Dalaroo Metals has appointed industry veteran Chris Connell as CEO, aiming to leverage his extensive exploration and capital markets expertise to advance its asset portfolio and growth strategy.
- Chris Connell appointed CEO effective 9 May 2025
- Nearly 30 years’ experience in mining, exploration, and capital markets
- Previously led Iris Metals from $17m to $250m market cap
- Remuneration includes $275,000 fixed salary plus performance rights
- Performance rights vest on share price milestones and service duration
Experienced Leadership at the Helm
Dalaroo Metals Ltd has announced the appointment of Chris Connell as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective from 9 May 2025. Connell brings nearly three decades of experience spanning geology, mining exploration, finance, and capital markets, positioning him as a strategic leader to guide Dalaroo through its next growth phase.
His track record includes founding and serving as Technical Director of Iris Metals Ltd, where he played a pivotal role in identifying and developing lithium projects in the United States. Under his leadership, Iris Metals grew from a market capitalisation of approximately $17 million to around $250 million, driven by successful exploration and capital raising initiatives.
Global Exploration Expertise
Connell’s experience extends beyond lithium, having managed large-scale exploration teams in diverse geographies including Ecuador, West and Central Africa, North and South America, Papua New Guinea, and Australia. Notably, he led exploration efforts at SolGold Plc that resulted in the discovery of the significant Porvenir copper-gold deposit in Ecuador.
This breadth of experience across metals and jurisdictions is expected to benefit Dalaroo as it advances its current assets and seeks new opportunities. Chairman David Quinlivan expressed confidence that Connell’s expertise will be instrumental in driving the company’s development strategy.
Incentive-Linked Remuneration
Connell’s remuneration package includes a fixed annual salary of $275,000 plus statutory superannuation, complemented by a substantial performance rights component. These rights, totaling over 7.4 million, are structured to vest based on share price milestones, doubling or tripling the company’s share price from the appointment date, and continued service over 12 to 24 months.
This incentive alignment underscores the company’s ambition to enhance shareholder value through operational progress and market performance. The performance rights also reflect confidence in Connell’s ability to execute on Dalaroo’s strategic objectives.
Looking Ahead
Connell has expressed enthusiasm about joining Dalaroo, highlighting his intent to leverage his networks and experience to both assess existing assets and pursue new opportunities. Investors will be watching closely for forthcoming updates on the company’s strategic direction and exploration progress under his leadership.
Bottom Line?
Connell’s appointment signals a strategic pivot for Dalaroo, with performance incentives setting the stage for ambitious growth.
Questions in the middle?
- What specific assets or projects will Connell prioritise in the near term?
- How will Dalaroo’s share price respond to the performance rights milestones?
- Will there be further changes to the executive team or board to support the new strategy?