Mineral Resources expands executive Darren Hardy's role

• Mineral Resources executive Darren Hardy has added the lithium division to his existing leadership of iron ore and energy.
• The internal restructuring follows the resignation of former lithium head Joshua Thurlow, who will step down in December.
• The company stated that the move aims to streamline oversight across all commodity projects to focus on productivity, efficiency, and cost management.

Mining services and commodities company Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN) has appointed executive Darren Hardy to oversee its lithium division alongside his current iron ore and energy responsibilities.

The internal promotion follows the resignation of former lithium chief Joshua Thurlow, who will remain with the business until December to ensure an orderly handover.

“With lithium added to his remit, Hardy will hold full oversight of MinRes commodity projects and work closely with chief operating officer Darren Killeen and the broader executive team to prioritise productivity, efficiency, costs and safety across projects,” the company said in a statement.

Under this updated leadership structure, Hardy will manage operations across three major West Australian lithium sites, including the Wodgina, Mt Marion, and Bald Hill mines.

The operational consolidation comes as the company continues to progress a deal with South Korea’s POSCO to adjust ownership stakes in its joint-venture assets.

Following the announcement, the Mineral Resources share price was unchanged at $44.37.

Hardy originally joined the business in 1996 before returning in 2018 to lead the energy division, which recently completed a $1.1 billion asset sale to Hancock Prospecting.

The executive shift cements Hardy’s position within the senior leadership team alongside newly appointed COO Darren Killeen and Managing Director Chris Ellison.