Outgoing Lynas Rare Earths chief executive Amanda Lacaze has been appointed as the chair of the Minerals Council of Australia, a position that had been widely expected to go to Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan.
Lacaze to Lead Industry Body
The Minerals Council of Australia announced on Wednesday that Ms Lacaze would take over the role from current chairman Geoff Freeman, effective from the start of next year. The appointment comes as a surprise to many, given that Mr McGowan had been tipped as the frontrunner for the position due to his strong ties to the resources sector.
Ms Lacaze, who has led Lynas since 2014, will step down as chief executive of the rare earths miner at the end of this year. She will be succeeded by former Incitec Pivot boss Jeanne Johns.
Industry Reaction
Resources Minister Madeleine King congratulated Ms Lacaze on her appointment, saying she would bring a wealth of experience to the role. “Amanda has been a strong advocate for the resources sector and has played a key role in positioning Australia as a global leader in rare earths production,” Ms King said.
The Minerals Council represents Australia’s mining and resources industry, which accounts for around 10 per cent of the nation’s economic output. The council has been a vocal critic of the federal government’s proposed industrial relations reforms and its handling of the energy transition.
Mark McGowan Misses Out
Premier McGowan, who has been a staunch defender of the state’s mining industry, had been considered a likely candidate for the chair role. However, the council’s board opted for Ms Lacaze, citing her extensive experience in the resources sector and her track record of leading a major mining company.
Mr McGowan said he respected the council’s decision and wished Ms Lacaze well in her new role. “Amanda is a highly respected figure in the industry and I have no doubt she will do an excellent job,” he said.
Lacaze’s Legacy at Lynas
During her tenure at Lynas, Ms Lacaze oversaw the expansion of the company’s operations, including the development of a processing plant in Kalgoorlie and a rare earths refinery in Western Australia. She also navigated the company through a period of intense scrutiny over its operations in Malaysia and successfully secured long-term contracts with major customers.
Lynas is one of the world’s largest producers of rare earths outside of China, and its products are critical for the manufacture of electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defence technologies.
Looking Ahead
As chair of the Minerals Council, Ms Lacaze will be tasked with representing the interests of the mining industry at a time of significant change. The sector is under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, improve workplace safety, and address concerns about the impact of mining on the environment and Indigenous communities.
Ms Lacaze said she was looking forward to the challenge. “The mining industry is at a crossroads, and I am committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Australia remains a world leader in responsible mining,” she said.
