Sirius Minerals PLC : Senior Management Appointment

25 February 2013

Sirius Minerals Plc

Senior Management Appointment - Gordon Cowe

The Directors of Sirius Minerals Plc (AIM: SXX, OTCQX: SRUXY) ("Sirius" or the "Company"), the globally diversified potash development group, are pleased to announce the appointment of Gordon Cowe as Development Director.  Gordon will be responsible for leading the development of the York Potash Project (the "Project") from Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS") to construction and into production.  His new role with the Company commences on 25 March based at the York Potash offices in Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

Gordon is one of the world's leading Engineering, Procurement, Construction & Management ("EPCM") and Engineering, Procurement and Construction ("EPC") contractor managers and brings unparalleled skills in these project development methodologies. 

Gordon is a professional engineer with a Mechanical Engineering degree from Strathclyde University, and over 25 years of experience in managing business units and major projects in the resources industry.  Gordon's range of experience spans working for operating companies, engineering and project management consultancies and project development companies in the hydrocarbon, minerals and metals sectors within Australia, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East.

Chris Fraser, Managing Director and CEO of Sirius, commented:

"We are delighted to appoint Gordon Cowe as Development Director to lead this next rapid phase of the Project.  Gordon has unparalleled expertise developing major projects like the York Potash Project and his EPCM and EPC experience puts the Company in a strong position as we work towards first production."

Gordon Cowe, Development Director of Sirius, commented:

"The opportunity to return to the UK and be part of a world class, internationally significant project with so many national benefits is an opportunity too good to miss.  I have been following the development of the York Potash Project with interest for some time now and look forward to moving the Project into production as quickly and safely as possible."

About Gordon Cowe:

Gordon initially trained in project management in the hydrocarbon sector, an industry which leads in its approach to project discipline, risk management and exhibits a strong safety culture.  As Project Manager, he was responsible for the delivery of offshore hydrocarbon projects for Shell in Brunei and the Gulf of Mexico and for Saudi Aramco in Saudi Arabia. 

While working in Saudi Arabia, Gordon had corporate stewardship and review responsibility for the Ma'aden Phosphate development including a phosphate mine and beneficiation plant, four fertiliser plants, supporting infrastructure and export port facilities.  Gordon was also Project Director for Fortescue Metals Group's T45 iron ore mine, rail and port EPCM project and the subsequent planning for the expansion project to 155 million tonnes per annum.

Most recently Gordon was at WorleyParsons, with the position of Global Managing Director of the Infrastructure and Environment division and had particular responsibility for the development and implementation of the mine to port developments including African Minerals in Sierra Leone, Oakajee port and rail and Roy Hill mine to port in Western Australia and the CCX Coal development in Colombia.  He was also a member of WorleyParson's CEOC (Chief Executive Officer's Committee), an advisory group to the CEO.

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About Sirius Minerals Plc

Sirius Minerals is a globally diversified potash development company. Its primary focus is to bring on stream major potash mining facilities through the acquisition and development of projects overlying recognised potash deposits.  Today it holds properties in the United Kingdom (North Yorkshire), the United States (North Dakota), and Australia (Queensland).    Incorporated in 2003, Sirius Minerals' shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market.  Its shares are also traded in the United States on the OTCQX through a sponsored ADR facility.  Further information on the Company can be found at .