Peter Secker has tendered his resignation as CEO of ASX-listed Canyon Resources, citing personal reasons.

He will, however, remain in his role over the coming months to lead Canyon through the critical transition to production at the Minim Martap project, in Cameroon, ensuring continuity and momentum ahead of a successor being appointed.

Secker has also agreed to remain available for an additional period, if required, to assist with the executive recruitment process and ensure operations continue as scheduled.

The board and management team have extended their appreciation to Secker for his valuable contributions to Canyon during his tenure.

They also acknowledged and thanked him for his continued support as the company advances its strategic transition toward becoming a globally significant bauxite producer.

Also, Mark Hohnen has transitioned into a nonexecutive chairperson role, while nonexecutive director Scott Phegan has informed the board of his resignation, effective immediately, as he refocuses his priorities on his executive roles.

“Peter has been instrumental in the successful development of Minim Martap which is now on the cusp of becoming a Tier 1 bauxite operation, and we thank him for his invaluable contribution. We fully understand and respect Peter’s decision and have now commenced a global search for a senior executive with specific bauxite and alumina operations experience to move Minim Martap forward as it commences full production.

“Scott leaves with our best wishes for his ongoing success with his other ventures. We are sorry to see him depart, and we thank him for his contribution to Canyon. We understand the significant time and effort required for nonexecutive roles and respect his decision to focus on his executive positions,” says Hohnen.

Minim Martap remains on schedule for first production in the second quarter of this year and first bauxite shipment in the third quarter.

Additional key developments include a surface miner mobilised to Daniel Plateau, with trial mining operations scheduled to start this month.

Also, an updated financial cash flow modelling confirmed that the current cash position plus the existing AFG debt financing facility fully supports the company’s capex requirements to first ore shipment.

Moreover, the first seven locomotives were shipped from China at the end of March and are scheduled to arrive at Port of Douala late in the second quarter.

There is also ongoing engagement with Camrail regarding a potential increase in the company’s equity interest above the current 9.1%. It is targeting completion of increase this quarter.

Further, offtake discussions with multiple potential partners are progressing; and the feasibility study for the proposed alumina refinery is progressing as planned.