Hastings Names Vince Catania CEO with $340K Salary to Lead Rare Earths Push

Leadership Transition at Hastings

Hastings Technology Metals Limited has announced the appointment of Vince Catania as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Catania, who has been with Hastings since early 2023 as General Manager Corporate, steps into the top role with a wealth of experience both within the company and in Western Australian politics.

His appointment marks a strategic leadership shift as Hastings aims to accelerate the development of its flagship Yangibana Rare Earth and Niobium Project. The company emphasized Catania’s instrumental role in negotiating the joint venture with Wyloo and securing critical environmental and traditional owner agreements, underscoring his deep familiarity with the project’s complexities.

A CEO with Local and Political Roots

Before joining Hastings, Catania served 18 years as a Member of the Western Australian Parliament, representing the vast North West seat that includes the Gascoyne region where Yangibana is located. This unique blend of political insight and corporate experience positions him well to navigate regulatory, community, and stakeholder landscapes essential for mining project success.

Charles Lew, Hastings’ Executive Chairman, praised Catania’s longstanding association with Yangibana and his contributions since joining the company, particularly in managing the partnership with Wyloo. Lew highlighted that under Catania’s leadership, Hastings will continue to focus on advancing the Yangibana joint venture and progressing permitting for other assets like the Whiteheads Gold Project.

Strategic Focus and Future Outlook

Catania expressed enthusiasm about leading Hastings through a pivotal period, aiming to move Yangibana closer to a final investment decision and construction commencement. The project, known for its high-grade neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) rare earths, is well-positioned to meet growing global demand driven by electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.

Alongside Yangibana, Hastings is also advancing the Brockman Heavy Rare Earths and Niobium Project and the Whiteheads Gold Project, signaling a diversified approach to resource development. Catania’s remuneration package includes a $340,000 salary plus statutory superannuation, with share-based incentives to be determined, reflecting the company’s commitment to aligning leadership rewards with shareholder value creation.

Board Changes and Governance

In a related development, Neil Hackett has retired as Non-executive Director and Joint Company Secretary after nearly seven years on the board. Hackett’s tenure included chairing the Audit Committee and contributing to ESG oversight, with the board acknowledging his valuable role in the Yangibana Project’s development. His departure marks a notable change in Hastings’ governance as the company moves into its next growth phase.

As Hastings embarks on this new chapter under Catania’s leadership, the market will be watching closely for progress updates on project milestones and strategic initiatives that could shape the company’s trajectory in the competitive rare earths sector.