Astral Resources NL announced that it has appointed Mr. Mark Connelly, to the Board as independent Non-Executive Director with an effective date of 27 December 2023. Mr. Connelly has extensive board and industry experience, including overseeing several company transitions from advanced explorer to developer and producer, and successful corporate transactions. Mr. Connelly was previously Non-Executive Chair of Oklo Resources and Chesser Resources.

Oklo was subject to a AUD $90 million takeover by B2Gold Corporation which completed in September 2022. Chesser was subject to a AUD $89 million takeover by Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. which completed in September 2023. Mr. Connelly was also Managing Director and CEO of Papillon Resources and was instrumental in the USD 570 million takeover by B2Gold Corporation in October 2014.

Prior to his role at Papillon, Mr. Connelly was the Chief Operating Officer of Endeavour Mining Corporation, subsequently becoming Managing Director & CEO following its merger with Adamus Resources Limited where he was Managing Director & CEO. Mark was instrumental in the merger, and also in both securing the project finance for the development of the Nzema Gold Mine. Mr. Connelly is currently Non-Executive Chair of Western Australian gold producer Calidus Resources Ltd, Omnia Metals Group Ltd, Alto Metals Group Ltd, Warriedar Resources Ltd. and NickelSearch Ltd. Mr. Connelly is the Chair of the ECU School of Business & Law, Advisory Board and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD), the Australian Institute of Management (AIM) and the Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME).

Current Chair, Mr. Leigh Warnick, has declared his intent to step down from the Board following a brief transition period with Mr. Connelly.