Aspire is led by an experienced team of mining professionals who have decades of in country experience, and proven track records of value creation. Our Board and Management team is driven to advance Aspire, and progress the Ovoot Coking Coal Project to production to create value for our shareholders.
Board & Management
Mr Michael Avery
Non-Executive Chairman
Michael (Mick) Avery is a qualified Mining Engineer with over 30 years’ experience spanning the full mining life cycle, including over 10 years in Mongolia. Mick led Guildford Resources, which became TerraCom Limited, and was instrumental in developing their Baruun Noyon Uul coal mine in Mongolia. Mick holds an MBA, is a qualified Australian Coal Mine Manager and has held senior positions with blue-chip mining companies including Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton, where he led operations of a global scale, resulting in optimised production processes that contributed to substantial increases in profitability and project sustainability. His leadership skills, Mongolian mining expertise, as well as his vision and commitment to innovation and sustainability, are instrumental in our pursuit of becoming a global leader in the mining sector.
Mr Achit-Erdene Darambasar
Executive Director
Achit-Erdene (Achit) is a prominent figure in Mongolia’s financial sector, specialising in investment banking and strategic management, having previously founded Mongolia International Capital Corporation LLC (MICC), a leading Mongolian investment banking firm. His leadership at MICC was instrumental in facilitating significant transactions and fostering international partnerships, enhancing Mongolia’s economic landscape. As part of his role as Managing Director, Achit is focused on stakeholder relations and project financing; using his strategic vision and financial expertise to drive growth and sustainability, and to deliver value to stakeholders.
Mr Sam Bowles
Chief Executive Officer
Sam is a Mining Engineer with over 20 years’ technical, operational and executive experience in the coal industry. Sam has been resident in Mongolia since 2010, during which time he has held roles including as COO for Mongolian Mining Corporation and as Mongolia Business Unit Head for TerraCom Limited. Sam assumed the role of CEO in May 2023, following a three-year tenure as COO, bringing his deep Mongolian mining experience and expertise in coal mining, processing, transportation, logistics and marketing to drive the Ovoot Coking Coal Project forward. Sam is passionate about implementing sustainable business practices creating value for shareholders and tangibly benefitting host communities and Mongolia. His strategic intent is to implement world-class mining practices, positioning the company as a global leader in the coal industry.
Mr Russell Taylor
Executive Director
Russell is an experienced Mining Engineer, Project Director, General Manager and Mining Executive with over 28 years of industry experience. He has worked with major global resource companies such as BHP and Idemitsu, and international mining contractors like Thiess and Leighton Asia, across various commodities including coking coal, thermal coal, PCI coal, mineral sands, copper-gold, iron ore, and lithium. Russell has led international teams to commission several open-cut mines and major infrastructure projects in Australia, Mongolia, and India. Known for his expertise in Operational Rescue Projects, he has successfully turned around underperforming mines to achieve world-class standards. Russell excels in leadership, safety, efficiency, and innovation, consistently implementing best practices and cutting-edge technologies. His strategic vision and operational expertise have significantly contributed to the success of numerous mining projects worldwide.
Mr Boldbaatar Bat-Amgalan
Non-Executive Director
Boldbaatar (Bold) brings a wealth of experience from an extensive career spanning both public and private sectors in Mongolia. Formerly a Director of Erdenet Mining Company, one of Mongolia’s largest and most influential mining enterprises, he oversaw significant projects and initiatives that contributed to the nation’s economic growth. In addition, Bold has previously served in senior positions within the Mongolian government, including as State Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For the past 8 years, Bold has consulted on public relations matters for government and private business organisations and is a Board member of multiple public media organisations. His Mongolian mining expertise, public relations and experience with grassroot community relations activities enriches the Board of Aspire.
Mr Greg Millen
Independent Non-Executive Director
Mr Millen is a senior engineering and project delivery executive with over 30 years’ experience across the mining, energy, infrastructure and water sectors. He is the Founding Managing Director of Karli Holdings, which includes Wave International—through which he has prior experience in Mongolia—and The Right Water Company, a First Nations-led water infrastructure venture. Greg brings deep expertise in strategic advisory, feasibility, execution and operational readiness for large-scale infrastructure projects, with a focus on battery minerals, bulk commodities and water. His appointment supports Aspire’s transition from development to execution, bringing strengths in engineering governance, contractor engagement and supply chain management. Mr Millen holds a Mechanical Engineering degree (Hons) from UWA, is a Chartered Professional Engineer, a Fellow of Engineers Australia, and a member of AusIMM, Consult Australia and AICD.
Mr Tristan Garthe
Chief Financial Officer
Tristan brings over 20 years of financial and strategic expertise in the mining sector, with a strong record of success in capital management, governance, and operational optimisation. He has held key roles with ASX-listed companies, where he has been pivotal in shaping financial strategy, securing capital, and overseeing complex transactions within the resources industry. Known for his hands-on approach, Tristan’s extensive background in financial management and governance has enabled both listed and international resource companies to achieve significant growth and operational efficiency. Tristan is a Fellow of CPA Australia, holds an MBA, a Diploma of Applied Finance, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. His qualifications and experience will be instrumental in supporting Aspire as we advance towards our goal of transforming from an explorer to a producer, developing a world-class coking coal mine.
Emily Austin
Company Secretary
Emily is an experienced Company Secretary and Corporate Governance Advisor who has honed her skills through serving a diverse portfolio of companies across various industries, including oil, gas, and mining. Her expertise spans listed and unlisted entities, both domestically and internationally. At Aspire, Emily plays a crucial role in ensuring robust corporate governance and compliance. Emily is currently advancing studies in Business Law, and as a member of the Governance Institute of Australia, she brings valuable governance insights to the Board, ensuring compliance with the complex regulatory landscape.