Arafura appoints Ward as CEO

Rare earths project developer Arafura Resources has appointed current non-executive director and Cristal Global executive Dr Stephen Ward as its new managing director.

Dr Ward has extensive management and board experience in the chemical, mining and minerals processing industries, both in Australia and internationally.

He has an intimate knowledge of Arafura and the international rare earths industry having served as a Non-Executive Director of the Company since 2007.

Dr Ward joins Arafura's executive management team after serving two years as Senior Vice President - Strategy and Development of Cristal Global, a privately-owned global chemical and resources company.

He also has strong global marketing experience gained working in a range of international appointments and has completed a range of M&A and capital raising activities for a number of companies.

Prior to inviting an application from Dr Ward, the Board engaged independent recruitment consultancy Gerard Daniels to conduct a global search to identify suitable candidates.

Arafura Chairman Mr. Ian Laurance said that while a number of candidates were identified in the search, the Board took the decision to approach Dr Ward to seek his interest in the position.

"His decision to accept the role is a real coup for Arafura," Mr. Laurance said. "In addition to securing a person of Dr Ward's calibre and experience to lead the Company, the Board is confident the appointment will allow Arafura to complete the Nolans Rare Earths-Phosphate-Uranium Project's Bankable Feasibility Study by the end of 2010."