Groote Resources (ASX: GOT) has appointed Doug Daws as executive chairman to "ensure" the development of the next phase of the Groote Eylandt Manganese Project.
Daws, who previously held the position of chairman, will travel to Groote this week to attend a meeting with the traditional owners.
He will enter into discussions at the request of the traditional owners and Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC) over the application by the company of exploration licence applications 27521 and 27522.
Daws said, “it became apparent to me that Groote, as a Board, had not given due focus and respect when dealing with the traditional owners on whose land our explorations licence applications are over."
"I am very keen to listen to the traditional owners and hear their concerns and aspirations. Together I hope we can reach agreement that all parties are comfortable with.”
The company will relocate its head office to Darwin in the near future to have a local presence in the Northern Territory.
In December Groote Resources delayed exploration in the waters off Groote Eylandt to undertake a detailed Marine Habitat Survey.
The company said it would amend its program to better understand the environmental and social concerns of the traditional owners and allow further engagement with the local community to occur.