Cornish Lithium has appointed Ian Cockerill, a mining industry veteran, as Independent Non-Executive Chairman. The Company has also appointed experienced mining industry executive, Janet Blas as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

Cornish Lithium is also pleased to announce that Varshan Gokool, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed to the Board as an Executive Director.

Following Ian Cockerill’s appointment, former Chairman Derek Linfield will transition to a Non-Executive Director role and former Non-Executive Director, Louise Wrathall, will step down from the Board to concentrate on her other business interests.

Jeremy Wrathall, CEO and Founder of Cornish Lithium, said: 
“Firstly, I would like to thank Derek and Louise for their major contributions to the Company’s development over the past five years and look forward to Derek's continued involvement as a non-executive director.  We are also excited to welcome Ian and Janet to Cornish Lithium.  I am delighted that the Company is able to attract an Independent Non-Executive Chairman and Independent Non-Executive Director of such calibre and experience. Cornish Lithium has grown rapidly over the past two years and the time is now right to expand and strengthen our Board in line with best corporate governance practice, as we move into the next stage of the Company’s development. I am confident that Ian’s technical and industry knowledge combined with Janet’s strategic and financial expertise will prove invaluable to Cornish Lithium as our portfolio of projects progresses.

“I am also pleased to welcome Varshan to the Board. Since joining Cornish Lithium at the end of 2020, he has been instrumental in the rapid development of the Company and the Board will benefit from his extensive industry and financing experience.”

Ian Cockerill, Non-Executive Chairman of Cornish Lithium, said: 
“I am excited to be joining Cornish Lithium at this pivotal time in its evolution. The Company has a highly prospective portfolio of projects and is well-positioned to play a leading role in the development of a domestic supply of lithium that is vital for the development of battery manufacturing in the UK. The momentum is building for the minerals extraction industry in Cornwall and Cornish Lithium is a key player in this sector. I look forward to working with Jeremy and the team to realise the Company’s significant potential for the benefit of Cornwall and the UK.”

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Cornish Lithium