Company Announcements

30 September 2024

Rome Resources Plc

("Rome Resources", the "Company" or the "Group")

Proposed Board Changes

Rome Resources (AIM: RMR), the DRC-focused tin explorer, is pleased to announce that it intends to appoint Klaus Eckhof as Non-Executive Chairman to the board of Rome Resources. 

Mr Eckhof is a key adviser to Rome Resources, having been an instrumental member of the team that discovered the Bisie North Tin Project that is currently the subject of an intensive drilling campaign by the Company.

Mr Eckhof is a geologist with more than 20 years of experience, both exploring and developing deposits across the globe, with a particular focus on Africa. He started his career working for Mount Edon Gold Mines (Australia) Limited, prior to its acquisition by Teck Resources Limited, and in 2003 founded Moto Goldmines Limited in the DRC, which was subsequently acquired by Randgold Resources Limited in 2013. Mr Eckhof has an extensive track record of successful mineral exploration in the DRC and has a proven track record in taking mines from exploration through development and into production.

Mr Eckhof was also founder and Executive Chairman of AVZ Minerals Ltd. (ASX: AVZ).  AVZ Minerals Ltd. is focused on developing the DRC Manono Project, reported as one of the world's largest undeveloped lithium deposits. Mr Eckhof was instrumental in the early stages of exploration and development of the Bisie Tin Project, close to Rome Resources' tin project in the DRC, which is now owned by Alphamin Resources Corp who are listed on Canadian Stock Exchange with a market capitalisation of approximately CA$1.4 billion.

Mr Eckhof is a significant shareholder of Rome Resources and is closely aligned with the Board's aims of maximising shareholder returns.

Mark Gasson, the current Executive Chairman, is anticipated to move to the role of Chief Operating Officer ("COO") following Mr Eckhof's appointment to the board of Rome Resources. Mr Gasson's role will continue as oversight of the drilling operations and geological evaluation as the programme at the highly prospective Bisie North Project progresses.

The proposed appointment of Mr Eckhof to the board of Rome Resources remains subject to approval from the Company's nominated adviser and completion of the customary due diligence to satisfy itself as to board composition and the suitability of the proposed director for the purpose of the AIM Rules for Nominated Advisers.

A further announcement, including the requisite Schedule 2(g) disclosure required under the AIM Rules for Companies, will be made in due course upon Mr Eckhof's appointment to the board of Rome Resources.

Paul Barrett, CEO of the Company, commented:

"It is a great privilege to announce the proposed appointment of Mr Eckhof to the board of Rome Resources as Non-Executive Chairman. He brings with him a deep pool of experience and expertise in both the DRC and in mineral exploration, specifically for tin and copper, which will prove to be invaluable as we continue to explore the exciting Bisie North Tin Project.  Mr Eckhof complements the skillset of the current board of directors of Rome Resources, and I believe that the team will be perfectly poised to deliver shareholder value. I would like to thank Mr Gasson for stepping into the role of Executive Chairman, and I am look forward to work with him in his new position as COO in due course.

"We look forward to updating the market on the progress of our drilling campaign, that has already produced some exciting results, in due course."

For further information please contact:

Rome Resources Plc

Mark Gasson, Executive Chairman

Paul Barrett, Chief Executive Officer

Tel. +44 (0)20 3143 6748

Allenby Capital Limited (Nominated Adviser and Broker)

John Depasquale / Vivek Bhardwaj / Lauren Wright (Corporate Finance)

Stefano Aquilino / Joscelin Pinnington (Sales & Corporate Broking)

Tel. +44 (0)20 3328 5656

OAK Securities (Joint Broker)

Jerry Keen, Head of Corporate Broking (jerry.keen@oak-securities.com)

Henry Clarke, Head of Sales (henry.clarke@oak-securities.com)

Tel. +44 (0)20 3973 3678

Camarco (Financial PR)

Gordon Poole / Emily Hall / Sam Morris

Tel. +44 (0) 20 3757 4980