(Ecofin Agency) - Kore Potash is one of the companies that has several projects in Congo, a country that hosts hundreds of millions of tons of potash resources. Exploiting these deposits requires significant financing; a mission the company has entrusted to its new CEO.

André Baya is the new CEO of Kore Potash. The firm announced the appointment on April 4, adding that Baya will come into function on April 15.  

"The appointment of a CEO with André's experience in the mining and global agriculture sectors is extremely encouraging and, I believe, demonstrates Kore Potash's firm ambitions to become a major potash producer," said David Hathorn, Chairman of Kore Potash. In his new position, André Baya will lead negotiations for financing to build the largest potash mine in the Republic of Congo.

For many months now, Kore Potash has been negotiating with Congolese authorities to develop the Dougou Extension (DX) project, which can deliver 400,000 tons of potash per year over 18 years, as well as the Kola mine, planned for over 30 years of operation. The Kola and DX projects are located in the Sintoukola Potash Basin, home to some of the world's largest deposits.

The firm should seal an engineering, procurement, and construction contract in the country this quarter. André Baya's experience will be valuable to Kore Potash in these developments.

With over 20 years of experience in mining and agriculture, Baya has held leadership positions at Managem Group, Sundance Resources, and Roxgold in Africa. He has also worked for industrial and agrochemical companies across the continent and beyond. 

It is noteworthy that the Congolese government places high hopes in Kore Potash's potash projects, as they have the potential to diversify the local economy by transforming the local mining sector. Currently underdeveloped, mining can help reduce dependence on oil.