ASX- and JSE-listed Southern Palladium has appointed Mark Humphery as project manager for the Bengwenyama project, located on the eastern limb of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa.

In a statement to shareholders, the company says the appointment represents a key step in strengthening its management depth and execution capability as Bengwenyama advances from study phases toward development.

Humphery reports to Southern Palladium MD Johan Odendaal and he will be based at the project site near Steelpoort, South Africa, from where the Bengwenyama development activities will be directed and implemented.

This will include working closely with Uwe Engelmann, exploration manager for the completion of the current drilling programme, confirming geotechnical design criteria for planning of the proposed boxcut and underground decline to access the orebody.

He will also work closely with the site-based community relations teams and Bengwenyama community leaders, and the Minxcon definitive feasibility study (DFS) team providing key input into the completion of the DFS.

Southern Palladium says it is expected that the next project-oriented appointment will be an underground manager, reporting to Humphery, noting the recruitment of a suitable candidate is in progress.

The company notes that Humphery is a mechanical engineer with more than 28 years of global mining experience and a strong record in delivering complex mining projects.

He has held senior leadership roles including project director, project manager and engineering manager across multiple international jurisdictions.

The company says Humphery’s experience spans the full project lifecycle, from feasibility study through to construction and commissioning, including underground mining operations, processing plants and associated infrastructure.

"We are pleased to welcome Mark to the Southern Palladium team at a pivotal stage in the development of the Bengwenyama project.

“His appointment significantly strengthens our management bench and positions the company to execute effectively as we transition from study phases into full project development.

“Mark brings a proven record of delivering mining projects through feasibility, construction and execution.

“His experience in managing engineering, procurement and construction activities will be instrumental as we advance our DFS and position Bengwenyama for development,” says Odendaal.

MINING RIGHT PERMITTING UPDATE

Meanwhile, Southern Palladium says the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources still needs to approve a mining right for Bengwenyama.

The company says it is confident that it has satisfied all the statutory requirements.