Mount Ridley Appoints CEO with 20 Million Performance Rights Incentive
Mount Ridley Mines has appointed Allister Caird as CEO, bringing critical minerals expertise to accelerate its rare earth and gallium projects in Western Australia and expand US partnerships.
- Allister Caird appointed CEO effective 6 November 2025
- Caird brings 15+ years in energy, resources, and critical minerals leadership
- Strengthens Mount Ridley’s rare earth and gallium project development
- Executive package includes $275,000 salary plus 20 million performance rights
- Focus on advancing projects in Esperance and strategic US collaborations
New Leadership at a Strategic Juncture
Mount Ridley Mines Limited has announced the appointment of Allister Caird as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 6 November 2025. This leadership change comes at a pivotal moment as the company seeks to advance its portfolio of rare earth and gallium projects in Western Australia’s Esperance region. Caird’s extensive background in critical minerals and resource development positions him well to steer Mount Ridley through its next phase of growth.
A Proven Track Record in Critical Minerals
Mr Caird brings over 15 years of experience spanning exploration, research, project development, and capital markets. Notably, he served as Head of Critical Minerals at Locksley Resources Ltd, where he led downstream strategy initiatives in the United States and fostered a significant collaboration with Rice University to develop innovative processing technologies. His technical expertise and global network are expected to enhance Mount Ridley’s ability to navigate complex markets and secure strategic partnerships.
Strengthening Strategic and Technical Capabilities
Mount Ridley’s Chairman, Peter Christie, highlighted Caird’s dual strengths in technical knowledge and market insight as critical to the company’s ambitions. With rare earth elements and gallium increasingly vital to emerging technologies and clean energy solutions, Mount Ridley’s projects stand to benefit from Caird’s leadership in both advancing exploration and engaging with government and institutional stakeholders.
Executive Terms Reflect Confidence and Incentives
The executive services agreement includes a base salary of $275,000 plus superannuation, complemented by 20 million performance rights split into two tranches with vesting conditions tied to share price milestones. This structure aligns Caird’s incentives with shareholder value creation and signals the board’s confidence in his ability to deliver results over the coming years.
Looking Ahead
As Caird steps into his role, investors and industry watchers will be keen to see how Mount Ridley leverages his expertise to accelerate project development and forge meaningful partnerships, particularly in the United States. The company’s ability to translate technical progress into commercial success will be a key focus in the months ahead.
Bottom Line?
Mount Ridley’s new CEO appointment sets the stage for a critical minerals push with global ambitions.
Questions in the middle?
- What specific milestones will Caird target to unlock value in Mount Ridley’s rare earth projects?
- How will Mount Ridley’s US partnerships evolve under Caird’s leadership?
- What market conditions could impact the vesting of Caird’s performance rights?