CatalystWireBeta

Appointment Of Managing Director, South Crofty

In brief · summary, not quotable

Cornish Metals plc has appointed Juan Kemp as Managing Director of South Crofty, effective September 14, 2026, to lead operational delivery of the tin project. Kemp brings over 30 years of mining experience, including significant leadership roles at Petra Diamonds where he oversaw R6 billion (approximately £275 million) in capital projects, such as an underground expansion and a new R2 billion (approximately £90 million) processing plant. This appointment strengthens the company's operational capability as South Crofty progresses towards production, with expected annual output of approximately 4,700 tonnes of tin-in-concentrate over an initial 14-year mine life.

Full announcement

Select text to share a quote on X · sign in to keep highlights & notes in your TIN notes

Cornish Metals plc (AIM: TIN) (“Cornish Metals” or the “Company”), a mineral exploration and development company focused on advancing its wholly owned and permitted South Crofty tin project in Cornwall, United Kingdom, announces the appointment of Juan Kemp as Managing Director, South Crofty, with effect from 14 September 2026.

Mr Kemp will lead the project and operational delivery of South Crofty, with responsibility for mining, processing, safety and overall business performance. He will be based at South Crofty and report to Don Turvey, Chief Executive Officer.

The appointment strengthens the Company’s operational leadership as South Crofty progresses from construction towards operational readiness, with surface & underground development and workforce training progressing in parallel.

About Juan Kemp

Mr Kemp has over 30 years’ experience in the mining industry, spanning operational and executive leadership, underground mining, mineral processing and technical leadership. He began his career with AngloGold in 1994 before joining De Beers in 1998, where he was appointed as Plant Manager in 2001.

He joined Petra Diamonds in 2005 and held a number of senior operational and executive positions, including General Manager of Cullinan Diamond Mine from 2011, Chief Technical Officer from 2019 and Operations Executive from 2024. In February 2025, he was appointed Joint Chief Executive Officer of Petra Diamonds, with responsibility for the Group’s operations, a position he held until May 2026 when he stepped down.

Since 2011, Juan was responsible for all mine operations and capital projects, including a R6 billion (approximately £275 million) underground block-cave expansion and the construction of a new R2 billion (approximately £90 million) processing plant, which was delivered on time and within budget.

Mr Kemp holds a degree in Metallurgical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from North-West University.

Don Turvey, CEO of Cornish Metals, commented:

“As South Crofty continues to advance towards production, strengthening our operational capability and building the right team to operate the mine safely and efficiently is an important part of our development. Juan brings more than 30 years of underground mining and metallurgical experience, with a strong track record across operational and technical leadership, and I am delighted to welcome him to the Cornish Metals team.

“His appointment comes at an important stage for South Crofty as we progress the plant construction and mine development alongside preparations for future operations. Juan will play a key role in building our operational readiness, embedding strong safety and operating standards, and importantly developing a skilled workforce from the talent pool in Cornwall and beyond as we move towards production.”

Juan Kemp, Managing Director of South Crofty, commented:

“I am privileged to be joining Cornish Metals and to lead South Crofty at such an important stage in its development. We have an exciting opportunity to build on South Crofty’s remarkable heritage and develop a modern, safe and responsible mining operation that Cornwall can be proud of.

“My focus will be on our people and disciplined delivery – progressing the project safely, building operational readiness and developing a high-performing local team. I look forward to working with Don, the Cornish Metals team and the people of Cornwall to make South Crofty a successful and sustainable operation.”

Engage with us directly at our investor hub. Sign up at: https://investors.cornishmetals.com/link/PB5oJr

Cleaned text: letterheads, contacts and legal notices removed. View the original announcement ↗ · Company filings. Not investment advice.

Share this quote

Quote card
Post on X WhatsApp Download image

The link opens this announcement with the quote highlighted. Quotes are checked against the original text.

Add a note