Surefire Resources NL (ASX: SRN), formerly Black Ridge Mining NL, has announced the appointment of Dr Andrew Whitehead as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 23 February 2026. Simultaneously, the Company advises that Managing Director Paul Burton resigned from his role, effective Friday, 20 February 2026. These leadership changes mark a pivotal moment for the Company as it advances its flagship critical minerals projects across Western Australia (WA).
Figure 1: Surefire Resources’ Managing Director Paul Burton has resigned from his role [LinkedIn]
Dr Andrew Whitehead Steps In as CEO
The Board has appointed Dr Whitehead, a seasoned mining executive, to lead the Company through its next phase of growth. He brings more than 15 years of experience across ASX-listed and private resource companies, covering iron ore, gold and critical minerals.
Dr Whitehead’s professional background spans:
- Commercial strategy and capital management support across large-scale resource development projects
- Governance oversight and joint venture management in complex multi-stakeholder environments
- Stakeholder engagement across government, industry and international partners
- Executive leadership roles across the full minerals value chain — from exploration through to development
Academically, Dr Whitehead holds a PhD in International Business from Flinders University and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance & Investment. He has also completed the Company Directors Course with the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Figure 2: Dr Andrew Whitehead, newly appointed CEO of Surefire Resources [LinkedIn]
Remuneration
In accordance with ASX Listing Rules, the Company discloses the key terms of Dr Whitehead’s remuneration package:
- Total fixed remuneration of $300,000 per annum (plus statutory superannuation entitlements)
- Standard employment terms including confidentiality provisions and retention of intellectual property
Paul Burton Departs as Managing Director
The Company acknowledges the resignation of Managing Director Paul Burton and wishes him well in his future endeavours. The Board does not expect the leadership transition to disrupt the Company’s operational momentum as it continues to advance its key projects in Western Australia.
About Surefire Resources NL
Surefire Resources NL (ASX: SRN) is a Perth-based, Western Australian mineral exploration company focused on developing critical minerals and gold assets. The Company holds mineral exploration licences over Vanadium, Magnetite and Gold projects located across Western Australia.
The Company’s major projects include:
- Victory Bore Vanadium Project: One of Australia’s largest advanced Vanadium critical mineral projects, situated in WA’s Mid-West region. The Project features high-grade vanadium and titanium and has completed a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) delivering a $1.7 billion Net Present Value (NPV) and a 42% Internal Rate of Return (IRR). The Company is progressing the Project with international partners and plans downstream processing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Yidby Gold Project: Located in the Yalgoo-Singleton Greenstone Belt, this project demonstrates significant, large-scale, structurally controlled gold potential.
- Kooline Lead-Silver Project: Situated in the Ashburton Province and targeting high-grade lead and silver mineralisation.
- Perenjori Iron Ore Project: Strategically located near existing rail infrastructure in WA’s mid-west, offering significant logistical advantages for future development.
The Company’s primary focus remains the advancement of the Victory Bore Vanadium Project, a globally significant critical and battery minerals asset, while the Gold and Green Magnetite projects offer additional avenues for value creation for shareholders.
Figure 3: Project Locations of Surefire Resources [Surefire Resources]
Investor Outlook
Surefire Resources‘ shares responded sharply to today’s announcement. The stock last traded at $0.002 on the ASX, recording a 100% increase of $0.001 from the prior session as at 10:53am (AEDT) on 23 February 2026. The Company’s current market capitalisation stands at approximately $8.05 million.
Key share price metrics (ASX: SRN) as at 10:53 am AEDT, 23 February 2026:
- Last Price: $0.002
- Change: +$0.001 (+100.00%)
- Market Capitalisation: $8,051,219
The appointment of a CEO with Dr Whitehead’s depth of experience in commercial strategy and critical minerals development signals the Company’s intent to accelerate progress on the Victory Bore Vanadium Project. With a completed PFS showing a $1.7B NPV and active engagement with international partners in Saudi Arabia, the Company is positioning itself at the forefront of the global battery minerals supply chain.
Investors will be watching closely as the new leadership team charts the Company’s course toward project financing, international partnerships and, ultimately, production milestones.
