Steered by engineers
Introduction
Green Metals Refining Ltd (GMR) is a midstream refining company dedicated to the production of low-cost battery-grade manganese chemicals for the Green Energy Transition. Using a proven business model, GMR is developing a sustainable high-purity manganese supply chain based on sourcing cheap manganese feedstocks and optimising logistics.
The midstream refining model allows focus on process design to meet customer specifications across various lithium-ion chemistries, including LMFP, NMC and future sodium-ion chemistries. With over a decade of combined experience in the lithium-ion battery sector, augmented by strategic partnerships throughout the supply chain, including technology, feedstock supply, and key reagents, GMR is well-placed to execute this plan.
Strategy
Battery-grade manganese and similar critical materials are the foundation of global decarbonisation efforts. However, supply chains for these materials are typically severely constrained and dominated by a small number of exporters. GMR believes that Africa’s critical materials endowment is vital to the success of the Green Energy Transition, but that more refining – not mining – is key to unlocking this potential.
Leveraging huge existing raw material production capacity and its proprietary metallurgical database, the combination of strategic location, tight control of inputs and access to renewable energy can allow GMR to challenge incumbent battery-grade manganese producers and offer a resilient supply chain solution to battery manufacturers.
GMR’s flagship project in Namibia will process 100,000 t/a of high-quality manganese ore from the Kalahari Manganese Field in South Africa.
Meet Our Team
GMR was established by a highly experienced team with decades of combined expertise in industrial and battery materials project delivery and financing in Africa.
Derk Hartman
Founder & CEO
Battery metals executive with expertise in metallurgy and project delivery in Africa and other developing jurisdictions. Co-founded and led multiple natural resources companies. MSc Extractive Metallurgy, FT Non-Executive Director Diploma.
Jacques Du Toit
Co-Founder & COO
Project and technology development executive with extensive battery metal experience. Demonstrated success in leading complex change programmes in African and international resources projects. Chartered Engineer, MSc Engineering, PMP.
Andrew Carter
Chief Metallurgist
Metallurgical engineer and operations manager with broad experience in developing pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes. Proven capability in driving innovation, managing intellectual property and supporting permitting activities. Chartered Engineer, BSc, MIMMM, MSAIMM, SME.
Rakhat Darmesh
Co-Founder & Business
Development Executive
A successful entrepreneur that has developed natural resources and railway logistic services companies and compiled a portfolio of VC investments. Holds law degrees from Kazakh State Law University and Warwick University and lives in Namibia.
Heinz Pley
Non-Executive
Director
Globally recognised authority on natural resources industry with 30 years of strategy consulting, investment banking and principal investing experience. Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Stanford University and Namibian resident.
George Donne
Consultant, Business &
Commercial Development
Natural resources business development executive with experience in investment banking, PE and corporate management. Various senior executive and commercial roles for African-based battery materials developers. CFA Level 4 Certificate in ESG Investing.