Aura Energy Limited (ASX:AEE)

Significant experience in mining M&A having held former roles as Head of Business Development and Strategy at Rio Tinto. Former CFO of Rio Tinto Iron Ore, member of the Executive Committee at Anglo American, and headed acquisitions for billionaire Robert Friedland’s company, HPX.

As Head of Business Development and Strategy at Rio Tinto, he was responsible for managing all aspects of the company’s asset and commodity portfolio and was accountable for the M&A portfolio and divestments, in addition to the daily management of the BHP takeover proposal.

As the CFO of Rio Tinto’s iron ore business, one the largest Australian business units, he oversaw all commercial aspects of the business including relationships with all JV partners and government. He was also responsible for developing the strategic plan that dominated profitable expansion to support China’s growth.

Former Managing Director & CEO of African focussed uranium company, Deep Yellow (ASX:DYL) and Alliance Resources (ASX:AGS).

Holds uranium operational experience in open cut, underground, and in-situ mining and related processing.

Currently Managing Director & CEO of Image Resources (ASX:IMA), which he drove into production to become a profitable mining company, with early repayment of debt.

Significant experience in transitioning companies from explorers to producers.

Mr Nyunggai Warren Mundine AO is a member of the Bundjalung Indigenous Nation of Australia and a descendant of the Gumbaynggirr and Yuin Indigenous Nations of Australia. He is from Grafton, NSW.

Mr Mundine is a highly respected and influential businessman, political strategist and advocate for empowering the Indigenous people of Australia to build businesses and sustainable economies. He has more than 40 years’ experience working in the public, private and community sectors. He has advised successive Australian governments since 2004 and his appointment as Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Indigenous Advisory Council from 2013 to 2017 follows a long career in the public, business, policy, arts and community sectors.

He is currently Chairman and Managing Director of Nyungga Black Group, Chairman of the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation, Governor for the Committee for the Economic Development of Australia, Chairman of Fuse Minerals, Director of Aura Energy, and Director – Indigenous Forum at the Centre for Independent Studies. He has previously served as the Chairman of Real Futures, RISE Ventures, NAISDA College, NAISDA Foundation and the Australian Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, among others.

Over 20 years’ experience in the resource sector as a chartered accountant building junior exploration companies into mining producers, with extensive experience in the management of public and listed companies, and joint winner of the Mines and Money Asia-Pacific Mining Executive of the Year in 2017.

Held numerous director and management roles with emerging resource companies and founding Managing of Blackham Resources (ASX:BLK), now Wiluna Mining Corporation (ASX:WMC). Former roles with international accounting firm, Resolute Limited and Archipelago Resources, and specialises in project acquisition, exploration, feasibility, financing, development and operations of mining projects to production.

Mr Kane served as Mauritania’s Finance Minister and Minister of Economic Affairs and Promotion of Productive Sectors. His distinguished career includes Governor of the Central Bank of Mauritania, CEO of SNIM the state-owned iron ore miner, senior advisor to head of state, Vice-President African Development Bank and roles in international finance, economic reform, and government policy, as well as deep engagement with Africa’s development and infrastructure agenda.

Mr Kane brings over three decades of experience across both the public and private sectors. His expertise in economic policy, investment strategy, and regional development will be invaluable as Aura advances the Tiris Uranium Project toward development.

Michelle Ash is an experienced mining executive with more than 30 years’ global experience across multiple commodities and geographies. She has held senior leadership and advisory roles with BHP, Barrick Gold, Dassault Systèmes, OZ Minerals, and Acacia Mining, with a focus on technology strategy, innovation, and transformational leadership.

Michelle currently serves as Chair of Magnium Australia, Chair of NatBridge Resources Ltd., and holds board positions with RailVeyor Technologies Global, Inc., NatGold Digital Ltd., and research organisation Mirarco. Most recently, she was Vice President of Growth at BHP, where she developed and led a multi-billion-dollar copper growth strategy. She previously served as CEO of GEOVIA at Dassault Systèmes and as Chief Innovation Officer at Barrick Gold, where she led digital transformation programs that delivered significant operational value.

Michelle holds qualifications in engineering, business, and psychology, is a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).