ASX ANNOUNCEMENT
19 May 2025
ASX: BEZ
Besra Gold Inc (ASX:BEZ) (‘Besra’ or ‘the Company’) is very pleased to announce the
appointment of two new independent Directors, namely Mr David Potter and Mr Sean
Williamson.
These two appointments will add highly relevant industry expertise to the Besra Board,
as the Company transitions from explorer to developer and ultimately a gold producer at
the Jugan Project.
Effective today, Mr David Potter will join the Board as the Company’s independent Non-
Executive Chair, whilst Mr Sean Williamson will be appointed as an independent Non-
Executive Director. Also, effective as of today and to accommodate the appointment of
Mr Potter as the Company’s Chair, Mr Jon Morda has stepped aside as Besra’s interim Non-
Executive Chair (but will remain as a Non-Executive Director). In addition, to facilitate the
appointment of Mr Potter, Mr Michael Higginson readily and constructively agreed to
resign as a Director of Besra. Mr Higginson will remain as Besra’s Chief Corporate Officer
and Company Secretary.
Outgoing Chair Jon Morda said:
“I am delighted that Besra has been able to attract independent Board nominees of the calibre,
qualifications and expertise of Messrs Potter and Williamson.”
“Going forward, I am very confident that under the stewardship of our new Chair, coupled with
the expert strategic and legal guidance of Sean, that our new Board is well positioned to
meaningfully contribute to and achieve Besra’s gold mining aspirations.”
David Potter
Mr Potter has expansive resource sector experience, spanning over 30 years, during which
he has built and led a diverse range of specialist teams providing technical, financial and
strategic support for multiple start-ups, operations, feasibility and due diligence studies.
This wealth of his hands-on operational experience is combined with strong corporate,
legal and finance acumen, built from continued education as well as executive experience
at Reed Resources, Excelsior Gold and Round Oak Minerals (a 100% owned subsidiary of
Washington Soul Pattinson), as well being a director of several private entities.
Mr Potter currently works as a private resource sector consultant advising on technical,
finance and strategic matters. He has a Bachelor of Science (geology), a Master of Science
(mineral economics) and a diploma in Financial Investment and Analysis. As a member of
the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, he is able to act as a JORC competent
person for a variety of deposit styles.
Incoming Chair David Potter said:
“It is a privilege to be appointed as a Director and Chair of Besra. In my experience, there have
been few ASX gold focused listed companies with Besra’s combination of material JORC 2012
compliant gold resources of circa 2.8Moz and a cash backing of circa A$20m, but a modest
market capitalisation of only circa A$18m. This is a compelling turnaround opportunity.”
“Based on my due diligence, I attained a strong conviction in the commerciality of, in particular,
the Jugan deposit. My mission is to oversee, for the benefit of all shareholders, Besra’s
evolution into a gold producer, ensuring irreproachable corporate governance and to work
closely with our in-country team and the authorities in Sarawak to prudently unlock the
considerable latent potential in our exploration and mining assets. Recent years have been
tumultuous for our shareholders and it is my expectation that this Board renewal process will
presage a resolution of those issues which have severely restrained the market’s appreciation
for Besra’s assets.”
“I will be visiting the site in June 2025 and look forward to re-energising and directing our
interactions with the Sarawak Government in order to initially secure the renewal of ML
05/2012/1D. We will actively direct our efforts in building partnerships with the community,
with a focus on education and engaging with the government for the development of a long
term ethical, environmentally friendly and sustainable mining operations that delivers wealth
and employment opportunities for both the local communities and for the state of Sarawak.”
Sean Williamson
Sean Williamson is a corporate and securities lawyer with extensive experience in private
practice working on corporate finance transactions, M&A and shareholder activism as
well as inhouse experience in listed gold production companies. Sean is currently
Director, Corporate Counsel of Dundee Precious Metals Inc (Dundee), a Toronto Stock
Exchange (TSE) listed gold mining company with assets in Bulgaria, Ecuador and
Serbia. Dundee has a market capitalisation of approximately CA$3.5bn and produced
261k oz of gold in 2024 plus 30m lb of copper. At Dundee, Mr Williamson’s
responsibilities involve working with senior executives on corporate governance and
commercial matters, including the management of legal aspects of multi-jurisdictional
matters.
Mr Williamson completed a Juris Doctorate from the University of Windsor in 2011. In
private practice he worked most recently at Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP for six
years, leaving the firm in 2021 as Senior Associate. Mr Williamson was then Senior Legal
Counsel and Associate Corporate Secretary at Iamgold Corp between 2021 and 2023.
Listed on the New York Stock Exchange and TSE, Iamgold is a multi-billion dollar gold
mining company, producing gold from operations in North America and West Africa.
Mr Williamson resides in Toronto, Canada and his seat on the Besra Board complies with
Canadian regulatory requirements.
Incoming Non-Executive Director Sean Williamson said:
“As a Non-Executive Director, I see my role as bringing an independent perspective, upholding
the highest standards of corporate governance and ensuring that strategic decisions are made
with a long-term view towards value creation and responsible resource development.”
“I certainly look forward to contributing to the future success of Besra and to being offered the
opportunity of being part of Besra’s team going forward.”
The Board extends its sincere thanks to Mr Morda for his service to Besra since February
2025 in his role as interim Chair and also Mr Michael Higginson for his expert guidance
and dedication as a Director of the Company since September 2024.
This announcement was authorised for release by Mr Kenny Lee – Executive Director.
Michael Higginson
Company Secretary