AuMEGA Metals Ltd (ASX: AAM, TSXV: AUM) has announced a significant change to its executive leadership team, appointing Rafael Gradim as President. Mr. Gradim will assume the role on 1 August 2026, taking over from Michael Skead, who is stepping down for personal reasons. Based in Toronto, the incoming President will hold full accountability for the company’s exploration activities, including the execution and advancement of programs across its extensive land package in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Mr. Gradim brings more than 22 years of industry experience to the role, having held technical and strategic positions at companies such as Vale Base Metals, Eldorado Gold, and Gold Fields. His background spans the entire mining value chain, from grassroots exploration and resource definition to corporate development. This diverse experience is intended to support the company’s technical evaluation and growth strategies as it continues to explore its Cape Ray project.

"We are very pleased to welcome Rafael as President of AuMEGA. Rafael brings an exceptional blend of exploration leadership, technical depth and strategic perspective gained across major mining companies, corporate development and in the buy-side. His proven ability to identify overlooked opportunities, assess geological potential and align exploration strategy with shareholder objectives makes him ideally suited to lead our exploration efforts as we advance the next phase of growth across our Newfoundland portfolio."

— Sam Pazuki, Managing Director and CEO

The transition occurs as AuMEGA continues to refine its exploration oversight. To bolster this strategic focus, the company previously established a Technical Committee of the Board in October 2025. This committee, comprising directors with deep geological and mining expertise, works alongside management to ensure alignment on exploration priorities.

"I am excited to join AuMEGA at such an important stage in the Company's development. Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to evaluate hundreds of mineral projects globally, and AuMEGA's Newfoundland portfolio stands out as a district-scale opportunity with tremendous potential to unlock significant value through disciplined, technically driven exploration."

— Rafael Gradim, Incoming President

Read the full announcement: AuMEGA Metals Appoints Rafael Gradim as President