Jacaranda Natural Resources has appointed Craig Hatch as Chief Executive Officer as the mining company prepares for its planned initial public offering and moves towards exploration activity across Queensland and Botswana, according to his linkedIn Post.
In his new role, he will lead the company’s project review and selection process, capital raising and investor relations.
He will also oversee due diligence, deal negotiations and the development of market-facing materials ahead of the IPO.
The appointment comes as Jacaranda builds its portfolio of copper and gold exploration projects, with drilling planned at its Globe Project in Botswana immediately after the IPO and at the White Cockatoo project in Queensland in early 2027.
2 decades of mining experience
Craig is a mining engineer with more than 24 years of post-graduate experience, including 15 years in management.
He began his career in open pit mining before moving into underground mining, where he has spent most of his career. His experience covers multinational mining companies, junior domestic mining businesses and mining contractors.
Throughout his career, Craig has led operational and technical teams and worked across production planning, project engineering, project management, commercial management and technical mining engineering.
He also holds a double master’s degree in Business Administration and Mineral Economics.
CEO to lead IPO preparations
His responsibilities will also include developing deal term sheets and binding agreements, leading capital raising and investor relations, and preparing market-facing promotional materials.
He will also manage due diligence activities and support the selection and onboarding of key team members and vendors.
Copper and gold exploration plans
The firm is building a copper and gold exploration portfolio across Queensland and Botswana.
The company plans to begin drilling at its Globe Project in Botswana immediately following the IPO. Drilling at its White Cockatoo project in Queensland is scheduled to begin in early 2027.
Craig's appointment comes as the company prepares to transition from building its project portfolio to executing its exploration programme.