Canada-based Giyani Metals, which is developing a manganese project in Botswana, has appointed Derk Hartman as president and COO with effect from March 1, 2021.
The company also announced on Monday that Wajd Boubou had resigned as president to pursue other business opportunities.
Hartman joins Giyani from global independent engineering and contracting company Royal IHC. He more than 20 years of mining sector experience in project delivery, senior management and investment banking in both the Toronto and London markets. He has been a founder, officer, and director of several public and private companies.
"We are delighted to have someone of Derk’s calibre join our team as COO. He brings a strong background in both operational and financial development of international mining projects and will be an asset to the company at this important juncture,” commented Giyani CEO Robin Birchall.
He indicated that Hartman would oversee the completion of the feasibility study and environmental and social impact assessment for the K.Hill manganese oxide project in the Kanye basin in Botswana, as well as the ultimate development, construction and ramp-up of operations at K.Hill.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Mr. Boubou for his contribution over the past several years in moving the K.Hill project forward and wish him the best in his future endeavours,” said Birchall.