Haranga appoints Patrick Mutz to lead Lincoln Gold Project growth

Seasoned Executive Patrick Mutz Takes Helm at Haranga

Haranga Resources (ASX:HAR) has appointed Patrick Mutz as its new Managing Director and CEO, effective 1 September 2026, signaling a strategic push to advance the Lincoln Gold Project in California. Mutz arrives with a formidable track record spanning over 30 years in mining, including senior leadership roles across Australia and the United States. His expertise covers exploration, project development, capital raising, and operational management, making him well suited to shepherd Haranga through its next growth phase.

Previously, Mutz led Image Resources NL through a successful transition from exploration to production, growing its market capitalisation from around A$15 million to a peak of A$275 million. His tenure included securing A$75 million in funding, delivering projects on time and budget, and establishing a dividend-paying operation. His leadership roles have also included CEO positions at Deep Yellow Limited and Alliance Resources, where he oversaw significant resource expansions and capital raises.

Lincoln Gold Project's High-Grade Resource and Infrastructure Advantage

The Lincoln Gold Project boasts one of the highest-grade gold resources on the ASX, with a maiden JORC Mineral Resource Estimate of 2.46 million tonnes at 5.1 grams per tonne gold, equating to 402,000 ounces. The project benefits from substantial prior investment of approximately US$90 million, including a 315,000 tonnes per annum processing plant, nearly 900 metres of underground development, and workshops. Crucially, it holds a conditional use permit allowing mining operations, positioning it ahead of many peers in permitting and infrastructure readiness.

Haranga also highlights an exploration target at South Spring Hill, adjacent to the Medean resource, with potential for an additional 202,000 to 308,000 ounces at grades between 5.4 and 5.8 grams per tonne. Further surface and underground diamond drilling is planned over the next two years to test this potential, contingent on access.

Leadership Transition and Strategic Focus

With Mutz's appointment, Executive Chairman Michael Davy will transition to a Non-Executive Chairman role. Davy praised Mutz's comprehensive development experience, noting his ability to build mines through to production while expanding resource bases and shareholder value. The board sees Lincoln as a rare asset with existing infrastructure and permits that typically take years to secure, making it an attractive platform for growth under Mutz's stewardship.

Mutz expressed enthusiasm about applying modern mining techniques and innovations to revive gold production in California's historic Mother Lode Belt. His global experience, including project development across uranium, mineral sands, and gold, aligns with Haranga’s ambition to establish a multi-million-ounce gold project.

Resource Confirmation and Exploration Outlook

Haranga confirmed there have been no material changes to previously reported mineral resource estimates for both the Lincoln Gold Project and its Saraya Uranium Project in Senegal. The Lincoln resource remains at 402,000 ounces at 5.1 g/t gold, providing a strong foundation for development planning. Exploration and drilling programs are poised to test additional targets and expand the resource base, with further updates expected as work progresses.