Canyon Resources appoints experienced bauxite executive Rick Smith as Chief Development Officer

Canyon Resources Limited has appointed senior bauxite executive Rick Smith as Chief Development Officer of the company. Rick Smith will focus on supply chain, offtake and strategic partner negotiations for Canyon’s Minim Martap Bauxite Project in Cameroon.

Smith has more than 35 years’ experience in a variety of international locations relating to new markets, business development, exploration, feasibility studies and construction in bauxite and alumina projects. He previously worked as a senior executive for Guinea Alumina Corporation’s (GAC) recently commissioned USD$1.4 billion GAC Bauxite Project in Guinea.

Smith said: “The Minim Martap Project in Cameroon is a tier-one bauxite project with global significance. I’m looking forward to joining the Canyon team and applying my learnings from the last 10 years developing bauxite projects in Guinea. The high quality bauxite from the Minim Martap Project will be in demand from global alumina refiners for decades to come.”

Smith holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in geological engineering from Michigan Technological University in the United States.

Canyon Managing Director, Mr Phillip Gallagher said: “Rick Smith’s recent experience in developing a major new bauxite mine, with rail and port operations in West Africa adds valuable knowledge and skills to the Canyon team. Rick managed the GAC Project in Guinea from the stage where the Minim Martap Project is now and was a senior executive up to the first shipment in late 2019. Rick’s decision to join Canyon as Chief Development Officer is an endorsement of the tier-one status of the Minim Martap Bauxite Project and demonstrates the Company’s focus on developing the Project.”