Diatreme Resources is adding rich-lister Brian Flannery as a director in a boardroom overhaul in the wake of its takeover of fellow Far North Queensland silica sand proponent Metallica Minerals.

Announcing Mr Flannery’s appointment as a non-executive director, Diatreme said his expertise would be instrumental as it advanced toward silica sand production in Far North Queensland.

“Mr Flannery has a successful history of resource company investing and leadership, and we are delighted to welcome him to our board,” chair Wayne Swan said.

“As one of our major shareholders his ongoing financial support and guidance to Diatreme is highly appreciated and regarded.

“We firmly believe his insightful thinking and experience will complement our board and leadership team as we endeavour to deliver our projects and create increased shareholder value.”

Related: Diatreme triumphant in Metallica takeover campaign

Diatreme has appointed current non-executive director Kara Keys as deputy chair.

Major shareholder and silica sand projects partner Sibelco Asia Pacific will be appointing a nominee to the board.

Sibelco has completed a two-tranche investment in Diatreme of $35 million, taking its total project interest in Diatreme’s silica sand projects to 26.8 per cent.

Diatreme said Sibelco also made a $13.97 million investment at the corporate level, strengthening its financial position and project development significantly amid constrained access to material capital for resource developers.

Diatreme’s key projects comprise the Northern Silica Project and Galalar Silica Sand Project on Cape York, which have a combined mineral resource of 402Mt.

Metallica’s portfolio included the Cape Flattery Silica project, with an ore reserve of 47Mt at 99.11 per cent silicon dioxide, within a mineral resource of 49.5Mt at 99.10 per cent.