Lotus Resources Strengthens Leadership Team with New Chief Financial Officer

Lotus Resources appoints Melissa Roberts as CFO, bringing 20+ years resources experience as company prepares for Kayelekera uranium mine restart this quarter
- Melissa Roberts appointed as Chief Financial Officer, effective 28 July 2025
- Roberts brings over 20 years of global resources sector experience across multiple commodities
- Previous CFO role at ASX-listed Talga Group and senior commercial positions at Iluka Resources
- Appointment coincides with Kayelekera uranium mine restart scheduled for this quarter
- Allows current Chief Commercial Officer Hayden Bartrop to focus entirely on existing roles
Lotus Resources Limited (ASX:LOT) is a leading Africa-focused uranium developer with significant scale and mineral resources across two key projects. The company operates with an 85% interest in the Kayelekera Uranium Project in Malawi and holds 100% ownership of the Letlhakane Uranium Project in Botswana. Lotus maintains a strong commitment to creating value for shareholders, customers and local communities whilst working towards meaningful, lasting impact in the regions where it operates.
The company's total uranium mineral resources span 191.6 million tonnes with 75.1 million kilograms of uranium oxide, representing 164.8 million pounds of uranium across all projects. The Kayelekera Project notably produced approximately 11 million pounds of uranium between 2009 and 2014, demonstrating its operational viability. Following a positive restart study, the project now holds proven ore reserves of 23 million pounds of uranium oxide, positioning it as a cornerstone asset for the company's production strategy.
Leadership Enhancement
The appointment of Melissa Roberts as Chief Financial Officer represents a strategic strengthening of Lotus Resources' executive team at a critical juncture in the company's development. Roberts brings over two decades of global resources sector experience, having worked across multiple commodities in Australia, North America, Europe and Africa. Her most recent role was Chief Financial Officer at ASX-listed Talga Group, and she previously served as General Manager of Commercial and Investor Relations at Iluka Resources.
Roberts holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from the University of Western Australia, an Executive Master of Business Administration from AGSM at UNSW, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. This combination of experience and education positions her to handle the financial requirements of uranium project development and production.
Managing Director Greg Bittar expressed his enthusiasm about the appointment, stating:
"I am delighted that Melissa is joining Lotus as Chief Financial Officer. It is an exciting time in our business as we deliver against our strategy of becoming the next global uranium producer with the restart of production at our Kayelekera uranium mine in Malawi this quarter."
The timing of Roberts' appointment coincides with the imminent restart of production at the Kayelekera uranium mine, scheduled for this quarter, transforming Lotus from a development company into an active uranium producer. Roberts commented on her new role:
"I'm thrilled to be joining Greg and the team at Lotus as they advance their strategy to become a leading uranium producer through the restart of Kayelekera, while also advancing a long-term growth strategy which includes the development of Letlhakane, both aimed at unlocking significant value for shareholders."
The appointment allows current Chief Commercial Officer and Company Secretary Hayden Bartrop to focus entirely on his existing roles, creating a more defined leadership structure as the company scales its operations.
Conclusion
Lotus Resources' appointment of Melissa Roberts as Chief Financial Officer strengthens the leadership team as the company transitions to uranium production with the Kayelekera restart this quarter. Roberts' extensive resources sector experience positions the company well for its evolution from developer to producer. Key upcoming milestones include the successful restart of Kayelekera production this quarter and continued advancement of the Letlhakane Project development studies.
Analyst's Notes


