Danakali Ltd (ASX:DNK) (LON:DNK) has created the role of chief sustainability officer with Todd Romaine appointed to oversee the company's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) programs and agenda.

This marks a timely major step for the company as it advances the world-class Colluli Sulphate of Potash (SOP) Project in Eritrea, East Africa, to development.

Romaine has been appointed to the position from January 1, 2020, and reports to chief executive officer Niels Wage.

The CEO said: "Danakali is strongly committed to ensuring the development and operation of Colluli is executed in the most sustainable manner.

“We want to help further shape sustainable mining and agriculture in Africa, and with Todd’s significant previous experience, also in Eritrea, we will ensure Danakali works in collaboration with partners and stakeholders to deliver a world-class ESG program.”

Highly experienced executive

Romaine is an experienced ESG executive with direct Eritrean mining and government relations experience.

He has held senior management positions in the natural resources sector at public government and aboriginal levels and has played a key leadership role in building and securing social licence as well as reducing project and operational risks.

Prior to joining the Danakali team, Romaine served as VP of CSR and GR for the Bisha Mine, operated by Nevsun Resources in Eritrea.

“Creating long-term value”

Romaine said, “I’m really excited about the opportunity to be part of the Danakali team.

“With a view to contribute to global supply of SOP product, vital for sustainable agriculture growth, we now need to ensure that right from the start of Colluli’s development, all of our activities are aligned with the UN SDGs and our own Sustainability Development Framework as part of our commitment to creating long-term value for all stakeholders in the region and globally.”