Global Lithium Revamps Board to Accelerate Manna Project Milestones

Board Renewal Signals Strategic Reset

Global Lithium Resources Limited (ASX: GL1) has announced significant changes to its board following the 2025 Annual General Meeting held on 13 February. The company re-elected Dr Dianmin Chen as a director and promptly appointed him Managing Director and CEO, filling the executive vacancy left by former Executive Chairman Ron Mitchell. Alongside Dr Chen, two new directors, Mr Liaoliang (Leon) Zhu and Dr Xiaoxuan (David) Sun, were elected, marking a clear intent to inject fresh leadership and expertise into the company.

This board renewal is more than a routine reshuffle; it reflects a strategic pivot aimed at revitalising Global Lithium’s flagship Manna Lithium Project and rebuilding trust with shareholders and potential investors amid a challenging lithium market.

Manna Lithium Project: Unlocking Value Amid Market Headwinds

Located approximately 100km east of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, the Manna Lithium Project boasts a substantial Mineral Resource of 51.6 million tonnes at 1.0% lithium oxide (Li2O), making it the second largest lithium resource in the Eastern Goldfields region. Despite the project's strong fundamentals, the company acknowledges the need to make Manna a "more investable" proposition in a market currently facing headwinds.

Dr Chen outlined three critical milestones for 2025, with the foremost being the conclusion of a Native Title Mining Agreement with the Kakarra Part B Native Title Group. This agreement is pivotal for securing a Mining Lease, which in turn is essential for completing a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) on the project. Achieving these milestones will not only advance the project’s development but also demonstrate Global Lithium’s commitment to community alignment and regulatory compliance.

Leadership with Deep Industry Experience

Dr Chen brings over 35 years of mining industry experience across Australia, China, and Canada, having held senior roles at Barrick Gold, Sino Gold, and other major mining companies. His appointment as Managing Director and CEO is expected to provide the technical and managerial expertise necessary to navigate the complexities of lithium project development.

New directors Mr Zhu and Dr Sun add complementary strengths. Mr Zhu, founder and CEO of Sincerity Group, has extensive entrepreneurial experience in mining and related sectors, while Dr Sun brings nearly two decades of leadership in the Australian mining industry, including managing Sinosteel’s Australian operations.

Financial Discipline and Future Outlook

The board has emphasized a disciplined approach to milestone delivery, aiming to preserve existing cash reserves while remaining open to compatible opportunities that may arise. Dr Chen’s remuneration package includes a fixed salary of $280,000 per annum (0.8 FTE) plus eligibility for short- and long-term incentives, aligning his interests with shareholder value creation.

Global Lithium’s combined Mineral Resources across its Manna and Marble Bar projects total 69.6 million tonnes at 1.0% Li2O, positioning the company as a significant player in the global lithium sector. The renewed board’s immediate focus on securing native title agreements and advancing the DFS will be critical in translating these resources into tangible value.