London-listed Aterian has appointed Arron Smyth as strategic adviser for asset transactions, with immediate effect.

In this newly created role, Smyth will support the Aterian management team in identifying and executing strategic opportunities, including joint venture (JV) partnerships and asset acquisitions and disposals, as the company continues to advance its exploration portfolio and unlock value from its diverse copper- and lithium-focused asset base across Morocco, Botswana and Rwanda.

"We are pleased to announce the appointment of Arron as our strategic adviser. He brings extensive sector expertise and transactional experience, which has already proven invaluable in helping us secure the recently announced trade finance facility for our mineral trading operation in Rwanda,” says Aterian chairperson Charles Bray.

He comments that Smyth’s knowledge will be essential as the company continues to explore its portfolio and evaluate various strategic options to unlock value from its projects.

“This appointment aligns with our ongoing strategy to generate the necessary revenues to self-fund our exploration activities and maximise shareholder returns through partnerships, targeted asset acquisition and development and realisations that retain residual upside potential,” he says.

Aterian notes that Smyth brings over 20 years of business experience, describing him as a seasoned investor, strategic adviser and corporate development specialist with a strong focus on the natural resources and energy sectors.

He works with both public and private companies to originate and structure transactions and guide corporate and commercial strategy with an emphasis on long-term value creation.

Most recently, Smyth led two significant energy infrastructure ventures in Europe from startup to successful exit, with both projects ultimately acquired by major investors and operators in the energy sector.

His consultancy work spans JVs, commodity supply and offtake arrangements, mergers and acquisitions and commercial development across the Europe, Middle East and Africa region and other strategic energy and resource markets.

Aterian also notes that Smyth has significant experience in managing, developing and executing international cross-border business operations and transactions.

Smyth has previously consulted to Aterian in Rwanda. 

"I am delighted to be working with Aterian at this exciting stage in its growth. The company holds a compelling portfolio of critical metal projects, and I look forward to contributing to its strategic initiatives and unlocking commercial opportunities,” he says.