Legacy Iron Ore has confirmed a major leadership change with CEO Rakesh Gupta resigning after a decade in the role. Gupta played a pivotal role in guiding the company from gold exploration to early-stage production at the Mt Celia gold project.
His departure marks the end of a transformative period for the company as it pivots to broader mining development. Gupta originally joined the company in 2015 and leaves behind a strong foundation and defined growth pipeline.
Rakesh Gupta Departs After Decade of Service
Since his appointment in 2015, Rakesh Gupta guided Legacy Iron Ore through significant exploration and feasibility milestones. He played a key role in advancing the Mt Celia gold project, located 40km south of the Sunrise Dam mine.
Under his leadership, Legacy evolved from a gold exploration company into an emerging gold producer with defined production goals. Chairman Amitava Mukherjee thanked Gupta on behalf of the board and shareholders, recognising his valuable contributions.
Gupta’s leadership style and project execution helped position the company for its next growth phase in Western Australia. He leaves the company with operational momentum and a focused portfolio of gold development assets.
Ranajit Das to Assume CEO Role on July 1
Ranajit Das, currently principal mining engineer at Incitec Pivot, has been appointed as incoming CEO of Legacy Iron Ore. Ranajit Das will take the reins on July 1, 2025, with the mining head serving as interim CEO until then.
Das brings more than 30 years of mining experience, primarily in Australia, including LOM planning and pit optimisation. His career includes involvement in several resource expansion studies and technical due diligence for major mining projects.
The board expects his operational insight to help unlock value at Mt Celia and other exploration sites. Chairman Mukherjee welcomed Das, stating the company looks forward to working closely with him on future strategies.
Also Read: ASX 200 Slumps Amid Ongoing Global Tensions and Oil Price Concerns
Mt Celia Gold Project Remains Strategic Focus
The Mt Celia gold project remains central to Legacy Iron Ore’s strategy, with key resources already identified. Located in a prolific gold-producing region, Mt Celia is near AngloGold Ashanti’s Sunrise Dam operation.
Legacy has prioritised near-term development at Mt Celia, with recent activities focused on feasibility and mine planning. Das is expected to oversee the transition of this project into production while optimising mine design and output potential.
The company continues its exploration program to expand the current resource base and define future drilling campaigns. Strong infrastructure access and favourable geology make Mt Celia an attractive asset for scalable gold production.
Ben Donovan Joins Board as Non-Executive Director
In parallel with the CEO change, Ben Donovan has been appointed as a non-executive director effective immediately. Donovan has supported Legacy Iron Ore in the past, most recently serving as company secretary.
He brings deep experience in capital markets, particularly in ASX listings, corporate structuring, and investor engagement. His appointment strengthens board governance and enhances the company’s capacity to pursue strategic fundraising.
Chairman Mukherjee highlighted Donovan’s long-standing support and welcomed his transition into a board position. This appointment aligns with the company’s goal to bolster leadership during a period of operational and corporate growth.
Ben Donovan– Non-Executive Director
Board Committed to Project Development and Shareholder Value
Legacy Iron Ore’s board expressed confidence in the new leadership structure and its alignment with project advancement. They emphasised continuity of operations, with an experienced team overseeing project development during the CEO transition.
The company remains committed to delivering value through disciplined resource development and operational excellence. This leadership reshuffle reflects Legacy’s readiness to enter a more active project execution and production phase.
With a clear roadmap at Mt Celia and supportive market conditions, Legacy is well-positioned for the next chapter. Ongoing community engagement and regulatory compliance remain key priorities as development activities progress.
Strategic Growth Ahead Under New Leadership
With Ranajit Das at the helm, Legacy Iron Ore enters a new growth-focused era grounded in operational execution. Das’s mining expertise complements the company’s evolving project portfolio and planned production ramp-up.
The board expects his technical leadership to further derisk project development and attract new investment. Legacy is expected to leverage its strong asset base and experienced management to unlock long-term value.
The combined leadership of Das and Donovan positions the company to accelerate milestones and enhance stakeholder trust. As the Mt Celia gold project advances, Legacy aims to become a significant player in the Western Australian gold sector.
