West Australian gold explorer Focus Minerals (ASX: FML) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Wanghong Yang as Executive Chairman of the Company, effective immediately.
Mr Yang was an executive director and interim CEO of the Company from July 2013 to December 2017. Following his retirement from Focus, Mr Yang was appointed Vice President Business Development Unit of Shandong Gold International Co., Ltd (Shandong). Shandong is Focus’ largest shareholder and supportive of the Company’s efforts to deliver sustainable value from its Coolgardie and Laverton Gold Projects.
Coinciding with Mr Yang’s appointment, Mr Dianfei Pei has resigned from his position as Non-Executive Chairman. Focus wishes to thank Mr Pei for his service and leadership since his appointment in January 2016. During his tenure, Focus carried out extensive and successful exploration programs and completed pre-feasibility studies at both the Coolgardie and Laverton Gold Projects.
Mr Yang’s appointment further strengthens Focus’ leadership team as the Company steps up efforts to prepare the Coolgardie Gold Project for a resumption of mining operations. As Focus announced to the ASX on 23 September in its Coolgardie Gold Project Update, it has commenced stakeholder engagements in parallel to preparing Mineral Resource and Reserve updates. Work is also progressing on securing the necessary regulatory approvals.