Leadership

Directors

André Labuschagne

Executive Chairman

André Labuschagne is an experienced mining executive with a career spanning more than 30 years, primarily in the gold industry.

He has held various executive roles in South Africa, PNG, Fiji and Australia for a number of leading gold companies, including Emperor Gold Mines, DRD Gold and AngloGold Ashanti. Previously as the Managing Director of ASX-listed gold company Norton Gold Fields Limited, Mr Labuschagne led the company’s growth to become a significant Australian gold producer, prior to its sale to a major Chinese gold company in 2012.

Mr Labuschagne holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Potchefstroom University in South Africa.

Colin Moorhead

Non-Executive Director

Mr Moorhead is an experienced industry executive with a demonstrated track record of over three decades building value in mining companies through innovation, discovery, project development and safe, efficient operations. Colin has extensive experience in development and financing significant mining projects internationally. He also has experience with global mining operations as well as experience in successful mergers & acquisitions.

A geologist by training, Colin is known for strong leadership, strategy and execution that saw him rise through the ranks from a graduate with BHP in 1987 to an executive level manager responsible for global exploration and resource development at Newcrest Mining from 2008 to 2015, a period of significant growth for the company. Colin has significant relevant experience as CEO of emerging Indonesian listed producer PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk, where he built and led the team that constructed and commissioned the highly successful Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine.   Colin is Executive Chairman of Sihayo Gold Limited (ASX:SIH), Non-Executive Chairman of Xanadu Mines Limited (ASX:XAM) and a Non-Executive Director of Perth based junior explorer Coda Minerals. Colin is a Fellow, Chartered Professional and Immediate Past President of AUSIMM, a graduate of AICD and Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program (AMP).

Michele Muscillo

Non-Executive Director

Mr Muscillo is a Partner specialising in corporate law with HopgoodGanim Lawyers. He is an admitted Solicitor and has a practice focussed almost exclusively on mergers and acquisitions, and capital raising.

He has a Bachelor of Laws from Queensland University of Technology and was a recipient of the QUT University Medal.

In his role with HopgoodGanim Lawyers, Mr Muscillo has acted on a variety of corporate transactions including initial public offerings, takeovers and other acquisitions. Mr Muscillo’s experience brings to the Board expertise on corporate regulation, governance and compliance matters.

Mr Muscillo is the Chairman of the Audit and Risk Management Committee, the Remuneration and Nomination Committee.

Robert Millner

Non-Executive Director

Mr Millner is the Chairman of Australian investment house Washington H Soul Pattison. Mr Millner has extensive experience in the investment industry, including current board positions with Brickworks Limited, BKI Investment Co Ltd, New Hope Corporation Limited, Tuas Limited and TPG Telecom Ltd.

Mr Millner, OAM (Medal of the Order of Australia) for distinguished services to business, to rugby union as an administrator, and to the community through philanthropic contributions.

 

Executives

Robert Brainsbury

Chief Financial Officer and Joint Company Secretary

Chief Financial Officer and Joint Company Secretary

Robert Brainsbury has more than 30 years’ experience in the mining and mining services sectors. He has held senior roles with companies including Rio Tinto, Xstrata, MIM Holdings and BIS Industrial Logistics.

Prior to joining Aeris Resources, Mr Brainsbury was the Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary at Norton Gold Fields Limited. Mr Brainsbury is a qualified accountant and holds a Bachelor of Business degree with majors in Accounting and Marketing.

Paul Harris

Chief Operating Officer

Paul Harris has more than 27 years’ experience in mining operations and technical roles across gold, base metals, and coal.  He has worked in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Laos, China and Ghana.

Prior to joining Aeris, Paul was Chief Operating Officer for Chifeng Gold and responsible for its operations in Ghana and China.  Previously, he was President of Lane Xang Minerals Limited in Laos and has also held senior roles with MMG, Redpath, BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto.

Paul has a Bachelor of Engineering (Geological) and is an accomplished mining engineer with experience in both underground and open cut operations.

Ian Sheppard

Chief Technical Officer

Ian Sheppard is a member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and has more than 30 years’ experience in mine operations, technical studies and business development gained in gold, base metals and iron ore.

He has worked in Australia, Canada and Papua New Guinea, most recently holding General Manager roles with Norton Gold Fields Limited and PanAust Limited. Prior to this he spent more than seven years with Ok Tedi Mining in Papua New Guinea as General Manager and Executive Manager with responsibility for operations, technical services, business development and exploration.

Mr Sheppard holds a degree in Mining Engineering from the University of New South Wales, a Masters in Mineral Economics from Curtin University of Technology, as well as a First Class Mine Managers Certificate from Western Australia.

Joint Company Secretary

Dané van Heerden

Acting Chief Finance Officer and Joint Company Secretary

Mrs van Heerden is appointed Acting Chief Financial Officer and Joint Company Secretary on the 2 August 2024.

Mrs van Heerden has over 20 years’ experience in various, but mainly financial roles with ASX Listed companies in the resources sector.

Mrs van Heerden joined Aeris in 2013 and was appointed General Manager Finance with effect from 1 July 2020 and is also Joint company secretary.

Mrs van Heerden previously worked at Norton Gold Fields Limited as the Group Financial Controller/Acting Interim CFO and held a managerial role at Worley Parsons and accounting firms Deloitte and PKF(now merged with BDO), where her portfolio had a strong resources focus.