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(Sharecast News) - Atlantic Lithium announced the appointment of Keith Muller as its chief executive officer on Tuesday, with Len Kolff moving to the position of head of business development and chief geologist.
The AIM-traded firm said the appointments, effective immediately, were aiming to strengthen its operational experience and accelerate its transition from explorer and developer to a producer of high-quality, battery-grade spodumene concentrate.
It said Muller would bring more than 20 years of operational and leadership experience to Atlantic Lithium.
With a strong background in hard rock lithium mining and processing, particularly in dense medium separation spodumene processing, the board said Muller was well-equipped to guide the company towards the production phase.
He was assuming the position that had been held by Kolff on an interim basis since March last year, following the passing of Atlantic Lithium's founder and former chief executive Vincent Mascolo.
In 2022, the board of Atlantic Lithium initiated a process to enhance the company's expertise in lithium mine construction and production.
Muller joined the company as chief operating officer in November, to drive the transition process and implement crucial operational improvements.
Having allowed him time to familiarise himself with the Ewoyaa lithium project and make significant operational strides, the board said it was confident in his ability to lead the company through the construction phase and facilitate its first production.
With Muller now focussed on bringing Ewoyaa into production, executive chairman Neil Herbert would continue to oversee the broader corporate activities of Atlantic Lithium.
That would include strategic planning, business development, finance, commercial operations, and investor relations.
Supported by finance director and company secretary Amanda Harsas, as well as Len Kolff, Atlantic said Herbert would ensure a "cohesive approach" to company-wide operations.
As head of business development and chief geologist, Kolff was assuming the responsibility of overseeing Atlantic Lithium's ongoing exploration activities.
Additionally, he would identify and develop growth opportunities to complement its existing portfolio, while delivering value to the firm and its shareholders.
"Since joining as chief operating officer in November 2022, Keith has already contributed significantly to developments and improvements across the project," said executive chairman Neil Herbert.
"Keith is one of very few people with direct experience of operating a lithium mine with similar characteristics to Ewoyaa.
"He is in the process of establishing the Ghanaian team that will build and operate the mine, leading the company through the construction phase and onward to first production."
Herbert said that at the same time, Kolff had taken up the mantle of leading the firm's business development.
"He was key in the initial discovery and evaluation of Ewoyaa and has played a significant role in unlocking the potential it offers.
"Importantly, we will continue to leverage his considerable experience, expertise and network, particularly in Ghana, to source new project opportunities whilst continuing to unlock value within the company's existing portfolio."
At 1143 BST, shares in Atlantic Lithium were up 4.92% at 34.1p.
Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
