TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 23, 2013) - Energizer Resources Inc. (TSX:EGZ)(OTCQX:ENZR)(FRANKFURT:YE5) ("Energizer" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. V. Peter Harder, LL.D, M.A., B.A. (Hons) as Chairman of the Board and Mr. Richard E. Schler, MBA, as Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
Energizer is transitioning from a junior exploration company to a mine development company, and these appointments demonstrate the Company's continued commitment to its strategic plan, which is to further strengthen and enhance its operating and mine development capabilities as it aggressively advances its flagship Molo Graphite Project in Southern Madagascar to a potential world-class mine.
Pilot Plant to be Completed Within 45 Days
Energizer is currently engaged in advanced discussions with numerous potential off-take partners. With the Molo Graphite Project pilot plant being initiated this month at SGS Canada Inc., multi-tonne bulk samples of finished graphite concentrate from the Molo deposit is on track to be delivered to potential off-take partners within 45 days. The delivery of these bulk samples to various potential strategic partners represents the last evaluation step required by potential partners to begin finalizing project level financing and off-take agreements with Energizer.
Mr. Harder will play a prominent and active role in the interface with these potential strategic partners. His impressive credentials in the practice of International Trade, Public Policy and Environmental and Natural Resources across the mining, government and renewable energy industry sectors will position Energizer with a distinct advantage in this initiative.
V. Peter Harder as Chairman of the Board
Mr. Harder has been a director of the Energizer since July 2009. Mr. Harder is Senior Policy Advisor to the international law firm Dentons Canada LLP. Mr. Harder possesses a wealth of expertise in public policy as a result of his involvement at the centre of government decision making for over thirty years.
Prior to joining Dentons, Mr. Harder was a long serving Deputy Minister in the Government of Canada. First appointed a Deputy Minister in 1991, he served as the most senior public servant in a number of federal departments, including Industry and Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
Mr. Harder also serves on the Boards of Power Financial Corporation, IGM Financial Corporation, Magna International Inc., and Northland Power. In 2008, Mr. Harder was elected the President of the Canada China Business Council (CCBC).
Richard E. Schler as Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Schler has served as the Company's Executive Vice President since September 2012 and has worked for the Company and served as a director since April 2006. Prior to being appointed Executive Vice President, Mr. Schler held numerous positions including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Before joining Energizer, Mr. Schler held various senior management positions with noted corporations in the manufacturing sector. Mr. Schler holds an MBA (Masters of Business Administration) from Western University and has a background in Mechanical Engineering.
With over 30 years of financial management, engineering and business operations experience, Mr. Schler's unique skill set will allow the Company to continue the advancement of the Molo Graphite Project and help to realize Energizer's potential capability to be a low cost, vertically integrated producer of value-added graphite products.
About Energizer Resources
Energizer Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration and mine development company based in Toronto, Canada. It is focused on developing its flagship Molo flaked graphite deposit in Fotadrevo, Southern Madagascar into a potential world-class mine, capable of supplying the largest and most significant graphite markets (refractory, foil and lithium-ion) with high purity material as well as supplying the small but growing ultra-high purity graphite market.
The Molo deposit is located in the Green Giant Graphite project, and is held 100% within the joint venture (JV) entity with Malagasy Minerals Limited. Energizer has a 75% ownership interest and is the operator of the Project.
For more information, please visit our website at www.energizerresources.com.
Safe Harbour: This press release may contain forward-looking statements that may involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results could differ materially from expectations and projections set out herein.
Contact Information:
Brent Nykoliation
Senior Vice President, Corporate Development
Toll Free: 800.818.5442 or 416.364.4911
bnykoliation@energizerresources.com
Energizer Resources Inc.
Craig Scherba
President and COO
Toll Free: 800.818.5442 or 416.364.4911
www.energizerresources.com