Podium Minerals (ASX:POD) strengthens executive leadership with appointment of global PGM processing expert

Podium Minerals Limited (ASX:POD) has announced the appointment of Gary Humphries as Head of Processing, further enhancing the Company’s technical and operational strength as it advances the Parks Reef Platinum Group Metals (PGM) Project in Western Australia.

Gary brings more than three decades of experience in the South African mining and industrial sectors and is globally recognised for his leadership in PGM processing.

His career includes over twenty years with Anglo American Platinum, the world’s largest PGM producer, where he held several senior roles including Executive Head of Processing.

This appointment represents another major milestone in Podium’s development strategy, reinforcing its position as an emerging leader in the Australian PGM landscape.

Why is the appointment of Gary Humphries such an important step for Podium Minerals?

The appointment of Gary Humphries marks a pivotal moment in Podium’s growth.

His depth of experience and proven track record in designing, commissioning, and managing complex processing operations provide the company with the expertise required to progress Parks Reef toward development.

“Podium is delighted to welcome Gary to the executive leadership team. Gary is widely regarded in the Platinum Group Metals sector, bringing with him exceptional technical and operational expertise in PGM processing and an exemplary record of achievements in the industry.”

Over the past year, Gary has contributed significantly to the company’s metallurgical development program, playing a key role in the design and delivery of Podium’s breakthrough Concentrator flowsheet.

His move from consultant to executive reflects both confidence in the company’s direction and commitment to advancing Australia’s premier PGM project.

This appointment further strengthens the leadership group at a time when Podium continues to translate technical success into tangible project outcomes.

What will Gary Humphries main responsibilities be in his new role at Podium?

As Head of Processing, Gary will lead all metallurgical and processing functions, providing technical direction and strategic oversight across Podium’s processing activities.

His immediate priority is to oversee the batch-continuous metallurgical test work on the Concentrator flowsheet, a major step that will validate its operational performance and scalability as the Company advances its development strategy for Parks Reef.

“Importantly, Gary has already made a significant contribution to the development and direction of our metallurgical process strategy for Parks Reef. His depth of expertise and hands-on approach as a consultant over the past 12 months has been invaluable to Podium in the development of our recently announced game-changing Concentrator Flowsheet.”

In addition to leading pilot testing, Gary will guide the Company’s metallurgical pathway design to unlock avenues to process the different mineralised zones at Parks Reef.

His experience ensures the Company’s operational plans remain technically sound, cost-effective, and aligned with practices within the PGM sector.

What makes Gary Humphries uniquely qualified to lead processing at Podium?

Gary’s career combines a strong technical background with senior executive experience in the global PGM industry.

He holds a Bachelor of Science (Engineering) and an MBA from the University of Witwatersrand, along with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of South Africa.

He is a Professional Engineer, a Fellow of both the Institution of Chemical Engineers and the South African Institution of Chemical Engineers, and a Member of the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

At Anglo American Platinum Limited (now known as Valterra Platinum), Gary was responsible for the operational and technical performance of the Company’s processing facilities.

His leadership extended to capital allocation strategy, process innovation, and organisational culture development.

He also led the design, commissioning, and optimisation of multiple concentrator facilities, demonstrating a consistent ability to enhance operational efficiency and integration across PGM production environments.

“Attracting an executive of Gary’s calibre is another step-jump in advancing Australia’s Premier PGM Project and positions Podium as a leader in the Australian PGM landscape.”

With this experience, Gary brings a proven capability to build and manage world-class processing systems that will directly support Podium’s advancement of Parks Reef toward production readiness.

How does this appointment support the development of the Parks Reef PGM Project?

Gary’s appointment directly supports Podium’s ongoing metallurgical and operational objectives for the Parks Reef Project.

Having already contributed to the development of the Concentrator flowsheet, his leadership ensures the continuity of technical progress as the Company moves into larger-scale validation and process optimisation.

“Furthermore, Gary’s decision to join the Company in a senior executive position reflects the outstanding progress made in our metallurgical program and the strong potential of the Parks Reef resource.”

This continuity of expertise provides Podium with the leadership stability and technical precision required as it systematically advances toward production.

The addition of Gary to the executive team reinforces the Company’s strategy of assembling globally experienced professionals to deliver the next phase of Parks Reef’s development and to maintain its standing as Australia’s leading PGM project.

What are the next steps for Podium following this appointment?

Podium MInerals immediate focus is to commence larger-scale testing of the Concentrator flowsheet to confirm performance parameters and generate the data required for future feasibility studies.

In parallel, the Company will refine metallurgical pathways across Parks Reef’s mineralised zones to enhance processing efficiency and recovery outcomes, unlocking value from the Parks Reef Resource.

These technical milestones will form the foundation for the next stage of development and support the Company’s objective of transitioning Parks Reef into a technically robust and commercially strong PGM operation.

The strengthened leadership team, combined with proven process innovation, positions Podium to deliver consistent progress and maintain its trajectory toward project execution.

Building a Strong Foundation for Development

The appointment of Gary Humphries as Head of Processing marks a significant step in Podium Minerals’ commitment to building a technically capable and forward-focused organisation.

His leadership adds depth to the Company’s operational capability and supports the transition of the Parks Reef Project from technical development into advanced preparation for production.

Podium remains focused on disciplined project advancement, sustained innovation, and the continued development of world-class expertise. With a clear strategy, an experienced leadership team, and strong technical momentum, the Company is well positioned to establish Parks Reef as a cornerstone PGM asset within Australia’s growing critical minerals landscape.

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