CiDRA Holdings LLC, the parent company of CiDRA Minerals Processing Inc., has announced the appointment of Stéphane Leblanc to its Board of Directors. Stéphane brings a wealth of experience and expertise to CiDRA, having retired as Managing Director/CEO at Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium in 2022. During his tenure at Rio Tinto, Stéphane played a pivotal role in driving substantial growth and operational advancements across multiple global locations, including Canada, South Africa, Madagascar, and China. He oversaw a workforce of 8,000 employees and contractors, achieving $2 billion in sales revenue.
Stéphane’s leadership is underscored by his strong commitment to safety and pioneering advancements in Green Smelting, Titanium, Lithium, and Rare Earth production. Prior to his role at Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium, Stéphane served as Managing Director/President at Rio Tinto Kennecott, where he successfully led financial and operational improvements, fostering significant cultural transformations. Earlier in his career, he held the position of General Manager at Rio Tinto Alcan Sebree Smelter, overseeing 500 union employees and managing $400 million in sales revenue. His accomplishments include a notable 75% reduction in the recordable injury rate, effective labor negotiations, and the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives.
“Stéphane’s strategic foresight and operational expertise have consistently driven advancements in safety, productivity, and profitability throughout his career. His extensive international operational management experience and dedication to leveraging cutting-edge technologies for operational excellence make him a valuable addition to CiDRA,” commented Dr. David Huber, Chairman of the Board of CiDRA Holdings LLC.
