Directorate Change

27 July 2015

Sirius Minerals Plc

Non-executive director changes

§ Board changes to increase board independence

§ Christopher Catlow and Peter Woods have stepped down from the board, with Peter Woods remaining as a consultant to the Company

§ Noel Harwerth and Jane Lodge have been appointed to the board as independent non-executive directors

The directors of Sirius Minerals Plc (AIM: SXX, OTCQX: SRUXY) ("Sirius" or the "Company") announce non-executive director changes.

Following the recent positive resolution of the key approvals processes for the York Potash Project ("the Project") the intensity of the Company's board activity will be increasing. Sirius has taken the opportunity to restructure its board with Chris Catlow and Peter Woods stepping down and two new UK-based independent non-executive directors, Noel Harwerth and Jane Lodge, appointed. As a result there is now a greater percentage of the board comprising independent directors, further strengthening the corporate governance of the Company. 

These board changes are part of the Company's preparation to achieve its medium-term goal of moving to a Main Market listing on the London Stock Exchange. Sirius is continuing its ongoing analysis of the options, processes and timing for such a potential move, as any change may coincide with, or result from, one of the possible financing methods for the Project.

Russell Scrimshaw, Chairman of Sirius said:

"Chris and Peter have played integral roles in the recent development of Sirius and on behalf of the entire Company I would like to offer both of them our sincere thanks for their contributions.

"Noel and Jane bring a wealth of experience to the board, both in terms of industry and corporate governance, and I look forward to their contribution to the Company during the next phases of its development."

Retiring non-executive directors

The Company's increasing board meeting requirements in the UK have led Christopher James Catlow, 54, deputy chairman, who is resident in Australia, to retire from the board with immediate effect after five years of service. He said:

"It's been a privilege to be part of such an exciting Company and one with a very bright future ahead of it. I will remain a keen supporter as the Company progresses towards production and the realisation of its goals."

Peter John Esdaile Woods, 77, non-executive director, has also decided to step down from the board with immediate effect after over four years of service. Peter will remain involved with the Company as a consultant. He said:

"I'm delighted to have been so involved with Sirius since the inception of the York Potash Project.

"I look forward to continuing to offer my experience and knowledge of potash mining, deep shaft-sinking, tunnelling, the local geology and the local area as the Project moves through its construction and development phases."

New non-executive directors

Elizabeth Noel Harwerth ("Noel"), 67, has been appointed as a non-executive director with immediate effect. She has also been appointed as a member of the nominations and audit committees.

Noel, whose executive background is in international banking, was formerly Chief Operating Officer and Chief Tax Officer of Citibank International. Noel is also a highly experienced non-executive director who has sat on a number of boards in a variety of different sectors, including mining and finance industry companies and will bring with her a wealth of knowledge and understanding in mining, finance and governance issues.

Jane Ann Lodge, 60, has been also appointed as a non-executive director with immediate effect. Jane has been appointed as chairman of the audit committee and will be a member of the remuneration committee.

After an academic background in geology, Jane's executive career was primarily in professional services, where she was a partner at Deloitte. An audit partner for 25 years, her roles also included being Deloitte's Midlands Practice Senior Partner and Lead Partner for the National Manufacturing Industry. As Manufacturing Industry Leader, she represented the UK on the Deloitte Global Manufacturing Industry Executive and was a member of the CBI Manufacturing Council.

During her 35 year career with Deloitte, Jane advised multinational businesses in the construction, financial services, manufacturing, property and house building sectors. Since 2012 she has served as a non-executive director on a number of publicly listed companies, including engineering based companies. Jane brings with her valuable experience, particularly in relation to financial governance and audit oversight.

Directorships currently held or previously held in the last five years by Noel Harwerth are as follows:

Current

§ GE Capital Bank Ltd Chairman

§ London Metal Exchange

§ Standard Life plc

§ Sumitomo Mitsui Bank Europe

§ Alent plc

Previous

§ Avocet Mining PLC

§ Dominion Diamond Corp

§ RSA Insurance Group plc

§ Logica plc

§ The Tote

Noel has a beneficial interest in 13,561 ordinary shares in the Company.

There is no further information on Noel Harwerth required to be disclosed under Schedule Two, paragraph (g) (i)-(viii) of the AIM Rules for Companies.

Directorships currently held or previously held in the last five years by Jane Lodge are as follows:

Current

§ Devro plc

§ Costain Group plc

§ DCC plc

§ Stemcor Holdings Limited

§ Ives Estates Ltd

§ Ives Ventures Ltd

§ Bromsgrove School Foundation (Trustee)

Previous

§ Deloitte LLP

§ Black Country Living Museum Trust Ltd

Jane has a beneficial interest in 100,000 ordinary shares in the Company.

There is no further information on Jane Lodge required to be disclosed under Schedule Two, paragraph (g) (i)-(viii) of the AIM Rules for Companies.

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About Sirius Minerals Plc

Sirius Minerals is a fertilizer development company focused on the development of the York Potash Project in the United Kingdom, which has the world's largest and highest grade deposit of polyhalite, a multi-nutrient form of potash containing potassium, sulphur, magnesium and calcium. Incorporated in 2003, Sirius Minerals' shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market. Its shares are also traded in the United States on the OTCQX through a sponsored ADR facility. Further information on the Company can be found at: www.siriusminerals.com.