Critical Minerals Group (ASX:CMG) has appointed Pat Kelly (pictured) as interim chief executive officer effective September 1, while the board conducts a process to determine CMG’s long-term leadership.

Mr Kelly, who has been in the role of chief operating officer, succeeds managing director and chief executive officer Scott Winter, who is resigning after about three years leading the company.

Mr Winter’s resignation follows his decision to take up a new opportunity as chief executive officer of equipment rental and parts sales business BTP Group. A private consortium led by Cratus Group is acquiring the business from Perenti (ASX: PRN) for about $100 million.

“Scott has taken CMG to new levels and played an important role in advancing Queensland’s vanadium industry more broadly,” CMG chairman Alan Broome said.

“He leaves the business in a strong position, with a clear strategy and a clear line of sight to FID on the Lindfield project and electrolyte plant.”

North-West Queensland copper producer Austral Resources Australia (ASX: AR1) has appointed Matthew Beattie as chief financial officer.

Mr Beattie (pictured left) joins Austral from Anson Resources (ASX: ASN), where he serves as chief financial officer, and has held senior roles with Rio Tinto and EDL in the resources sector as well as having experience with Commonwealth Bank and PwC.

In conjunction with the appointment, Angus Peterson will transition from chief financial officer to general manager – finance and treasury, continuing as a senior member of Austral’s finance team.

“We are pleased to welcome Matt to Austral,” chairman David Newling said.

“He brings significant relevant financial and commercial experience and will be a valuable addition to our leadership team. Angus has made, and will continue to make, significant contributions to Austral as he transitions into his new role.

“Strengthening our internal financial capabilities is a key aspect to continue with our plans to build Australia’s next mid-tier copper powerhouse.”

Tungsten producer EQ Resources (ASX: EQR) has announced two new additions to its board: Nicole Brook and Taki Dermedgoglou.

Ms Brook has held senior executive roles with Glencore and Xstrata Coal, is a non-executive director of Whitehaven Coal (ASX: WHC) and was a director of AusIMM from 2021 to 2025 (serving as president and chair in 2023 and 2024).

Mr Dermedgoglou has been nominated by Andrew Forrest’s Wonongarra, pursuant to the director nomination right which transferred to Wonongarra upon its acquisition of Oaktree’s interest in the company this year. His career has included roles at Rio Tinto, BHP, Macquarie Capital and UBS.

Stephen Weir, who joined the board in January 2024 as Oaktree’s nominee, will remain as an independent non-executive director and chair of the audit and risk committee.

‘In the coming months, the board will undertake a comprehensive assessment of the skills, background and composition appropriate for EQR’s planned US listing,’ the company said in an update to the ASX