Tanzanian graphite developer Black Rock Mining Limited (ASX:BKT) (“Black Rock” or the “Company”), is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Crookes as a Director with immediate effect and Chairman of the Board of Directors from 16 October 2017. Importantly, this rounds out the organisation’s transition from explorer to developer of the Company’s Mahenge Graphite Project in Tanzania. Mr. Crookes joins Black Rock with 30 years’ experience in the resources and investments industry and as such has a unique blend of broad resources industry experience coupled with a successful career in investment management. Mr. Crookes, a geologist by background, is an Investment Director at leading private equity resources fund, EMR Capital, which has successfully raised two funds with more than US$2 billion of asset and capital under management. Mr. Crookes started his career in mineral exploration and mining with MIM Holdings Ltd. His prior roles include being the Chief Geologist and Mining Manager of Ernest Henry Cu-Au Mine in Australia (now Glencore). Throughout his career in resources, Richard has been deeply involved in all aspects of mining projects, including exploration, mineral resource development, mine operations, environmental management, project finance and project management. After 15 years in this sector, Richard then worked for Macquarie Group Ltd for 12 years (where he has been prior to joining EMR), becoming an Executive Director in the Metals Energy Capital Division, where he managed all aspects of the Bank’s principal investments in mining and metals companies including deal origination, evaluation, structuring, post-acquisition management, client relationship management, marketing and execution of investment entry and exits for both private and public resources companies in Australia and overseas. Richard managed the provision of capital to junior to mid-tier resources companies from early equity through mezzanine loans to project finance facilities across a wide range of commodities and jurisdictions, including several African countries.
