Ionic Rare Earths Limited (ASX:IXR)

Mr Lynch is a seasoned mining executive and international company director with over 30 years of experience across Australia, Asia, and North America. A mining engineer by training, he has held senior roles at prominent resource companies including MIM Holdings, New Hope Corporation, Orica, and VLI, overseeing multi-million-dollar international operations.

As CEO of Sayona Mining, he transformed the company from a small-cap explorer to a leading lithium miner, launching production in Quebec, Canada, in 2023 and advancing exploration assets. Mr Lynch holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining) (Honours) from the University of Melbourne, a Graduate Diploma of Business (Accounting) from Monash University, and a Company Director Diploma from the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Mr Harrison is a mining executive with over 20 years of expertise in mineral processing and hydrometallurgy across various commodities. His experience spans greenfield exploration, process development, studies, engineering, commissioning, and operations.

Appointed Managing Director of Ionic Rare Earths in December 2020, he has driven the development of the Makuutu Rare Earth Project and advanced downstream supply chain integration, including the acquisition of Ionic Technologies for magnet recycling in the UK. Mr Harrison holds a Chemical Engineering degree from Adelaide University and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute for Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).

Mr McGarvie has a distinguished and extensive career spanning 45 years in the mining sector covering broad range of senior roles ranging from Production Manager, Registered Mine Manager through to CEO. Mr McGarvie has an extensive portfolio of technical and managerial expertise across mine development, mineral processing, operational and management, which has seen him work across the globe in Australia, Africa and the Middle East.

Mr McGarvie’s significant portion of his career was with Iluka Resources Limited and prior entities, including development roles within its mineral sands operation at Eneabba, Western Australia and a major role in returning the Sierra Rutile mineral sands operation in Sierra Leone (operated by Iluka) to profitable operations following the civil war in that country.

Mr Liccardo is an experienced Company Secretary with a strong background in banking, finance, investment, and infrastructure development. He has worked with high-profile ASX-listed boards, providing guidance on corporate governance, and has served as a director and chair in sectors including investment, infrastructure, biotechnology, and digital.

Previously, he was Company Secretary for ASX 100 companies Transurban Group and Australian Foundation Investment Company. Mr Liccardo holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and a Graduate Diploma in Governance. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute, Governance Institute of Australia, and Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Dr van der Walt is an accomplished leader in mining project development with extensive experience overseeing large-scale operations in Africa. Known for optimising mines without compromising safety, he has managed billion-dollar budgets and led teams of up to 3,500 workers.

At Ionic Rare Earths, he oversees all aspects of the Makuutu Rare Earths Project, including growth strategies. Previously, he was General Manager of Projects and Studies Africa at EMR Capital, leading the Lubambe Copper Project in Zambia, and Regional Project Director at Newmont, where he delivered the $2 billion Ahafo project in Ghana.

Dr van der Walt holds a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering (University of Pretoria), a Master’s in Business Management (University of Cape Town), and a PhD in Business Administration (Potchefstroom Business School).

Mr Ahmad brings strong legal, business and marketing expertise to the board with over 10 years’ experience in the resource sector in the provision of corporate advisory services.

Mr Ahmad is the founder of Sixty Two Capital, an advisory firm specialising in the growth and funding of emerging ASX companies. In January 2023 Sufian was made Non-Executive Chairman of Pathfinder Resources Pty Ltd, after joining the board as a Non-Execuitve Director in March 2020.