Merdeka Gold Resources appoints three new director candidates

Jakarta (ANTARA) - PT Merdeka Gold Resources Tbk (EMAS) is strengthening its management structure by appointing three new director candidates, as part of its strategy for expansion and sustainable gold production growth. The three director candidates will first require approval at the General Meeting of Shareholders (GMS) scheduled for 22 April 2026. “This appointment is not merely a structural change, but part of efforts to strengthen the company’s operational capabilities and governance in facing the next growth phase,” EMAS management stated in a disclosure to the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) on Thursday. EMAS management conveyed that this initiative is part of the company’s strategy to enhance global governance standards, transparency, and accountability, while strengthening the company’s position in an increasingly competitive capital market. Additionally, this step is taken amid the company’s important momentum as it enters a new phase, namely commercial gold production, marked by the realisation of its first gold sale to PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTM) in March 2026. The three new director candidates are, first, Nicholas John Green, who joined in May 2022 and currently serves as General Manager at EMAS. His role focuses on developing new projects and expanding existing operational facilities. Expansion of facilities and project development are key determinants of the company’s long-term production growth, especially amid rising global gold demand. Second, Barend Johannes Nicolaas Knoetze, who has strong operational experience. Since November 2025, Barend has served as General Manager of the Pani Gold Mine, one of EMAS’s strategic projects. Barend is responsible for daily mine operations, from planning, budgeting, to implementing long-term strategies. Previously, Barend had experience as General Manager at the Wetar copper mine owned by PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk (MDKA). Cross-commodity experience adds value, particularly in managing the complexities of large-scale mining operations. Third, Suryadinata Tanu, who fills a key position on the financial side. Suryadinata previously served as General Manager of Finance, Accounting, and Tax at MDKA since November 2017. This role is crucial for maintaining the company’s financial stability, especially as EMAS enters a production phase that requires more complex cost management, investments, and cash flow. In addition to directors, EMAS will also strengthen its Board of Commissioners, including appointing Xinyu Wang and Winato Kartono as Commissioners, as well as Yu Gao, John Mackay McCulloch Williamson, and Jona Widhagdo Putri as Independent Commissioners. With these positions, the company’s board of commissioners will consist of four independent commissioners out of a total of seven board members, or more than half of the board comprising independent commissioners. EMAS management stated that the appointment of the board of directors and commissioners occurs at the right time, as EMAS is no longer in the exploration phase but has entered the commercial production stage. The first gold sale to PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTM) in March 2026 serves as evidence that the developed projects are beginning to yield tangible results. With the combination of technical, operational, and financial experience from the new director candidates, EMAS is better positioned to execute its expansion strategy effectively. Management assesses that the track record of the board of directors and commissioners, particularly in developing projects like Pani, will serve as an important foundation in ensuring sustainable growth.