Implementation of Succession Plan and New CEO Appointment
Released
Released
Announcement PDF
ASX Announcement
23 December 2025
Implementation of Succession Plan and
New CEO Appointment
Highlights:
Succession plan implemented for VRX chief
executive role
Managing Director Bruce Maluish to step down
from the role in 2026 remaining with the Company
as a Non-Executive Director
Seasoned mining executive, Tony Swiericzuk,
appointed as new CEO, boasting considerable
experience taking mining projects into production
Puts VRX in a strong position to take Arrowsmith
North into production and progress development of
Muchea
VRX Silica Limited (ASX:VRX) (VRX or Company) today
announced the implementation of a succession plan in relation
to the chief executive role at the Company and appointment of a
new Chief Executive Officer.
Following discussions between the Board and Managing
Director, Bruce Maluish, around succession planning for the
chief executive role and Mr Maluish indicating that he was
unlikely to remain in his current role for the long term, the Board
commenced a strategic exercise to allow for an orderly transition
to new leadership as the Company progresses development of
its Arrowsmith North silica sand project.
The Board is today pleased to announce the appointment of
Tony Swiericzuk as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Mr Swiericzuk is a seasoned mining executive with over
30 years of leadership experience and a distinguished career
including in large scale mines and bulk ports. He brings strong
expertise in mining operations, exploration, project
development, contractor management, sales and marketing,
and financing, along with a strong track record of engaging with
Federal, State, Local, and First Nation authorities.
His deep industry knowledge spans exploration, construction,
mining, bulk ports, and manufacturing, providing him with a
comprehensive, end-to-end supply chain perspective.
ASX: VRX
Capital Structure
Shares:
778.3 million
Options:
43.7 million
Corporate Directory
Paul Boyatzis
Non-Executive Chairman
Bruce Maluish
Managing Director
Peter Pawlowitsch
Non-Executive Director
David Welch
Non-Executive Director
Ian Hobson
Company Secretary
Silica Sand Projects
Arrowsmith Silica Sand
Projects, 270km north of
Perth, WA.
Muchea Silica Sand
Project, 50km north of
Perth, WA.
Boyatup Silica Sand
Project, 100km east of
Esperance, WA.
The Company is actively
assessing other silica sand
and downstream
processing projects in
Australia.
2
He has led extensive exploration programs domestically and internationally and overseen
studies in greenfield and brownfield projects. Having worked in commodities such as iron ore,
magnetite, coal, nickel, gold, copper and potash his diversified experience is invaluable.
Mr Swiericzuk will commence with the Company on 1 February 2026 on a part-time basis as
he winds down his current engagements and will commence in the CEO role on a full-time
basis by 1 July 2026. Mr Maluish will remain with the Company as Managing Director during
this interim period and will phase out of that role into a Non-Executive Director role during that
time.
Commenting on the appointment, VRX Chairman, Paul Boyatzis said, “I am delighted to
welcome Tony Swiericzuk to the VRX team as our new Chief Executive Officer.
“Tony is a highly-experienced mining executive. As general manager of the Christmas Creek
Mine for FMG, he oversaw the construction, commissioning and ramp-up of this project from
15Mtpa to 60Mtpa, then proceeded to optimise the operation and help drive FMG to become
the world’s lowest cost iron ore producer.
“He is the ideal candidate to lead the Company from explorer to producer as we progress
development of our Arrowsmith North Silica Sand project.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Bruce Maluish for his years of service to
VRX, recognising his vision to pivot the Company into the silica sand industry as opportunities
emerged in the Asia-Pacific region, and for steering the Company through the challenging
regulatory approvals process for Arrowsmith North. Given his significant experience in mining,
and deep industry knowledge and contacts in silica sand markets, particularly in Asia, I am
also delighted that Bruce has agreed to stay on with the Company in a non-executive capacity
to support the management team as we enter this next exciting phase.”
Key details of Mr Swiericzuk’s executive service arrangements are set out in the schedule to
this announcement.
This announcement has been authorised for release to ASX by the VRX Board of Directors.
Further information:
Paul Boyatzis Peter Klinger
Chairman Purple
paulb@vrxsilica.com.au pklinger@purple.au
3
Schedule
Key terms of executive service arrangements
1. Position: Chief Executive Officer.
2. Commencement Date: 1 February 2026, initially on a part-time basis up to no later than 30 June
2026.
3. Base Salary: Initially $20,000 per month (during the part-time period), then on commencement of
full-time duties $350,000 per annum plus statutory superannuation increasing to $400,000 once
the Company achieves an annualised run rate of 1 Mtpa production (measured over a three
month period) from Arrowsmith North.
4. Equity Incentives*:
Short term incentive component of up to 75% of base salary on a sliding scale payable in equity
(on terms to be agreed) or cash at the executive’s election, measured against KPIs to be agreed
in detail at the relevant time with the categories and allocation being WH&S (20%),
construction/production (30%), costs management (30%) and product quality (20%).
Long term incentives in the form of equity as follows, with vesting conditions and targets reflecting
both performance-based measures as well as longevity of service (and an accelerated vesting in
the event of a change of control of the Company).
Options – Time based vesting
No. Vesting Condition Vesting Date Ex. Price, Expiry
4,000,000 None 30/06/26 15c, 30/06/29
5,000,000 Remaining in CEO role 30/06/27 20c, 30/06/29
6,000,000 Remaining in CEO role 30/06/28 25c, 30/06/29
7,000,000 Remaining in CEO role 30/06/29 35c, 31/12/29
Fully Paid Ordinary Shares – Time based vesting
No. Vesting Condition Vesting Date
750,000 Remaining in CEO role 31/12/26
750,000 Remaining in CEO role 30/06/27
750,000 Remaining in CEO role 31/12/27
750,000 Remaining in CEO role 30/06/28
Performance Rights**
No. Performance Target*** Milestone Date
3,000,000 Positive FID for Arrowsmith North (AN) 31/12/26
3,000,000 Payment received for first shipment from AN TBC****
5,000,000 Annualised run rate of 1 Mtpa production (measured
over a 3 month period) from AN
TBC****
6,000,000 Annualised run rate of 2 Mtpa production (measured
over a 3 month period) from AN
TBC****
6,000,000 Next project (Muchea or other) fully approved to
construct
30/06/28
* Equity to be issued pursuant to the Company’s employee securities incentive scheme
** One performance right converts into one fully paid ordinary share
*** In addition to achieving these targets, you must be remaining in the CEO role at the relevant milestone date
**** Dates to be agreed between the parties post-commencement in the role
5. Termination: 6 months notice with standard summary termination provisions.
4
About VRX’s target silica sand markets
Foundry
Silica sand is an essential part of both the ferrous and non-ferrous foundry industries. Metal
parts ranging from engine blocks to sink faucets are cast in a sand-and-clay mould to produce
their external shape, often using a resin coat to create the desired internal shape. Silica’s high
fusion point (1,760°C) and low rate of thermal expansion produce stable cores and moulds
compatible with all pouring temperatures. Its chemical purity also helps prevent interaction
with catalysts or affecting the curing rate of chemical binders, for that reason, customers are
looking for high quality silica sand that meets their specifications for size and shape.
Another critical specification is the hardness of silica grains to deliver the required crush
resistance to high pressure from molten metals.
Arrowsmith North is capable of producing multiple high quality sand products for the foundry
industry as confirmed by potential offtake partners in Asia following extensive testwork.
Glassmaking
Silica sand is the primary component of all types of standard and specialty glass. It provides
the essential SiO2 component of glass formulation and its chemical purity is the primary
determinant of colour, clarity and strength in glass. Silica sand is used to produce flat glass
for building and automotive use, container glass for foods and beverages, and tableware. In
its pulverised form, ground silica is required in the production of fibreglass insulation and for
reinforcing glass fibres. Specialty glass applications include test tubes and other scientific
tools, incandescent and fluorescent lamps, television and computer LCD/LED monitors.
Glassmaking physical specifications focus on particle size, as it significantly impacts melting
efficiency. Uniform grain size is preferred to reduce energy use and ensure complete melting.
In fibreglass production, over 99.5% of raw material grains are smaller than 0.045 mm (45μm),
and tighter limits are being considered. Coarse particles are hardest to melt and can cause
defects. Grain shape also matters—if too many grains are coarser than specified, incomplete
melting and poor product quality can result.
Refractory heavy minerals (RHM)—such as iron, zircon, corundum, chrome spinels, rutile,
and staurolite—should generally be avoided in glassmaking because they do not melt at
standard glass-making temperatures. This leads to solid inclusions or defects ("stones") in
the final glass. Limits on RHM are typically based on their size and amount, with particles
larger than 0.25 mm (10 mesh) being the most problematic. These may be restricted by
weight percentage or particle count.
5
About VRX Silica Limited
VRX Silica Limited (ASX: VRX) is the most advanced pureplay silica sand company listed on the
ASX, developing its 100% owned silica sand projects at Arrowsmith (North, Brand and Central),
Muchea and Boyatup in Western Australia.
Silica sand is the most used commodity on
the planet after air and water. It is the main
ingredient in all types of glassmaking,
including specialty solar panel and high-
tech glass, and foundry casting. It is a
finite resource that is running out, with the
Asia-Pacific region experiencing an ever-
growing supply shortfall that is driving up
prices.
Arrowsmith is located 270km north of
Perth. Arrowsmith North boasts a minimum
25-year mine life capable of producing
more than 2Mt tonnes per year of high-
grade (99.7% SiO2)* silica sand for export
to the foundry, container glass and flat
glass markets in Asia, with permitting well
advanced, and will lead production.
Muchea, located 50km north of Perth, is an
ultra-high-grade (99.9% SiO2)* silica sand
project capable of producing sand required
for ultra-clear glass for solar panels and
other high-tech glass applications.
Boyatup, located 100km east of Esperance,
is under
development and capable of producing
sand for the glass market.
*Information relating to grades are extracted from releases to ASX on 28 August 2019 and 11 November 2022
(Arrowsmith North) and 18 October 2019 (Muchea). The company is not aware of any new information or data that
materially affects this information.
Share your feedback
Discover