New Mining Leadership
Black Cat Syndicate Appoints Veteran BHP Executive Chris Stone as Nonexecutive Director
Anonymous
Key Points
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Chris Stone’s career at BHP culminated in his serving as vice president of WA Nickel, with executive responsibility for three underground mines, four open-pit mines, two processing plants, two airports, four pastoral stations and approximately 1,700 employees.
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Before joining the board, Stone had been engaged by Black Cat to lead life-of-mine planning and develop strategic pathways for business decision-making, giving him prior familiarity with the company’s operations.
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Black Cat Chairman Paul Chapman said Stone’s experience would be “invaluable in guiding the growing business” and described the appointment as another step toward broadening and strengthening the board.
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Stone holds WA WorkSafe Senior Site Executive certification and is a WA WorkSafe First Class Mine Manager for non-coal operations, credentials relevant to Black Cat’s operational and safety oversight as it expands production.
Black Cat Syndicate removed Managing Director James Bruce in early September 2026, replacing him with mining veteran Chris Stone as an independent nonexecutive director. Market Screener reported Stone's appointment took effect September 7, bringing more than 35 years of experience in gold, nickel, copper and coal operations. Bruce will receive accrued benefits and six months' pay in lieu of notice, retaining 51,724 vested performance rights while 2.26 million unvested rights lapsed.
Stone's Mining Leadership Spans BHP and Major Operations
Stone held the role of vice president of WA Nickel at BHP, where he managed three underground mines, four open-pit mines, two processing plants, two airports and four pastoral stations. Market Screener noted he oversaw approximately 1,700 employees across these operations. His background spans multiple commodities and large-scale portfolio management, giving him deep operational expertise relevant to Black Cat's expansion plans.
Stone Already Familiar With Black Cat's Strategic Direction
Before joining the board, Stone worked with Black Cat on life-of-mine planning and developing strategic pathways for business decisions. Business News reported this prior engagement gave him practical familiarity with the company's operations and challenges. Stone holds a BE (Mining), MBA, MProjMgt, and GAICD credentials, plus WA WorkSafe certifications as a Senior Site Executive and First Class Mine Manager for non-coal operations.
Broad Board Strengthening as Production Accelerates
Black Cat Chairman Paul Chapman said Stone's experience would be "invaluable in guiding the growing business." The company granted Stone 500,000 unlisted options exercisable at A$1.65 through September 7, 2030. Market Screener noted the appointment represents another step in broadening and strengthening the board as Black Cat accelerates production and operations. The existing executive team continues overseeing daily operations during the transition.
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