Junior miner Aguia Resources Ltd., Sydney, has announced several management changes as it advances its phosphate and copper exploration plans in Brazil. The company said the changes reduce the number of direct reports to Fernando Tallarico, Technical Director Brazil, while new additions are expected to strengthen his support.
Jose Fanton, who has been a senior part of the team and Tallarico’s right hand man, will semi-retire. He will stay on as a part-time member of the team on special projects and assignments, as an Ambassador for Aguia (Aguia Ambassador).
Lucas Galinari has been promoted to General Manager, Exploration, responsible for exploration of the company’s copper assets, as well as advanced phosphate exploration on existing phosphate satellite discoveries that might extend the life of the Tres Estradas Phosphate Project (TEPP) in Brazil. Lucas has team members based in Lavras do Sul and Cacapava (51 kilometers), where the company has offices, core sheds, sample prep, and accommodation assets.
Luis Clerot has been appointed General Manager, Phosphate Development. He is a geologist, a Brazilian national, and formerly Harvest Minerals Ltd.’s Country Manager during the exploration, permitting, and product approval for a direct application potash operation in Brazil.
Thiago Bonas has been appointed General Manager, Resource Modelling and Strategy. He is a Brazilian national, has worked with Aguia for many years, and is a highly experienced resource geologist. He is a sitting member of the CBRR – Brazilian Resource and Reserve Committee – which helps oversee the best global engineering and geology practices, exploration, mineral resources, and reserves report guidelines according to CRIRSCO recommendations.
Marina Carvalho has been named General Manager, Administration and Finance. She is a Brazilian national, has worked with Aguia for many years, is highly experienced, and has been promoted to this new, full-time position.
Board Chair Christine McGrath has resigned as Company Secretary. Michael Duligal LLB has been appointed as Company Secretary in her place, which adds to his current role as Business Analyst.
David Shearwood has been appointed Executive Director.
In addition, Justin Reid, Toronto, has resigned from the Board and his role of Managing Director, while Catherine Stretch, Toronto, has resigned as Chief Commercial Officer.
“We remain committed to the long-term success of Aguia and will be working with the Board of Directors over the next few months to transfer knowledge and information,” said Reid, on behalf of himself and Stretch. “We believe Aguia’s phosphate and copper assets in Southern Brazil have the potential to deliver value to shareholders as they continue to be developed over the next couple of years.
“We also leave knowing that there is a highly experienced and capable technical team in Brazil to develop these assets. We want to thank the members of our team for the hard work and dedication over the last few years. It has been a pleasure working with them and we wish the company and its shareholders well in the future,” Reid added.
In other news, the company has received the resignation of David Gower, a Non-Executive Director based in Toronto. The company said he joined the company as Chairman in 2013 and has provided his geological, business building, and Brazil experience. Aguia said he was heavily responsible for recapitalizing the company in 2014-15, which ultimately allowed it to be reinvigorated into its current form.
Stephen Ross was named Non-Executive Director, effective Aug. 15. He is an experienced geologist and company director with a long-term background in developing projects from discovery and acquisition through community engagement and permitting, as well as fund raising and operating in non-English speaking jurisdictions.