Management & Directors
Martyn Element, Chairman of the Board, Director
Martyn Element, is the founder and President of Element and Associates, which is primarily focused on sourcing and pursuing new business ventures globally and has attained a proven track record of securing financing for these opportunities. Martyn’s network has been cultivated extensively while in his position at Element and Associates where he has developed strong working relationships with specialized funds from around the world, as well as high net worth individuals for private and public equity financings. Prior to forming Element and Associates in 1989, Martyn developed his experience in the public financial markets in Canada and was previously involved in the food and beverage industry in Canada as well as Great Britain. He brings a broad contact base and genuine personal interest to each client and is efficient in identifying needs and customizing strategy, accordingly.
Marc Enright-Morin, President & CEO
Marc is a successful businessman and entrepreneur based in Vancouver, who has assisted various public and private companies raise capital through numerous institutions throughout Austral-Asia. With approximately fifteen years of experience in the public and private markets he has garnered an extensive network of investment banking contacts and experience, both of which are instrumental in the management and development of junior companies. He has also assisted various companies to go public through reverse takeover and initial public offering processes. His primary focus has been on the resource sector, specifically lithium. Marc spent seven years acquiring, researching, drilling and raising capital specifically for lithium opportunities. In the past, he has served as an officer and director to a number of publicly-traded mining companies.
Phillip Thomas BSc Geol MBusM MAIG MAIMVA MCIM CMV
Chief Operating Officer / Exploration Director
Phillip has degrees in Geology and Business Marketing and is a certified mineral valuer. He specialises in finance and capital raising, management of mining companies, planning, development and management of mining projects, having established a number of significant exploration projects in Mexico, USA, Chile, Argentina, Arizona and Australia. Previously he was actively engaged in developing two major lithium projects in Argentina with Dr. Sorentino. Phillip has specialised in the exploration, development, financing and sales of lithium deposits within the public company structure. He has extensive knowledge of the lithium carbonate markets in Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan. From 2003 to 2008 he was CEO of Admiralty Resources, worked on the Rincon Salar project in Argentina, and prepared the bankable feasibility study for the exploitation of the Salar del Rincon. He raised more than $6m for this project and sold it in 2008. He and his team constructed a laboratory, pilot plant and developed a process to evaporate the brines in half the usual time. Phil has been active in three lithium projects in the last 4 years. Phillip holds a M Bus Marketing degree with high distinction from Monash University, a Bachelor of Science (Geology) degree and a Diploma in Finance. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and a certified Mineral Valuer with the Australasian Institute of Mineral Valuers and Appraisers.
Kiki Smith, CFO, Director
With over 20 years of experience, Kiki has been assisting private and public companies in the roles of accountant, corporate controller and chief financial officer in mining, oil and gas, real estate, high technology, food production, and investment fund management. She currently provides consulting services in mergers and acquisitions, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance to several public and private companies in the resource, food production and investment sectors. Kiki graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1989 with a bachelor of arts degree in economics. She is member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia.