Spark Energy Minerals Strengthens Leadership with Appointment of Dr. Fernando Tallarico as CEO and Chairman

Executive Summary

• Spark Energy Minerals Inc. appoints Dr. Fernando Tallarico as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, effective immediately.
• Dr. Tallarico brings over 35 years of international exploration and mining executive experience, including recent leadership of Axel REE Ltd.’s IPO and Brazil Lithium Valley projects.
• Outgoing CEO Eugene Hodgson steps down and will remain as a consultant to aid the transition.

Key Details

• New CEO/Chairman: Dr. Fernando Tallarico – Ph.D. in Economic Geology, former Managing Director & CEO of Axel REE Ltd., former senior roles at Vale S.A., BHP Billiton, and technical director for Forbes & Manhattan Group.
• Experience Highlights: Led discovery of significant gallium and rare‑earth mineralization in Brazil’s Caladão Granite Trend; managed the Tres Estradas Phosphate Project from discovery to permitting; contributed to major Brazilian deposits (Autazes Potash, Araguaia Nickel‑Laterite, Luanga PGE, Pedra Branca Copper).
• Strategic Focus: Dr. Tallarico will oversee Spark’s drill target definition and advancement of critical‑minerals projects within Brazil’s Lithium Valley, aiming to enhance the company’s position in the global supply chain for lithium, gallium, and rare earths.
• Outgoing CEO: Eugene Hodgson resigns as CEO and Director; will continue as a consultant to ensure smooth leadership transition.
• Board Statement: The Board thanked Mr. Hodgson for his dedication and service.

Notable Quotes

“Spark is entering an exciting phase as we define drill targets and advance our critical‑minerals projects in Brazil's Lithium Valley,” said Dr. Tallarico. “I'm honoured to lead a company so well positioned within this rapidly emerging global supply‑chain hub and look forward to delivering value through exploration success and strategic growth.”