Mr Warburton is a graduate of the Western Australia School of Mines with an Associate Degree in Mining Engineering. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Chairman of the Australian Mining and Prospectors Hall of Fame Foundation, Councillor of the Western Australian School of Mines Alumni association and serves as a director on several smaller private companies.

Mr Warburton has worked within the mining industry his entire career in roles ranging from underground miner through to senior mining engineer to executive and non-executive directorships managing large mining and contracting companies. He has over 40 years of experience in all areas of mining operations.

Over the period 2000-2012, Mr Warburton held senior positions with Barminco Limited culminating in his appointment as Chief Executive Officer from August 2007 to March 2012. During his time at Barminco, he managed the day-to-day Australian operations and coordinated the international expansion into West Africa and Egypt, establishing the company as the largest underground hard rock contractor in Australia and West Africa and more than doubling Barminco’s revenue.

Prior to joining Barminco, Mr Warburton held several senior corporate positions included serving as Managing Director of Coolgardie Gold NL from 1990 to 1995.

The Board considers that Mr Warburton is an independent Director.