Board & Management
Karl Simich
Non-Executive Chairman
Karl Simich is a prominent mining executive with more than 38 years’ experience in corporate finance and international resource company leadership. He was the founder of Sandfire Resources (ASX: SFR), where he led the discovery, development and operation of the high-grade DeGrussa Copper-Gold Mine in Western Australia. Under his leadership, Sandfire transformed into a globally diversified producer with a market capitalisation exceeding $5 billion. Karl brings deep experience in project development, financing, and shareholder value creation. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Financial Services Institute of Australasia.
Ross Cotton
Executive Director
Ross Cotton is an experienced corporate executive with more than 15 years in the resources sector, specialising in project development, corporate finance, and capital markets. He has held executive and board roles across a range of ASX-listed companies, with a focus on identifying and advancing exploration assets, building high-performing teams, and securing funding to support growth. His experience is particularly strong in base metals, especially in the identification and development of copper and gold projects, with a proven track record in both Australian and international jurisdictions.
Ross has been instrumental in driving value for shareholders through strategic acquisitions, capital raisings, and effective stakeholder engagement. He currently serves as Executive Director of Catalina Resources Ltd and has previously held roles including Managing Director of Balkan Mining and Minerals, as well as board positions with White Cliff Minerals, Lithium Universe and The Agency Group.
Jade Smith
Executive Director – Operations
An accomplished and respected leader in business transformation and optimisation, Jade brings more than 20 years of executive and consulting experience across government, health, education and resources, with a strong record of delivering large-scale transformation, operational excellence and cultural change.
As Executive Director – Operations, Jade provides Board-level oversight of Catalina’s exploration and development programs across the Company’s portfolio, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and shareholder value.
He also oversees governance and compliance processes, including heritage and regulatory obligations, to maintain transparency and discipline.
Strategic and hands-on, Jade is recognised for creating clarity from complexity, fostering high-performing teams, and enabling organisations to achieve their mission and strengthen the communities they serve.
Nishka Piechocka
Chief Geologist
A PhD-qualified geologist, Nishka brings 19 years of experience across gold, rare earth elements, copper and iron ore. She has worked across the full resource value chain, from greenfields exploration and discovery drilling through to geometallurgy, 3D modelling, mine geology and operational planning, bringing together technical depth and strong commercial awareness.
Her career spans Tier 1 companies, including Rio Tinto, BHP and Fortescue, alongside roles in private exploration, consulting and collaborative industry initiatives.
Recognised for her strategic leadership, Nishka has led complex multi-partner programs and applies the technical capability and discipline required to advance exploration portfolios and deliver long-term shareholder value.
She currently serves as Vice President of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists.