Fabian Shaanika Joins Kudu Chemicals Board
Green Metals Refining (GMR) Ltd has appointed Fabian Shaanika to the board of its Namibian subsidiary, Kudu Chemicals. Shaanika, a seasoned executive with over 25 years' experience in mining and banking, brings extensive expertise in leadership, project development, and financing. His deep local insights are expected to provide strategic guidance for Kudu Chemicals' sulphuric acid plant at Walvis Bay, enhancing the company's engagement with Namibian stakeholders and supporting the country's green energy transition.
Green Metals Refining (GMR) Ltd, a midstream refining company dedicated to producing low-cost battery-grade manganese chemicals for the green energy transition, has announced the appointment of Fabian Shaanika to the board of Kudu Chemicals. Kudu Chemicals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Green Metals registered in Namibia, is advancing the development of its sulphuric acid plant at Walvis Bay. Shaanika is an accomplished executive with over 25 years of experience across the mining and banking sectors. He possesses extensive expertise in executive leadership, project development, and financing, coupled with a strong network among stakeholders in Namibia’s natural resources and renewable energy sectors. His profound local insights are anticipated to provide valuable strategic guidance for Kudu Chemicals' initiatives.Shaanika's career highlights include serving as managing director for Kelp Blue, where he successfully scaled up Namibian operations. He also held significant roles in banking with RMB and Standard Bank in Namibia, and worked in operations and capital projects for De Beers, Debmarine, and Namdeb, even serving as chief geologist at Skorpion Zinc Mine. Derk Hartman, GMR founder and chief executive, expressed pleasure in welcoming Shaanika, stating his appointment strengthens Kudu Chemicals’ engagement with key Namibian stakeholders and enhances the wider GMR group's strategic capabilities. Shaanika conveyed his excitement to join at such a pivotal stage, looking forward to contributing to the company’s growth and supporting Namibia’s industrial and energy transition ambitions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in geophysical sciences from the University of Leeds and a master’s of business administration from Stellenbosch Business School.
