Ora Banda appoints John Richards as non-executive director ahead of planned chair transition Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock

Ora Banda Mining Ltd (ASX:OBM, OTC:ESGFF, FRA:M6N) has appointed experienced mining executive and company director John Richards as a non-executive director, effective May 1, 2026.

Richards is expected to succeed Peter Mansell as chair after Mansell retires from the board at the close of Ora Banda’s 2026 annual general meeting in November.

Mansell described Richards as “an outstanding successor” to the chair role, saying he had demonstrated the attributes needed to guide Ora Banda through its next growth phase. The company recently returned a new batch of high-grade gold hits from infill and extensional drilling at the Golden Pole lode within its Waihi project near the Davyhurst processing plant in Western Australia, strengthening the case for the area to be included in an updated mineral resource and maiden underground ore reserve due in the June 2026 quarter. It also recently delivered a record March quarter, with strong operational performance at its Davyhurst gold project driving a sharp lift in production, cash flow and balance sheet strength.

CEO and managing director Luke Creagh welcomed the appointment.

“I would like to congratulate John and welcome him to Ora Banda. John brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be highly beneficial as we continue to build Ora Banda into a premier gold business.”

Broad mining and capital markets experience

Richards brings 40 years of experience across the global mining and metals sectors, including executive and non-executive roles in multiple jurisdictions.

He is currently non-executive chair of Sandfire Resources Ltd and lead independent non-executive director of Sheffield Resources Ltd.

His previous board roles include Northern Star Resources Ltd, Saracen Mineral Holdings Ltd and Adriatic Metals plc, with experience spanning gold, copper, mineral sands, precious metals and base metals.

Richards has also held senior executive and advisory roles with Buka Minerals, Normandy Mining, Standard Bank and GNRI.

“I am delighted to be joining Ora Banda,” Richards said, noting the company’s operating and exploration portfolio and its focus on shared value for stakeholders.

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