PERTH, AUSTRALIA–(Marketwired – June 9, 2016) –

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Non-Executive Director, Mr Julian Hanna, has informed the Board of Western Areas Ltd (ASX:WSA) (“Western Areas” or the “Company”) that he will resign from the Board effective 15 June 2016. Mr Hanna has advised that the combination of his increased time commitments to his executive duties at MOD Resources Ltd and more than 16 years involvement with Western Areas has meant that he felt this was an appropriate time to step down.

Mr Ian Macliver, non-executive Chairman of Western Areas, said that the Board acknowledges the significant contribution of Mr Hanna from his time as the inaugural Managing Director of Western Areas when it was formed as an exploration company to now an industry leading nickel miner in the S&P ASX200.

“Julian was one of the key early architects in setting up the Western Areas business for the success it now enjoys and has been a passionate contributor as a non-executive director since stepping down as Managing Director in 2012,” Mr Macliver said.

Dan Lougher, Managing Director of Western Areas, commented on the enthusiasm and legacy that Mr Hanna has left the Company. “During Julian’s tenure at Western Areas you could not meet a more enthusiastic professional driven by the success of his team. Julian has been responsible for developing the successful careers of many industry professionals and departs the Company with the best of wishes, but more importantly with a legacy of hard work, diligence and respect from his co-workers,” Mr Lougher said.

The Board at this point in time does not anticipate replacing Mr Hanna. Consequently the Board will now comprise of six directors, four of whom, including the Chairman, are classified as independent under the ASX Corporate Governance Council Principles and Recommendations.