Ben Coutts

Exploration Manager 

Ben Coutts has deep technical international experience both in exploration and mine geology. He
has held senior roles with Freeport, BHP/S32 and Evolution Mining. Mr Coutts has a successful track
record of increasing Mineral Resources in copper projects and base metals projects, through
exploration success and brings a wealth of knowledge to the Austral team.
Mr Coutts’ appointment will enhance Austral’s oxide exploration programme and complements
Austral’s reciprocal non-binding term sheet with Glencore. Austral plans to explore for copper
oxide over Glencore’s 116Km2 neighbouring Russell fault zone, as part of its aggressive 30,000 drill
metre exploration program which has already commenced.
Mr Coutts’ experience within North Queensland base metals projects provides considerable
knowledge to deliver positive exploration outcomes. He holds a Bachelor of Science with Honours
in Economic Geology from CODES at the University of Tasmania. He also holds a Professional
Certificate in JORC Code Reporting and is an NMAS Accredited Mediator in Australia. Ben is a
Member of AusIMM: Chartered Professionals Geology