Our Board

Chris Ellison has more than 40 years’ experience across Australia’s mining and resources sectors. He is the Founder and Managing Director of Mineral Resources Ltd (MinRes), a leading $14 billion diversified resources company that listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in 2006.

Under Chris’ vision and leadership, MinRes has become one of the world’s largest lithium mining companies, is Australia’s fifth-largest iron ore exporter, is developing its fully owned onshore natural gas assets, and is a contract partner of choice servicing the world’s leading mining companies. With a focus on people and innovation, MinRes has become a top performer on the ASX for total shareholder returns.

Chris is one of Australia’s most highly respected business leaders. Since 2013, he has also served as Honorary Consul for New Zealand in Western Australia, fostering a strong bilateral relationship between Australia and New Zealand.

Qualified mining engineer with 20 years’ operational, technical and management experience in the Australian mining sector, Served as an executive on the boards of Spectrum Metals Ltd, Kalgoorlie Mining Company Ltd and Resources & Energy Group Ltd.

Mr Manners is a finance professional with over 25 years’ experience in corporate finance, accounting, financial management and business development functions within the resources industry. Mr Manners has been involved in exploration, developing, and producing companies both in Australia and overseas. Mr Manners has held senior financial positions in various sectors including precious and base metals, industrial minerals, (including lithium and tantalum experience at the Greenbushes and Wodgina operations) and in bulk commodities. Mr Manners is currently the Chief Financial Officer of ASX 200 Ramelius Resources Ltd.

Holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Banking & Finance) and a Masters (Accounting) from Curtin University of Technology in Western Australia and is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Multiplant Holdings, a mining and civil services business based in Perth.

Mr Steven Kovac, is the current Chief Executive Officer of Idemitsu Australia. Mr Kovac holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining), an MBA and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Over his 23-year career in the mining sector he has had extensive technical and operational experience at a site level, holding senior management and executive level roles for the past 14 years.

Mr Kovac is also a Non-Executive Director of Critical Minerals Group Ltd (ASX:CMG), a Non-Executive Director of Vecco Group Pty Ltd, an alternate Director of Low Emission Technology Australia and an Executive Committee member of New South Wales Minerals Council. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and the Mine Managers Association of Australia.

Joshua Thurlow is Mineral Resources Chief Executive, Lithium, and is responsible for the continued growth of their world class lithium assets and partnerships.
With over 20 years’ experience in the mining and resources sectors across Asia Pacific, Africa and North America, Joshua’s expertise spans corporate strategy, social responsibility, business development and growth and operations leadership.
He was previously Mineral Resources Executive General Manager, Project Development – overseeing all aspects of planning, development, and social responsibility for mining projects. Prior to joining MinRes he held key leadership roles with Newcrest Mining, Aeris Resources Limited and BHP.
Joshua is a qualified mining engineer and holds a Masters of Business Administration from Melbourne Business School.

Peter is a finance professional with over 20 years experience in the areas of financial management, mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity funding, accounting, treasury, insurance, taxation, ASX compliance and Investor relations. He has provided services to a large number of mining, exploration and construction companies. Peter most recently served as the CFO and Company Secretary of mining services provider MACA Limited (MACA), where he had responsibility for the oversight of all aspects of the finance function. Peter has extensive M&A experience including the acquisition of the Downer Open Cut West business and most recently acted as MACA’s lead executive during Thiess’ off-market takeover of MACA. Prior to his role with MACA, Peter was a Senior Accountant at a mid-tier Accounting firm for many years. Peter holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance. Peter is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and New Zealand and an associate member of the Governance Institute of Australia.