Aim-listed Critical Mineral Resources (CMR), which is developing the Agadir Melloul copper project, in Morocco, has appointed Géraud Moussarie chairperson.

In a statement to shareholders on February 16, CMR notes that Moussarie brings significant leadership experience in the management of natural resources and infrastructure projects across North and West Africa.

CMR describes Moussarie as a seasoned executive with extensive international experience leading multi-country commercial and stakeholder programmes and advancing large-scale energy, infrastructure and natural resources projects across North and West Africa.

The company notes that he spent a significant part of his career at bp, holding senior roles across the region, including senior commercial manager for bp North Africa, where he managed licence performance and commercial governance across multiple jurisdictions, and branch manager for bp Morocco, where he developed and maintained strong in-country relationships with government and commercial counterparties.

Moussarie was subsequently appointed bp’s country manager for Senegal during the development of the GTA liquefied natural gas megaproject from 2017 to 2021, providing in-country leadership through a critical development phase.

Moussarie later served as project director and GM for Rio Tinto in Guinea from 2021 to 2023.

Based in Conakry at an important stage in the evolution of the Simandou iron-ore project, he participated in key negotiations and engagement with government, local stakeholders and international investors.

CMR says Moussarie’s appointment adds a new dimension to its strategic and governance capabilities.

“CMR’s strategy is underpinned by a clear ambition – to build CMR into a leading mining company in Morocco and North Africa.

“As we progress this ambition, we have prioritised strengthening the board with leaders that have operated at the highest level across Africa’s natural resources and infrastructure landscape,” says CMR CEO Charlie Long.

He describes Moussarie’s appointment as chairperson as a strong endorsement of CMR’s direction and ambition, adding that it materially enhances the company’s ability to deliver.

Long says Moussarie’s experience at bp and Rio Tinto will be highly relevant as CMR builds momentum towards becoming a midsized mining company in the region.

He adds that Moussarie’s longstanding relationships in Morocco will strengthen CMR’s connectivity with the Moroccan government, as well as the finance and legal sectors, adding a huge amount of tangible and intangible value.

“The board is delighted to welcome Géraud at this important juncture for CMR, and I look forward to working closely with him as we execute our ambitious strategy,” he says.

“I am delighted to be joining CMR at this pivotal stage in its development, at a time when it is setting its sights on building a leading mining platform in Morocco and North Africa.

“The quality of CMR’s ambition is compelling, and I see an opportunity to build exponentially on the progress achieved to date,” says Moussarie.

“Having worked across North and West Africa for many years, I recognise the importance of establishing trusted relationships with government, communities, strategic partners and investors, and of maintaining a rigorous approach to stakeholder engagement and project delivery.

“Against this backdrop, I look forward to working with management to support the delivery of CMR’s objectives and create long-term value for all stakeholders.”