ASX-listed Canyon Resources has appointed Dean Horton a nonexecutive director, starting February 19.

Horton’s appointment supports the board’s strategy of attracting and building a proven, diversified and highly credentialed team of industry professionals who can grow and develop the company’s Minim Martap bauxite project, in Cameroon, through development and into production, Canyon highlights in a statement.

A Zambian national, Horton holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Banking and Finance, with Honours, and his thesis on modelling Australian interest rates was published by the Australian Economic Review in 1999.

Horton is a senior corporate finance professional with over 25 years of international experience in the development and financing of energy, natural resource and infrastructure projects.

He has held senior roles with financial institutions across Australia, Africa, the Gulf Region, Hong Kong and Indonesia.

An emerging markets expert, Horton brings a network of international relationships spanning sovereigns and financial institutions across renewable energy, natural resources, and sustainable investment sectors, the company avers.

He was previously funding group manager at ASX-listed Fortescue, where he led the team responsible for corporate finance solutions for decarbonisation, the global portfolio of domestic and international green energy development projects and offshore iron-ore projects in Africa.

Prior to his tenure at Fortescue, Horton held several positions at the National Australia Bank.

Most recently, he was the CFO of London-listed Greatland Gold, where he supported the considerable equity and working capital raise, and associated hedging, for the $475-million Telfer and Havieron acquisition from Newmont.

“We are delighted to welcome Dean as nonexecutive director, with his appointment bringing significant project financing expertise and international leadership, which will be increasingly invaluable as we continue to grow and develop our world-class Minim Martap bauxite project into production,” Canyon executive chairperson Mark Hohnen comments.

“Attracting and appointing someone of Dean’s calibre is testament to Canyon’s reputation within the bauxite industry and exciting future prospects for the company, as we make rapid progress toward production.

“Dean’s experience across international jurisdictions and strong relationships within the global natural resources sector will provide critical support as we enter this next phase of exciting growth and set the foundations for the company as a near-term bauxite producer,” he adds.

“The board is committed to ensuring that Minim Martap is positioned to become a Tier 1, long-term bauxite producer, delivering strong and sustainable value for all stakeholders. Dean’s appointment further strengthens our leadership at a pivotal time, and we look forward to working with him as we continue to build momentum towards production,” Hohnen says.