Join our daily newsletter At The Bell to receive exclusive market insights
The RIU Explorers Conference kicked off this morning with Azure Minerals receiving the prestigious Craig Oliver Award.
The award recognises the top mid-to-all-rounder small-cap Australian mining company of the past 12 months.
This year’s nominees included Azure Minerals (ASX:AZS), Genesis Healthcare (ASX:GMD), Santana Minerals (ASX:SMI), and Boss Energy (ASX:BOE).
Azure Minerals Managing Director Tony Rovira accepted the award and attributed the company’s success to its booming Andover project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
“We had a vision a bit over 12 months ago to go out and look for lithium on our Andover project. A big thank you to the board of directors at Azure because they supported us, in general and financial support,” Mr Rovira said.
Dedicated to the late Sundance Resources director and esteemed West Australian, the Craig Oliver Award holds significant industry importance, with 13 companies honoured from 2011 to 2023.
Sasha Oliver, Craig Oliver’s youngest daughter, announced the winner, paying tribute to her father’s legacy.
Looking towards the future, Mr Rovira went on to mention the ongoing takeover discussions with major powerhouse companies SQM and Hancock Prospecting.
“What they’re chasing with what we have at Andover is probably going to be one of the largest lithium deposits found in the world. They certainly don’t come around very often, and we’re very pleased with the outcome of what’s come of the past 12 months.”
“… and a thank you to the team for putting on what is probably the best exploration conference going around anywhere in the world.”
The RIU Explorers Conference is set to continue over the next two days, with record-breaking numbers with the highest attendance of delegates, presentations, and exhibits.
The event is a platform for industry leaders to share insights and shape the future of mining exploration.
