Aim-listed natural resources investment company Armadale Capital has appointed Greg Entwistle as project director to spearhead development of the Mahenge Liandu graphite project, in Tanzania.

"Mr Entwistle has an excellent pedigree and has worked across all aspects of the resources value chain - from feasibility through to production - in emerging and developed mining jurisdictions," Armadale reports.

During his career, Entwistle has worked for Newcrest Mining as engineering and production manager for the Telfer operation, in Western Australia, and the Halmahera operation, in Indonesia. Other senior roles previously held by him include director of operations for Agincourt Resources in Indonesia, as well as COO for the Kapulo & Dikulushi copper projects, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Over the past five years, he has focused on specialising in the emerging graphite sector in East Africa, consulting to several groups that are advancing projects towards production.  

"Appointing Greg Entwistle to lead developing the Mahenge Liandu project is a significant breakthrough, as he brings considerable skills and experience to expedite progress towards commissioning production.

"Consequently, our vision to become a significant low-cost graphite producer has been considerably reinforced," comments Armadale director Nick Johansen.

Meanwhile, Armadale is advancing a front-end engineering and design (FEED) study at Mahenge Liandu. 

The FEED study includes geotechnical studies on the plant and tailings dam locations, with final design of the tailings dam and detailed design to be completed.

In addition, a ground water study has been initiated to facilitate the development of production bores.

Armadale has continued to engage with international and local contractors to develop strategies with regard to the construction and implementation of the project.

Final alignment of the site access route is being developed, which will allow final design work to be completed.