About us
We’re developing a high-grade critical minerals and rare earths ore body in East Gippsland.
About Us
GCM has been established to develop the Fingerboards Critical Minerals Project. GCM is jointly owned by Australian-owned REZir Ltd and Appian Capital Advisory (Appian Capital), a leading global investor in critical minerals projects, with a track record of high-quality project delivery.
In October 2024, under new management and with a change in governance structures, GCM was granted a conditional extension of its Retention License (RL2026) and RL2023. The retention licence gives GCM tenure over the land, which requires GCM to continue to investigate the viability of the Project, progress environmental studies and apply for the approvals required for the Project.
The Retention License extension was granted on the condition that GCM rescope the project and meet a number of milestones each quarter. A report on GCM’s progress against those milestones can be found here.
GCM is led by a team of in-house professionals with extensive experience across the full lifecycle of resources and construction projects. This includes planning, social license and community engagement, benefit sharing, legal governance, environmental sustainability, design, construction, operation, rehabilitation and decommissioning, both in Australia and internationally
The team has proven expertise in the design, construction and operation of critical minerals mining projects, project governance, communications and community engagement.
Team
Michelle Wood
Chief Executive Officer
Michelle leads Gippsland Critical Minerals as CEO, spearheading the strategic re-scoping of the Fingerboards Project. With 25 years of leadership experience across business and public policy, she drives both business and technical initiatives that recognise the project’s strategic importance to Australia while ensuring community benefit sharing throughout East Gippsland. Prior to GCM, Michelle headed consulting at Bondi Partners and held executive positions at AGL, Uber ANZ, and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She holds a Master of Business.
Stefan Wolmarans
Project Director, Technical
Stefan has more than 20 years’ experience in mineral sands project both in Australia and globally including the following projects: Illuka – Cataby (WA) and Balranald (WA), Tronox – Atlas and Campaspe (NSW), Base Resources – Kwale (Kenya), Strandline Resources – Coburn (WA).
Stefan also has experience in the rare earths industry as the COO of Hastings Technology Metals, an ASX listed company developing the Yangibana Rare Earths project in Western Australia and Arafura Resources in their Nolans Rare Earths Project in the Northen Territory. Stefan also has experience in the feasibility assessment of other technology resources including Lithium, Vanadium and Graphite.
Ryan Leslie
Project Director, Community & Stakeholder Engagement
As Project Director, Community Engagement Ryan directs community and stakeholder engagement, fostering transparent relationships with local partners. He works to build community understanding while gathering input that helps design a project to minimise environmental impacts and deliver shared benefits to East Gippsland. Ryan’s 25+ year career spans business development, project management, and stakeholder engagement across mining, power, infrastructure, and manufacturing industries.
Janet Robertson
Regional Asset Manager
As Regional Asset Manager, Janet manages property maintenance throughout East Gippsland while developing land co-use and rehabilitation strategies with community stakeholders. She oversees various engagement initiatives, including the Community Grants Program, to advance local benefit sharing objectives.
Murray Holland
Seed Production Facility & Land Management Supervisor
Murray oversees native grassland seed stock identification and production for rehabilitation programs. His diverse experience includes service in the Australian Army, mineral exploration, environmental monitoring, and field archaeology. Deeply committed to East Gippsland, Murray holds RSPCA life membership, serves on a local school board, and actively participates in community associations.
Mick Harrington
Community and Stakeholder Lead
Mick is Community and Stakeholder Lead at Gippsland Critical Minerals, responsible for leading engagement across East Gippsland and ensuring the community’s voice is central to the development of the Fingerboards Project.
A lifelong Gippslander with a background in forestry, agriculture and regional advocacy, Mick is known for his practical approach and commitment to genuine two-way dialogue. His role focuses on listening to local perspectives, building trust, and helping shape a project that delivers long-term benefits for the region.
Before joining GCM, Mick worked across several regional industries and advocacy roles, supporting initiatives that strengthen local employment, sustainable land use and rural community resilience.
Corey Croft
Head of Government Relations and Communications
Corey Croft is responsible for ensuring Gippsland Critical Minerals engages openly and effectively with the community, stakeholders and government.
With extensive experience across policy, industry and media, Corey has led major communications and engagement programs supporting state and national initiatives. He focuses on openness, accuracy and genuine dialogue, ensuring people have clear, reliable information about how the Fingerboards Project is being designed and delivered for the benefit of the region.
Allison Heskey
Project Manager
Allison Heskey is a senior project manager with more than 20 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure and environmental projects across Victoria. Before joining Gippsland Critical Minerals, she led major works with Major Road Projects Victoria and held senior consulting roles in planning, safety, and environmental management.
At GCM, Allison oversees project planning and delivery, coordinating technical studies, approvals, and on-ground activities to ensure the Fingerboards Project progresses safely, efficiently, and in line with community and environmental commitments.
William Lamb
Chair of Technical Committee
William is a Senior Operating Partner at Appian Capital Advisory, based in Australia. He brings nearly 30 years of global mining experience with a strong focus on mineral processing, operational improvement, and project execution. Before joining Appian, William held senior technical and leadership roles at Rio Tinto and later advised on major capital and M&A programs across the mining sector.
Geoffrey Shepherd
Senior Advisor
Geoffrey Shepherd provides senior advisory expertise in project governance and delivery management. Drawing on 40 years in engineering and construction, the former WSP Australia executive director brings experience from significant mineral sands, lithium, and iron ore projects, as well as landmark infrastructure developments including Southern Cross Station, West Gate Tunnel, and Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Paul Quirk
Senior Advisor
Paul is a partner at Lionhead Resources where he is responsible for originating new investment opportunities and building and maintaining investor relations.
Paul has more than 15 years of private equity and operational experience in mining and other industries including with Canada’s first rare earths producer Vital Metals where he is a Director.
Kieran Beck
Advisor
Kieran is Head of Australia at Appian Capital Advisory, based in Perth. He leads the firm’s operations, investments and strategic initiatives across the region. Kieran previously held senior roles in business evaluation at a mining-focused investment fund and business development and investment banking at major mining and financial institutions. He holds a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering and Bachelor of Commerce from Monash University, and an MBA from INSEAD.
Charles Moorman
Advisor
Charles is an Investment Associate at Appian Capital Advisory, based in Perth. He supports investment origination, execution, and portfolio management across the mining and critical minerals sector. Prior to joining Appian, Charles worked in investment banking at Macquarie Capital and Goldman Sachs, focusing on metals, mining, energy, and infrastructure. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Western Australia.
Paul Gibson-Roy
Restoration Ecologist
Paul Gibson-Roy applies his restoration ecology expertise to conserving and managing native grasslands and grassy woodlands. Since joining in 2019, he has developed rehabilitation strategies for the Fingerboards project, including plans to restore 200 hectares of nationally listed grassy woodland to post-mined landscapes. This work involves establishing robust seed production capabilities to support large-scale restoration initiatives.
Team
Michelle Wood
Chief Executive Officer
Michelle leads Gippsland Critical Minerals as CEO, spearheading the strategic re-scoping of the Fingerboards Project. With 25 years of leadership experience across business and public policy, she drives both business and technical initiatives that recognise the project’s strategic importance to Australia while ensuring community benefit sharing throughout East Gippsland. Prior to GCM, Michelle headed consulting at Bondi Partners and held executive positions at AGL, Uber ANZ, and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She holds a Master of Business.
Stefan Wolmarans
Project Director, Technical
Stefan has more than 20 years’ experience in mineral sands project both in Australia and globally including the following projects: Illuka – Cataby (WA) and Balranald (WA), Tronox – Atlas and Campaspe (NSW), Base Resources – Kwale (Kenya), Strandline Resources – Coburn (WA).
Stefan also has experience in the rare earths industry as the COO of Hastings Technology Metals, an ASX listed company developing the Yangibana Rare Earths project in Western Australia and Arafura Resources in their Nolans Rare Earths Project in the Northen Territory. Stefan also has experience in the feasibility assessment of other technology resources including Lithium, Vanadium and Graphite.
Ryan Leslie
Project Director, Community & Stakeholder Engagement
As Project Director, Community Engagement Ryan directs community and stakeholder engagement, fostering transparent relationships with local partners. He works to build community understanding while gathering input that helps design a project to minimise environmental impacts and deliver shared benefits to East Gippsland. Ryan’s 25+ year career spans business development, project management, and stakeholder engagement across mining, power, infrastructure, and manufacturing industries.
Janet Robertson
Regional Asset Manager
As Regional Asset Manager, Janet manages property maintenance throughout East Gippsland while developing land co-use and rehabilitation strategies with community stakeholders. She oversees various engagement initiatives, including the Community Grants Program, to advance local benefit sharing objectives.
Murray Holland
Seed Production Facility & Land Management Supervisor
Murray oversees native grassland seed stock identification and production for rehabilitation programs. His diverse experience includes service in the Australian Army, mineral exploration, environmental monitoring, and field archaeology. Deeply committed to East Gippsland, Murray holds RSPCA life membership, serves on a local school board, and actively participates in community associations.
Mick Harrington
Community and Stakeholder Lead
Mick is Community and Stakeholder Lead at Gippsland Critical Minerals, responsible for leading engagement across East Gippsland and ensuring the community’s voice is central to the development of the Fingerboards Project.
A lifelong Gippslander with a background in forestry, agriculture and regional advocacy, Mick is known for his practical approach and commitment to genuine two-way dialogue. His role focuses on listening to local perspectives, building trust, and helping shape a project that delivers long-term benefits for the region.
Before joining GCM, Mick worked across several regional industries and advocacy roles, supporting initiatives that strengthen local employment, sustainable land use and rural community resilience.
Corey Croft
Head of Government Relations and Communications
Corey Croft is responsible for ensuring Gippsland Critical Minerals engages openly and effectively with the community, stakeholders and government.
With extensive experience across policy, industry and media, Corey has led major communications and engagement programs supporting state and national initiatives. He focuses on openness, accuracy and genuine dialogue, ensuring people have clear, reliable information about how the Fingerboards Project is being designed and delivered for the benefit of the region.
Allison Heskey
Project Manager
Allison Heskey is a senior project manager with more than 20 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure and environmental projects across Victoria. Before joining Gippsland Critical Minerals, she led major works with Major Road Projects Victoria and held senior consulting roles in planning, safety, and environmental management.
At GCM, Allison oversees project planning and delivery, coordinating technical studies, approvals, and on-ground activities to ensure the Fingerboards Project progresses safely, efficiently, and in line with community and environmental commitments.
William Lamb
Chair of Technical Committee
William is a Senior Operating Partner at Appian Capital Advisory, based in Australia. He brings nearly 30 years of global mining experience with a strong focus on mineral processing, operational improvement, and project execution. Before joining Appian, William held senior technical and leadership roles at Rio Tinto and later advised on major capital and M&A programs across the mining sector.
Geoffrey Shepherd
Senior Advisor
Geoffrey Shepherd provides senior advisory expertise in project governance and delivery management. Drawing on 40 years in engineering and construction, the former WSP Australia executive director brings experience from significant mineral sands, lithium, and iron ore projects, as well as landmark infrastructure developments including Southern Cross Station, West Gate Tunnel, and Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Paul Quirk
Senior Advisor
Paul is a partner at Lionhead Resources where he is responsible for originating new investment opportunities and building and maintaining investor relations.
Paul has more than 15 years of private equity and operational experience in mining and other industries including with Canada’s first rare earths producer Vital Metals where he is a Director.
Kieran Beck
Advisor
Kieran is Head of Australia at Appian Capital Advisory, based in Perth. He leads the firm’s operations, investments and strategic initiatives across the region. Kieran previously held senior roles in business evaluation at a mining-focused investment fund and business development and investment banking at major mining and financial institutions. He holds a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering and Bachelor of Commerce from Monash University, and an MBA from INSEAD.
Charles Moorman
Advisor
Charles is an Investment Associate at Appian Capital Advisory, based in Perth. He supports investment origination, execution, and portfolio management across the mining and critical minerals sector. Prior to joining Appian, Charles worked in investment banking at Macquarie Capital and Goldman Sachs, focusing on metals, mining, energy, and infrastructure. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Western Australia.
Paul Gibson-Roy
Restoration Ecologist
Paul Gibson-Roy applies his restoration ecology expertise to conserving and managing native grasslands and grassy woodlands. Since joining in 2019, he has developed rehabilitation strategies for the Fingerboards project, including plans to restore 200 hectares of nationally listed grassy woodland to post-mined landscapes. This work involves establishing robust seed production capabilities to support large-scale restoration initiatives.
Aligned Investors
Gippsland Critical Minerals is backed by Rezir Ltd and Appian Capital Advisory, both with a proven track record in delivering high-quality mining projects around the world.
Appian is bringing its expertise, funding, and experience to the Fingerboards Project with a staged equity investment of over $150 million.
Appian has a track record of investing in high-quality projects around the world, including rare earths, potash, gold, copper, nickel, cobalt, lead, zinc and mineral sands. Appian’s strategic investments have consistently supported projects from inception to successful production and rehabilitation, underscoring their commitment to responsible development of minerals projects.
Board
Brad Pettersson
Chair – Board & Finance Committee
Brad is also the Chairman of Australian-owned REZir Ltd and brings to GCM over 25 years of experience as an senior advisor to the mining industry in financial strategy, mergers and acquisitions. Brad has been based out of Singapore for the past 20 years working on projects across various global jurisdictions.
Benjamin Muston
Director
Ben is Senior Vice President of Appian Capital Advisory LLP based in London. He has over a decade of experience in portfolio management in the resources industry including Peak Rare Earths and Appian Clean Energy Solutions. Ben holds a dual Masters degree in Metals and Energy Finance from the Royal School of Mines and Imperial College Business School, London, and a Masters in Physics from the University of Bristol.
Tim O'Donnell
Director
Tim is Corporate Finance Director at Euroz Hartleys, based in Perth. He has extensive corporate advisory and project finance and was formerly Director, Mining and Metals Investment Banking for UBS Australia. Tim holds a Bachelor of Commerce (University of WA) and Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting (CA ANZ).
Neil O'Loughlin
Director
Neil is a highly experienced geologist and resources executive having worked in the minerals industry for over 35 years, including as a consultant on emerging mineral sands and rare earth projects. He is a Director of REZir Pty Ltd and Minhub Operations Pty Ltd. Neil has been involved with the Fingerboards Project since 2013, advancing it from exploration through to feasibility.
Board
Brad Pettersson
Chair
Brad is also the Chairman of Australian-owned REZir Ltd and brings to GCM over 25 years of experience as an senior advisor to the mining industry in financial strategy, mergers and acquisitions. Brad has been based out of Singapore for the past 20 years working on projects across various global jurisdictions.
Tim O'Donnell
Director
Tim is Corporate Finance Director at Euroz Hartleys, based in Perth. He has extensive corporate advisory and project finance and was formerly Director, Mining and Metals Investment Banking for UBS Australia. Tim holds a Bachelor of Commerce (University of WA) and Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting (CA ANZ).
Benjamin Muston
Director
Ben is Senior Vice President of Appian Capital Advisory LLP based in London. He has over a decade of experience in portfolio management in the resources industry including Peak Rare Earths and Appian Clean Energy Solutions. Ben holds a dual Masters degree in Metals and Energy Finance from the Royal School of Mines and Imperial College Business School, London, and a Masters in Physics from the University of Bristol.
Neil O'Loughlin
Director
Neil is a highly experienced geologist and resources executive having worked in the minerals industry for over 35 years, including as a consultant on emerging mineral sands and rare earth projects. He is a Director of REZir Pty Ltd and Minhub Operations Pty Ltd. Neil has been involved with the Fingerboards Project since 2013, advancing it from exploration through to feasibility.
Our Partners
Consultants AECOM Australia Pty Ltd (AECOM) has been engaged as the lead Environmental Consultant to undertake and coordinate the specialist environmental and planning assessments for the Project. AECOM has provided environmental and regulatory support as well as significant input to this referral.
AECOM has successfully helped navigate and support multiple mining projects through the various Victorian Government approval processes and has in-house specialist expertise across engineering and environmental services.
The Project team has also engaged other suitably qualified and experienced environmental consultants to provide specialist services including:
- GHD (Ecology and groundwater)
- Public Place (Social)
- Water Technology (Surface water)
- Marsden Jacobs Associates (Water supply)
- DBH Radiation (Radiation)
- AgriQulture Consulting Pty Ltd (Agriculture and Horticulture)
- Hansen Partnership Pty Ltd (Landscape and visual)
Additional consultants will also be engaged in technical disciplines including cultural heritage, greenhouse gas, soils and rehabilitation, land use and planning, economic, traffic and transport, human health and geotechnical.
Lead Environmental Consultant
AECOM
AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm serving as Lead Environmental Consultant for the Fingerboards Project. They coordinate our comprehensive environmental assessments—from baseline monitoring and impact studies to regulatory compliance and closure planning—ensuring our studies meet Victorian and international standards across the entire project lifecycle.
Lead Environmental Consultant
AECOM
AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm serving as Lead Environmental Consultant for the Fingerboards Project. They coordinate our comprehensive environmental assessments—from baseline monitoring and impact studies to regulatory compliance and closure planning—ensuring our studies meet Victorian and international standards across the entire project lifecycle.
Lead Environmental Consultant
AECOM
AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm serving as Lead Environmental Consultant for the Fingerboards Project. They coordinate our comprehensive environmental assessments—from baseline monitoring and impact studies to regulatory compliance and closure planning—ensuring our studies meet Victorian and international standards across the entire project lifecycle.
Lead Environmental Consultant
AECOM
AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm serving as Lead Environmental Consultant for the Fingerboards Project. They coordinate our comprehensive environmental assessments—from baseline monitoring and impact studies to regulatory compliance and closure planning—ensuring our studies meet Victorian and international standards across the entire project lifecycle.
Lead Environmental Consultant
AECOM
AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm serving as Lead Environmental Consultant for the Fingerboards Project. They coordinate our comprehensive environmental assessments—from baseline monitoring and impact studies to regulatory compliance and closure planning—ensuring our studies meet Victorian and international standards across the entire project lifecycle.
Lead Environmental Consultant
AECOM
AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm serving as Lead Environmental Consultant for the Fingerboards Project. They coordinate our comprehensive environmental assessments—from baseline monitoring and impact studies to regulatory compliance and closure planning—ensuring our studies meet Victorian and international standards across the entire project lifecycle.
Lead Environmental Consultant
AECOM
AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm serving as Lead Environmental Consultant for the Fingerboards Project. They coordinate our comprehensive environmental assessments—from baseline monitoring and impact studies to regulatory compliance and closure planning—ensuring our studies meet Victorian and international standards across the entire project lifecycle.
Partner
Gippsland Project Management
Gippsland Projects brings local expertise to complex mining and infrastructure projects across regional Victoria. Their team provides technical services including resource modeling, pit design, mine scheduling, and project management – helping us develop a technically sound, achievable project for East Gippsland.
Partner
Grounded Resource Advisory
Grounded Resources Advisory is a Victorian environmental and social consultancy specialising in mine rehabilitation, closure planning, and community engagement. With over 20 years of on-site mining experience, they help us integrate progressive rehabilitation into every project phase and build genuine relationships with the communities where we work.
High standards
We have adopted leading national and international standards for environmental and social sustainability
Framework
‘Towards Sustainable Mining’ ESG Framework
standards
Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability
Framework