working with Keith as we develop our exciting portfolio of projects to create value for all our stakeholders.”
Mr Cockerill said he was “proud” to have been involved in Cornish Lithium and its work over the last two years.
He added: “The company is at an exciting stage in its development and, following last summer’s financing, has the balance sheet strength to realise its potential. I look forward to seeing the company progress as a shareholder and wish the team continued success with the development of its projects.”
Last year, Cornish Lithium announced it had received an £53.6m initial investment from a group of institutional investors to support the development of the UK’s critical minerals supply chain and accelerate growth towards commercial production of lithium.
