A Strategic Move in Mining: Premium Resources Adds Andre van Niekerk to its Board

Toronto, Canada — Premium Resources Ltd. (TSXV: PREM) has taken a significant step to bolster its leadership team with the appointment of André van Niekerk, a seasoned mining finance executive and former CFO of Gatos Silver, to its board. This move comes at a critical juncture for the company, as it advances its nickel, copper, and cobalt projects in Botswana while navigating the volatile commodities market.

Van Niekerk’s 23-year career spans leadership roles at major mining firms, including his tenure as CFO of Golden Star Resources in Ghana and Nevada Copper Corp., where he helped transition the latter from development to production. His expertise in structuring equity financings, managing debt, and executing strategic transactions could prove pivotal for Premium as it seeks to scale its operations.

A Board Strengthened for African Mining Challenges

Van Niekerk’s deep experience in African mining contexts is particularly timely. Premium’s flagship Selebi and Selkirk projects, which are central to its strategy, face logistical and regulatory complexities common in the region. “André’s track record in managing financial and operational risks in Africa will be invaluable as we advance these projects,” said Paul Martin, Premium’s board chair.

The appointment also follows a series of strategic moves in early 2025, including the hiring of Chris Leavy, a former BlackRock executive, to the board. Together, these additions signal a focus on institutionalizing governance and attracting capital to support Premium’s growth.

Botswana’s Critical Metals Play

Premium’s projects are positioned to capitalize on soaring demand for nickel, copper, and cobalt, which are vital for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy infrastructure. Recent drilling results at Selebi, including 27.55 meters of 4.97% CuEq, suggest the potential to expand its resource estimates. Meanwhile, the Selkirk project’s NI 43-101 report, released in January 2025, revealed an inferred mineral resource of 44.2 million tonnes at 1.91% PdEq, positioning it as a future palladium producer.

Financing and Debt Restructuring: A Solid Foundation

Premium’s financial health has improved markedly this year. In March 2025, it closed a $46 million non-brokered equity financing, alongside converting $20.8 million of debt to equity, reducing liabilities and providing liquidity for exploration. These moves were supported by a strategic investor group, suggesting confidence in Premium’s project pipeline.

Risks and the Road Ahead

Despite these positives, challenges remain. Botswana’s regulatory environment, the volatility of commodity prices, and competition for capital in the mining sector pose hurdles. Van Niekerk’s ability to secure financing and navigate these risks will be critical.

Conclusion: A Board Built for Growth

Premium’s appointment of van Niekerk and Leavy underscores its ambition to become a leading producer of critical metals. With $46 million raised this year and drilling results that hint at resource upgrades, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the energy transition.

Van Niekerk’s experience in African mining—particularly his role in Gatos Silver’s sale to First Majestic—gives him credibility in executing deals that could fast-track Premium’s projects. If the Selebi deep-drilling initiative yields results, the company could attract further investment, potentially unlocking a resource base that rivals larger peers.

For investors, Premium’s stock—currently trading at C$0.49—offers exposure to a high-potential asset in a region with supportive government policies. With a board now brimming with finance and operational expertise, the company’s pivot from exploration to production may be closer than many anticipate.

In a sector where execution is everything, van Niekerk’s arrival signals that Premium is not just chasing minerals but building a sustainable mining powerhouse.