The Board of Aura Energy Limited announced the appointment of Mr. Philip Mitchell as Executive Chair, joining the executive team to help accelerate progress on the Tiris Uranium Project in Mauritania. Philip will work in close partnership with Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Andrew Grove as the Company advances towards a Final Investment Decision (FID) this year. Tiris is 85% owned by Aura and is one of the world's few fully permitted uranium projects which is ready for development.
The board is focused on ensuring Andrew and the executive team have the benefit of all available resources to support the team's efforts to fast-track the development of Tiris. As such, the Board sought to capitalise on Philip's broad international experience and industry contacts. Mr. Mitchell brings very significant experience and expertise in international mining transactions, having previously served as Head of Business Development and Strategy at Rio Tinto.
He was also a member of the Executive Committee at Anglo American and has recently been CFO of I-Pulse, where Mr. Robert Friedland is CEO and Chairman. During his time at I-Pulse, Rio Tinto, BHP and Newmont became I-Pulse shareholders. Andrew also has extensive West African management and development funding experience.
Over his 14 years at Macquarie Bank he was involved in over 10 West African mine development financings including the initial development of the Tasiast Gold Mine in Mauritania now owned by Kinross Gold. Together, Mr. Mitchell and Aura's current executive team will focus on delivering a capital-efficient, low-cost, long-life project at Tiris that supports the global transition to clean energy and delivers significant value to shareholders.
