Global Lithium Resources Appoints New CEO Amid Board Reshuffle

Global Lithium Resources has appointed Dianmin Chen as its new CEO following the resignation of its executive chairman and a shareholder-approved board overhaul. The new leadership aims to advance the development of the company’s key lithium project in Western Australia.

Former executive chairman Ron Mitchell had previously appealed to regulators, alleging that China-linked shareholders were unlawfully attempting to gain control of the company and its Manna lithium project through undisclosed associations. Despite these concerns, the company’s board transition proceeded without government intervention.

Development of the Manna lithium project was put on hold late last year due to a downturn in the battery raw material market. However, some of Global Lithium’s largest shareholders opposed the company’s decision to freeze the project, leading to tensions within the company’s leadership.

This internal struggle also became a test for the Australian government, which has been promoting critical minerals projects to support economic growth and strengthen security ties with the United States. At the same time, officials sought to avoid straining relations with China, Australia’s largest resources customer.

Following the board changes on Thursday, the company announced that its immediate priority would be to finalize a native title mining agreement with the Kakarra Part B Native Title Group. This step will pave the way for securing a mining lease and completing a financial feasibility study.

Additionally, the company stated that it is in search of a new chairman as part of efforts to rebuild trust with potential project partners. A 10-year supply agreement with China’s lithium chemicals producer Canmax Technologies had expired in December, adding further urgency to the company’s restructuring efforts.

Mitchell formally resigned on Thursday, and former CFO Matthew Allen withdrew his nomination for a board position after it became evident that the Australian government would not intervene to prevent the shareholder vote.

Mitchell had previously reported concerns to Australia’s Treasury, claiming that China-linked shareholders might have breached the country’s takeover laws and the foreign takeovers act. He also raised these allegations in filings to the Australian Securities Exchange, the Western Australian Supreme Court, and the Australian Takeovers Panel.

Despite the seriousness of these claims, the Takeovers Panel twice declined to conduct a review. However, according to The Australian newspaper, the country’s Treasurer continued to monitor the situation closely. The Treasurer’s office did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment.

Global Lithium shareholders supported the appointment of Perth-based businessman Liaoliang (Leon) Zhu—who controls the company’s third-largest shareholder, Sincerity Group—and mining executive Xiaoxuan (David) Sun to the board. According to an exchange filing, both Chen and Zhu are Australian citizens.

With its leadership reshaped and a renewed focus on project development, Global Lithium Resources is now positioned to navigate the evolving lithium market and its geopolitical complexities.

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