Australian copper and gold producer PanAust Limited has appointed Qantas director Garry Hounsell as its new chairman, replacing Bob Bryan.

Garry Hounsell is also a director of Orica and Nufarm, and is deputy chairman of Mitchell Communication Group.

Outgoing chairman Bob Bryan expressed his satisfaction that PanAust had attracted someone of the calibre of Garry Hounsell. “Garry’s experience on the boards of some of the most successful listed companies in Australia makes him well equipped to lead the Board of PanAust.

The company has also appointed Geoff Billard as a non-executive director, giving it a new board of six directors, including four non-executive directors. Geoff Billard has had extensive experience in the mining industry, including at CRA , Argyle Diamonds, Pasminco and MIM.

PanAust is a Brisbane-based minerals exploration and development company with a flagship project of the US$241 million Phu Kham Copper-Gold Operation in Laos , which was officially opened in May 2008.

www.panaust.com.au