ASX-listed Canyon Resources has appointed Peter Secker CEO, starting July 1, succeeding Jean Sebastien Boutet, who will be transitioning into a new role for Canyon as chief commercial and corporate development officer, after leading the company since the start of 2022.

In the interim, Secker will be working with Canyon in an advisory role and will be primarily focused on completing the definitive feasibility study for the flagship Minim Martap project, in Cameroon, and delivering key strategic and development objectives.

The company continues to focus on the rapid development of the project toward production.

Canyon highlights that Boutet has played a critical role in the growth and success of the company over the last three years - a “transformative” period.

Key milestones achieved under his tenure include the completion of the bankable feasibility study, the strategic investment of Eagle Eye Asset Holdings in Canyon Resources, granting of the mining licence and securing of financing for the purchase of rolling stock for Minim Martap.

Canyon has successfully grown into a bauxite developer under the leadership of Boutet and the company is now well-positioned for future success and growth, it avers.

Canyon will retain the experience and industry knowledge and relationships of Boutet through his new role, where he will be responsible for developing key relationships with potential offtake partners, as the company starts the transition from development through to production and will be working closely with Secker and the board on strategic initiatives.

Over his 40-year career, Secker has acquired, built, commissioned and operated projects in Mexico, Australia, China, Africa and Canada.

His operating experience encompasses underground, openpit, hard-rock and dredging operations across a number of commodities including gold, iron-ore, copper, lithium, titanium and coal.

For the past 20 years, Secker has been the CEO of public companies operating in Australia, China, Mexico, the UK and Canada. He has raised over $2-billion from both the debt and equity markets for new mine developments and brought five greenfield projects into operation, Canyon points out.

Most recently, Secker was CEO of Bacanora Lithium from 2015 to 2023 and was indicated to have played a pivotal role in the development of the Sonora lithium project in northern Mexico.

“Firstly, I would like to thank and commend Jean Sebastien for his hard work, commitment and success as our CEO over the last three years. Jean Sebastien has worked tirelessly to grow the company and deliver on critical milestones, including the granting of the key mining licence for Minim Martap and through his leadership and drive, has placed Canyon in a strong position to take the next critical step, growing into a long-term and successful bauxite producer.

“Importantly, in his new role as chief commercial and corporate development officer, Jean Sebastien will be responsible for leading the marketing, offtake and corporate development efforts for Canyon as we continue to complete key development and financing workstreams,” says Canyon executive chairperson Mark Hohnen.

“I am excited for Peter to commence his role as Canyon’s new CEO in July. A key and ongoing focus of Canyon is to attract and secure talented and proven professionals and build a team who are aligned on vision and have the capabilities to grow the company through the development phase and into a long-term producer, generating strong and sustainable returns for all stakeholders, Hohnen highlights.

“Peter brings the exact qualities we need for our future ambitions and next phase of key development growth. Peter is a proven project and team builder, who has operated across numerous mining jurisdictions and more specifically, over the last 20 years, has taken several projects into production and generated strong returns for stakeholders.

“This is an excellent appointment for Canyon and at a time when the growth and demand fundamentals for bauxite could not be stronger. I look forward to working with Peter as we continue to build Canyon into a key and long-term bauxite producer,” he adds.

“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Canyon’s board and management for the opportunity to join this dynamic team at such an exciting and pivotal time in the company’s journey,” Secker says.

Throughout my career, I have gained invaluable insights into both the challenges and successes that shape the mining industry. Drawing on this experience, I see Canyon as a company with significant potential and a clear vision for growth. I am eager to officially join the team and build on the strong foundation that has already been laid. Having already spent time with Jean Sebastien and the team, I look forward to working closely together to seize the opportunities ahead and drive continued success,” he adds.

“As the global demand for bauxite grows and supply shortages loom, the strategic importance of this resource is becoming ever more apparent. Canyon is exceptionally well-positioned to capitalise on these market dynamics, and I am excited to contribute to unlocking the full potential of the Minim Martap project. I look forward to collaborating with the board, Jean Sebastien, and the broader Canyon team to transform this vision into reality and deliver lasting value for our shareholders,” Secker avers.