Black. Cat appoints Laufmann to its board

Australian miner Black Cat Syndicate has appointed Richard Laufmann as an independent, nonexecutive director with effect from October 15.

Laufmann has extensive corporate and operational mining experience, much of it in gold.

“With mining already underway at two of the three operations, Black Cat is uniquely positioned to have a significant impact on the Australian gold scene. I am looking forward to contributing to the Black Cat team and to building a substantial, Western Australia focused gold business,” he commented in a statement.

Laufmann is a founding director, CEO and MD of Rex Minerals, which is currently the subject of a shareholder-approved A$400-million takeover by MACH Metals Australia.

Before becoming CEO of Rex Minerals, he was CEO of Indophil Resources which had ownership and management of a major copper project before it was taken over by Alsons Group in 2014.

Prior to Indophil, Laufmann was CEO of Ballarat Goldfields. On joining, he recapitalised and led the company, through feasibility, financing, construction and commissioning of the Ballarat Gold Mine. In early 2007, Ballarat was taken over by Lihir Gold.

“Black Cat is transforming and set to grow quickly, and Richard’s corporate deal expertise, coupled with a strong operational background will complement our team at this transformational point in time,” said chairperson Paul Chapman.