West Coast Silver Limited has appointed Sergei Smolonogov as Chief Executive Officer, effective 24 August 2026, providing single-point executive leadership as it advances its Elizabeth Hill silver project in Western Australia.

Smolonogov, who continues as an Executive Director, joined in February 2026 as Technical Director. His 30-year career spans mine geology and resource development across five continents with operators including Barrick, KAZ Minerals, Nevsun Resources, Alacer Gold, and Adriatic Metals.

The appointment aligns day-to-day operations with the company's technical programme. Elizabeth Hill previously produced 1.2 million ounces of silver from 16,830 tonnes at 2,194 g/t Ag before closing in 2000.

“Serge has been the technical driving force at Elizabeth Hill since he joined us in early 2026. He built the growth and development plan the Company is now executing.” — Vince Fayad, Non-Executive Chairman

“We have an updated resource and the supporting testwork in front of us over the next six months, together with the commencement of a Scoping Study targeted for completion in 2027. The Board wanted one person unambiguously accountable for delivering them.” — Vince Fayad, Non-Executive Chairman

West Coast Silver plans to deliver an updated Mineral Resource Estimate within six months, alongside metallurgical and geotechnical testwork, targeting a Scoping Study completion in 2027.

Bruce Garlick, formerly Executive Chairman before transitioning to Executive Director - Corporate, is maintaining his notice period through 5 November 2026 to support an orderly transition to Smolonogov.

Read the full announcement: Serge Smolonogov Appointed Chief Executive Officer