Adavale’s Leadership Change Raises Stakes for Parkes Gold-Copper Exploration
Adavale Resources has appointed industry veteran David Ward as Managing Director to spearhead exploration and drilling at its flagship Parkes Gold-Copper Project, aiming to unlock significant value in one of Australia’s richest mineral provinces.
- David Ward appointed Managing Director effective 17 November 2025
- Ward brings 30 years’ experience in Lachlan Fold Belt exploration and mining
- Focus on advancing Parkes Gold-Copper Project with brownfields and greenfields drilling
- Managing Director remuneration includes $280,000 salary plus performance rights
- Adavale’s diversified portfolio includes gold-copper, uranium, and nickel projects
A Strategic Leadership Shift
Adavale Resources Limited (ASX, ADD) has announced a pivotal leadership change with the appointment of David Ward as Managing Director, effective 17 November 2025. Ward, previously a Non-Executive Technical Director, brings a wealth of expertise with three decades of experience spanning exploration, project development, and mining operations. His deep knowledge of the Lachlan Fold Belt, a prolific mineral province in New South Wales, positions him as a key driver for Adavale’s ambitious growth plans.
Harnessing Regional Expertise
Ward’s career is closely intertwined with the Lachlan Fold Belt, having worked on notable projects such as the London-Victoria Gold Mine, Newcrest’s Cadia Gold Mine, and multiple porphyry gold-copper exploration campaigns across major Ordovician intrusive centres. His hands-on experience with both brownfields and greenfields projects is expected to accelerate Adavale’s exploration programs, particularly at the Parkes Gold-Copper Project, where the company holds a significant stake.
Unlocking the Parkes Project Potential
The Parkes Project, encompassing highly prospective tenements adjacent to world-class mines like Northparkes and Cadia, is central to Adavale’s strategy. Ward’s appointment signals a renewed focus on resource expansion at the brownfields London-Victoria Gold Mine and rapid advancement of high-priority targets such as Ashes and Myalls. The upcoming drilling programs under his leadership will be closely watched by investors eager for tangible progress.
Incentivising Performance
Ward’s Managing Director Services Agreement includes a base salary of $280,000 plus statutory superannuation, complemented by a substantial performance rights package. These rights are tied to share price milestones, with tranches vesting if the company’s shares exceed $0.15 and $0.20 over consecutive trading days within four years. This structure aligns Ward’s incentives with shareholder value creation, underscoring the company’s commitment to disciplined growth.
A Diversified Exploration Portfolio
Beyond gold and copper, Adavale maintains a diversified portfolio including uranium exploration licences in South Australia and nickel sulphide projects in Tanzania. While the immediate spotlight is on the Lachlan Fold Belt assets, Ward’s leadership may also influence the strategic direction of these other ventures, potentially broadening the company’s resource base and market appeal.
Bottom Line?
David Ward’s appointment marks a decisive step for Adavale as it seeks to convert exploration potential into tangible value amid a competitive gold-copper landscape.
Questions in the middle?
- What specific drilling results can investors expect in the coming quarters under Ward’s leadership?
- How will the performance rights incentives influence Ward’s strategic decisions and risk appetite?
- Could Ward’s expertise lead to accelerated development or partnerships beyond the Parkes Project?
