Appointment of Exploration Manager

First Development Resources PLC

22 June 2026

 

22 June 2026

First Development Resources plc

('First Development", "FDR" or the "Company')

Strengthening Technical Capability Ahead of Maiden Lander West Drilling

Experienced Northern Territory Geologist Dr David Rawlings Appointed Exploration Manager

First Development Resources plc (AIM: FDR), the UK-based, Australia-focused exploration company with mineral interests in the Northern Territory and Western Australia, is pleased to announce the appointment of highly experienced geologist Dr David Rawlings as Exploration Manager.

Dr Rawlings brings more than 30 years of geological and exploration experience across government, major mining companies, junior explorers and consulting roles and possesses significant experience across Australia, particularly in the Northern Territory.

His appointment further strengthens the Company's technical capabilities as preparations continue for the fully funded maiden Phase I Reverse Circulation ("RC") drilling programme at the Lander West gold target, with drilling activities expected to commence during July 2026. Dr Rawlings has already commenced work with the Company and is assisting with final preparations ahead of mobilisation.

Tristan Pottas, Chief Executive Officer of FDR, commented:

"I am delighted to welcome David to FDR. Over more than three decades he has built an exceptional breadth and depth of geological knowledge across Australia and, in particular, the Northern Territory, where he has spent much of his career and developed a deep understanding of the region and its prospectivity.

David has been involved in numerous exploration successes and project developments throughout his career and brings a wealth of technical expertise and practical insight to the Company. We are very fortunate to have secured someone of his calibre and I have no doubt he will make a significant contribution as we continue to advance the business.

He has already hit the ground running and is working closely with the team and our operational partners as preparations continue ahead of maiden drilling at Lander West in July. His knowledge of the Territory and hands-on approach make him ideally suited to oversee this important stage in the evolution of the project, and I very much look forward to working with him as we continue to build First Development Resources."

APPOINTMENT OF DR RAWLINGS AS EXPLORATION MANAGER

The Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr David Rawlings as Exploration Manager.

As Exploration Manager, Dr Rawlings will assume responsibility for the management and execution of the Company's fully funded Phase I RC drilling programme at the Lander West gold target, part of the Company's 100%-owned Selta Project in the Northern Territory.

In addition to overseeing the upcoming drilling campaign, Dr Rawlings will work closely with the Company's technical team in the design and implementation of exploration programmes across the broader portfolio. The Company also expects to benefit from his geological knowledge and industry experience as it continues to evaluate opportunities to expand and enhance its Australian asset base.

DR DAVID RAWLINGS

During his career, Dr Rawlings has held senior technical and exploration roles with Cameco Australia, Toro Energy, Origin Energy, Core Lithium and Metal Hawk. He oversaw the development of the Finniss Lithium Project from concept through to mining and has provided technical advice to a number of ASX-listed resource companies over the last fifteen years.

His experience spans uranium, gold, lithium, battery metals, base metals and petroleum systems and includes all stages of exploration and project development across Australia.

OPERATIONAL PREPARATIONS AHEAD OF JULY DRILLING

With all key regulatory approvals in place and the drilling programme fully funded, preparations continue for the Company's maiden Phase I RC drilling programme at Lander West, with mobilisation and drilling activities expected to commence during July 2026.

Dr Rawlings has already commenced work with the Company's consultants and operational partners and is actively involved in preparations for the Company's maiden drilling programme at Lander West.

The Company expects to provide further updates as activities continue to progress.

For further information visit www.firstdevelopmentresources.com or contact the following:

First Development Resources plc Tristan Pottas (CEO)

Tel: [phone]

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ABOUT FIRST DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES

First Development Resources' assets comprise eight granted tenements covering a total area of 2,314.4km². Five of the tenements, comprising three prospective copper-gold projects, are located in Western Australia (WA) while the remaining three tenements, comprising a rare-earth element (REE), uranium, lithium and gold project, are located in the Australian's Northern Territory. All tenements are wholly owned by FDR. The assets are a mixture of drill ready and earlier stage exploration.

The WA Projects include the Company's Wallal Project as well as Ripon Hills and Braeside West Projects situated in the Paterson Province, which is widely regarded as one of the most productive regions in Australia for the discovery of world-class gold-copper deposits, and which is home to several world-class mines and more recent discoveries.

The Selta Project in the Northern Territory is located in an area considered highly prospective for uranium and rare-earth element mineralisation along with base and precious metal mineralisation. Numerous companies are actively exploring within the region.

Beyond the existing portfolio, FDR is actively looking to expand its portfolio through the acquisition of early-stage exploration projects in Australia.

 

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