African Eagle Resources plc (AIM: AFE; AltX: AEA) said on Monday it had appointed Aidan Schoonbee as Project Manager for the development of its flagship Dutwa Nickel project in Tanzania. 
The company said in an update the manager will initially be responsible for the timely completion of the Dutwa bankable feasibility study (BFS) and the associated environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA), both of which are due for completion around the end of 2012, thereafter he will develop Dutwa through construction and into operation. 
Aidan is a proven project manager with experience in successful green fields project delivery during more than 20 years experience in the mining industry in Africa.
Schoonbee is a qualified extractive metallurgist with most of his early career engaged in plant operations.  Aidan advanced his career through the challenges of project commissioning and operations management roles into full time project management. 
Aidan most recently acted as Senior Project Manager for Debswana Diamond Company on their Morupule Colliery Expansion in Botswana, managing the project from feasibility study through to operation. 
With a strong focus on cost and schedule control, along with a technical attention to detail, Aidan completed the Morupule feasibility study, which then enabled his company to successfully secure debt financing.  Aidan then delivered the completed project on plan and within budget.  
Previously, Aidan held management roles within Debswana’s Diamond Division for Wexford Goldfields Ltd., Golden Star Resources and De Beers Centenary.
Prior to commencing his full-time role on 1 February 2012, Aidan will be instrumental in the final selection of the engineering company which will be mandated by African Eagle to complete the Dutwa BFS.  
Aidan will then lead the African Eagle project development team and manage the engineers, consultants and contractors responsible for the BFS and ESIA documents.
Trevor A. Moss CEO of African Eagle commented: “I am delighted that someone of the quality of Aidan Schoonbee has elected to join African Eagle at a time of fierce competition for high quality management in the minerals market.┬á This is a testament to the strength of Dutwa when compared to other development projects.┬á Aidan’s extensive experience in high quality project delivery in Africa is an essential skill that will be of fundamental benefit to the definition and development of Dutwa.”
