Change to the Board of Direct

17 Jul 2008 12:56



International Ferro Metals Limited

("IFL" or the "Company")

Change to the Board of Directors and Appointment of Key Management

London, 17 July 2008: International Ferro Metals, the integrated ferrochrome producer, today announces that Ronnie Barnard has resigned from the Company's Board of Directors and as Chief Operating Officer, effective today, to pursue other interests.

The Board welcomes the appointment of Hannes Visser and Willie Bester, General Manager Operations and Manager Operations, respectively. Together, Hannes and Willie have over 60 years experience in the construction and operation of semi-closed and closed ferrochrome furnaces. They began working at IFL full time on Tuesday 15 July and the management is confident that there will be no disruption to operations due to the changes in personnel.

Hannes has spent the last 13 years as Production Manager at Hernic Ferrochrome where he oversaw the design, construction and operation of their four furnaces and supervised the pelletising, sintering and beneficiation plants. Before joining Hernic, he spent the previous 12 years at Samancor and Xstrata in a variety of production roles, including the design, construction and operation of their furnaces. He graduated from the University of Stellenbosch with a Bachelor Degree in Chemical Engineering.

Willie also joins IFL from Hernic Ferrochrome where he has been Engineering Manager since 1995, playing a vital role in the design and build of their ferrochrome plant, as well as ongoing project management, quality control and maintenance. He has worked in the ferrochrome industry since 1972, and was employed by FerroMetals and Richards Bay Minerals in a variety of engineering and technical roles. Chief Executive Stephen Turner said:

"Ronnie has played a valuable role in the start up of International Ferro Metals and the Board is very grateful for his dedication and contribution and wishes him well for the future. We are pleased to welcome Hannes and Willie whose tremendous experience, track record, and knowledge of the ferrochrome industry will enhance the Company's operations as we continue our expansion."

For further information please visit www.ifml.com or contact: 

About International Ferro Metals:

International Ferro Metals produces ferrochrome, the essential ingredient in stainless steel, from its integrated chromite mine and ferrochrome processing operations in South Africa. International Ferro Metals is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol IFL.