Great Western Exploration Limited (ASX:GTE) has boosted its executive team with the appointment of highly experienced geologist Tom Ridges as managing director.
Ridges, a geologist with more than 14 years’ experience and a proven track record in gold and base metals exploration, project development and mining, is expected to take up the role next month.
He has worked as exploration manager at Mineral Resources Limited (ASX:MIN) and before that held several senior positions at Regis Resources Limited (ASX:RRL).
“Asset” to company
Great Western chairman Kevin Somes said: “We are very pleased to have secured Tom as the managing director of Great Western.
“His skill set, experience and enthusiasm will be a great asset in unlocking value across the company’s projects.”
Experience in mining industry
While working for Mineral Resources, Ridges led a team responsible for conducting all exploration, new project evaluation, resource modelling and mine geology.
Before Mineral Resources, he spent more than 12 years at Regis and was a key member of the geological team that drove strong growth in shareholder value.
At Regis, he held senior geology and mine management roles including geology superintendent and alternate mine manager at Garden Well and technical manager, NSW.
The new MD holds a Bachelor of Science (Geology and Environmental) and Master of Science (Mineral Economics) and is a member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
“Delighted to join team”
Ridges said: “I am delighted to be joining the team at Great Western. I am very impressed by the company’s gold and base metal projects and the diversity and potential of its prospects.
“I am excited about the opportunities in front of Great Western and I am keen to get started working with such a highly regarded team.”
Ridges is expected to join as managing director of Great Western on or about October 12, 2020, at which time Kevin Somes will revert to the role of non-executive chairman.
