Brazil-focused explorer BBX Minerals (ASX: BBX) has announced it has strengthened its board with the appointment of two independent non-executive directors.

BBX chief executive officer Andre J Douchane said the two appointments are “very strategic” as the expertise they bring is strongly aligned with the company’s growth strategy to become a precious metals developer and producer.

“Ken’s strong understanding of the global PGM [platinum group metals] market will help guide the company in the right direction,” he said.

“Abby’s environmental, sustainability and compliance background will be of paramount importance as the company advances its operations,” Mr Douchane added.

Decades of leadership experience and knowledge of PGMs

According to BBX, Mr Kluksdahl has a strong knowledge of the PGM market and brings more than 35 years of global broad-based operational and leadership experience to the company.

His most recent positions included four years as the chief operating officer for the United States region at multinational precious metals company SibanyeStillwater and a six-year stint as president of AngloGold Ashanti Colombia.

During his tenure at AngloGold, Mr Kluksdahl led the successful recovery of three struggling greenfield projects as well as country development programs in the South American nation.

Mr Kluksdahl has also held senior roles with Washington Group International, Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO), Homestake Mining Company, Battle Mountain Gold, and Tenneco Minerals.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering from Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology and is a registered professional engineer.

Environmental science professional

The second non-executive director appointment, Ms Smith, has more than 15 years of experience working in environmental and public health roles across private, government and non-for-profit sectors in Australia and Canada.

BBX said Ms Smith successfully led the development and implementation of sustainability strategies, where she assessed the environmental and health impact of developments, while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and industry best practices.

She has a Master of Science and Bachelor of Arts/Science (Honours) from Queen’s University, Canada and is a doctorate (PhD) candidate at the University of Sydney in Australia.

Ms Smith is currently the director of Quit Tasmania at Cancer Council Tasmania.

Brazil exploration

BBX’s key assets are the Três Estados and Ema gold projects in the Apuí region of Brazil. Earlier this month, the company recently reported assay results for two diamond holes completed at Três Estados during the 2020-21 drilling season.

Scattered iridium and platinum mineralisation was identified on the margin of the host gabbro.

BBX said the low results were expected for the two holes as they were drilled on and outside the contact of the host mafic body and as such, they define the northern margin of the mineralisation.

However, the company did announce in late July that significant near-surface platinum, iridium and rhodium mineralisation was found in two other holes at Três Estados.