Murray has over 30 years industry experience of which more than 15 has been at the chief executive officer and managing director level.

He is currently a non-executive director of Coalspur Mines and Coal of Africa.

He has a bachelor of science (civil engineering) from University of Natal, a postgraduate diploma (mining) from University of Pretoria and an advanced executive program from University of South Africa.

Murray has been involved with a variety of industry boards including the South African Chamber of Mines, Richards Bay Coal Terminal, World Coal Institute, Australian Coal Association, Coal Industry Advisory Board and the Queensland Resources Council.

Stonewall director Trevor Fourie said: “Dave was formerly the chief executive of Billiton Coal, president of the energy, metallurgical and coal customer group at BHP Billiton Limited. The directors of Stonewall are confident that we could not have appointed a more suitable person for this role.

“In this role, he will oversee the identification and progression of target resources, mining projects and other opportunities for the company.

“He will also involve himself in overseeing business and strategic planning, investor relationships and technical reviews.”

Murray said: “It is an exciting time for Stonewall Resources and I look forward in the role of chairman, to working closely with a well-credentialled board and management team.

“A significant part of this program will be to ensure that we meet stated objectives for our significant exploration program and implement our near-term production targets as well as establish long-term plans.”

Stonewall’s three key projects are the TGME project located around the towns of Pilgrims Rest and Sabie in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa, the Bosveld project in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province and the Lucky Draw project in Australia, near the township of Burraga in New South Wales.