Africa-focused battery metals investment and exploration company Marula Mining has appointed Martin Westerman to succeed Tokkas van Heerden, who has resigned, as COO.

The appointment of a COO is part of Marula's commitment to operational improvement and its overarching strategy to ensure its growth potential is realised at its lithium mining operations at the Blesberg mine in South Africa's Northern Cape; at the Kinusi copper mine, in Tanzania; its graphite projects in Tanzania; and other battery metals projects being pursued.

Westerman, who will be based in South Africa, is a mining executive with over 25 years’ experience across mining operations, corporate finance, accounting, taxation and financial reporting and the commercial and business activities of mining projects across multiple commodities and throughout Southern Africa.

He will report to CEO Jason Brewer and chairperson Richard Lloyd and will work with the company’s GMs in Southern and East Africa to ensure the company’s portfolio of mining, development and exploration activities achieve their targeted and strategic goals.

In his role, he will ensure effective internal controls and the management systems are in place to conduct its business activities in accordance with all statutory and regulatory requirements.

He will further be responsible for maintaining the company’s high standards of corporate governance and social responsibility wherever it does business.

“Martin’s primary focus will be on building sustainable and profitable operations at the Blesberg lithium mine and Kinusi copper mine and accelerating the development of our graphite projects, achieving our production targets and demonstrating the growth potential of our projects. I have no doubt he can deliver on this.

“I’d like to thank Tokkas van Heerden for his contribution and commitment to the company throughout 2023 and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

"I look forward to working closely with Martin in the coming months and years and in delivering on our corporate strategy to establish Marula as a leading battery metals producer in Africa," comments Brewer.