Tungsten West PLC announced that, following his appointment as CEO, announced 13 March, Neil Gawthorpe has been appointed to the Board as an Executive Director. Neil holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mineral Engineering from the University of Leeds and has enjoyed a successful career in the mining industry, spanning almost 30 years, working in various roles, both operationally and as a consultant across multiple jurisdictions. Most recently Neil held the role of Senior Vice President ("SVP") Business Development at Allied Gold, where he was responsible for the due diligence on potential mergers and acquisitions, as well as leading transitional management and integration at newly acquired assets.

Neil was heavily involved in the integration of the company's Sadiola operation in Mali, following its purchase from AngloGold Ashanti/IAMGOLD in late-2020. He played a key role in embedding the new management team and mining contractor, culminating in an on-time and budget restart of mining. He also provided similar support during the integration of the company's multiple operations in Cote D'Ivoire.

Neil also spent nine years as part of the executive team at Sierra Rutile Limited, taking a struggling operation and transforming it into becoming the world's rutile producer. After completion of several major expansion projects, the asset was sold in December 2016 for more than USD 400 million.