Unicorn Appoints Three Directors Ahead of Klein Aub Copper Mine Development

Unicorn Mineral Resources has appointed Patrick Doherty as executive chairperson and added Graeme Fawcett and Kevin Warrington to its board as the company prepares to advance the Klein Aub copper project in Namibia.

Announced on 26 October, the appointments follow Unicorn's acquisition of a controlling interest in the historic copper mine. The company began strengthening its senior management and operational capabilities in September as it prepared to move the project towards development and eventual operations. That recruitment process is continuing.

Doherty will lead the board as executive chairperson. Fawcett joins as a non-executive director, bringing more than 40 years of experience across engineering, legal, commercial and insurance work, particularly in international energy and capital projects.

Fawcett previously served as interim chief executive of Atlantic Petroleum, where he worked on strategic reviews, restructuring and the assessment of business options. His project experience includes developments in Angola and Ghana, as well as floating liquefied natural gas assignments involving Shell, Woodside and Technip.

Governance and Project Experience Added to Board

Warrington joins as an independent non-executive director. He has more than 15 years of experience in corporate governance, regulatory compliance and administration across mining, resources and other sectors.

He currently serves as company secretary and compliance officer at Marula Mining and holds non-executive positions with related investment and operating entities. His work includes regulatory reporting, risk governance and board support across organisations operating in multiple jurisdictions.

Unicorn said the appointments bring complementary experience to the board as it reviews major projects, contractual arrangements, investment decisions and regulatory obligations.

The board now comprises Doherty as executive chairperson, Dave Blaney as chief operating officer and executive director, John O'Connor as chief financial officer and executive director, Fawcett as non-executive director, and Warrington as independent non-executive director.

Klein Aub Moves Towards Its Next Development Phase

Klein Aub is a historic copper mine located about 90 kilometres south of Windhoek. The project includes old mine workings, surface resources and accumulated tailings and slimes that Unicorn is assessing for potential copper recovery.

The company has previously reported encouraging metallurgical test results and has been investigating leaching and processing technologies that could recover copper from these materials. Its plans require further technical work and the development of an operating team in Namibia.

The appointments follow Unicorn's September announcement that it had signed an agreement to acquire a 75% interest in Q Global Copper Namibia, which holds the Klein Aub project. The company has described the asset as an opportunity to move from mineral exploration towards copper production.

Unicorn has not yet announced a production start date. Its current priority is strengthening the team and advancing the technical and operational work required to develop the mine.