By: Mining.com.au

Peako (ASX:PKO) has appointed Johan van Vuuren as strategic adviser to advance its Saudi Arabian gold exploration strategy.

Van Vuuren brings extensive Saudi mining sector experience through senior leadership roles at state-backed mining company Maaden, Saudi-listed industrial group MEPCO, sovereign wealth fund PIF, and a ruling-family-owned private investment company.

The appointment strengthens the company’s operational capacity as it prepares to commence drilling across its 862km2 Saudi Arabian gold package this year.

Beyond Saudi Arabia, van Vuuren has also led growth agendas across multiple sectors in the Americas, Africa, and Europe.

Chairman Gernot Abl says van Vuuren brings a combination of direct Saudi Arabian mining and investment landscape experience with proven mergers and acquisitions expertise.

“His relationships and understanding of the Kingdom’s resource sector are directly aligned with Peako’s strategy, and his global perspective across capital markets and corporate development will be invaluable as we advance our Saudi gold portfolio and position the company for long-term growth,” Abl says.

van Vuuren describes the Saudi Arabian gold opportunity as “compelling”.

“I have been impressed with the quality of the assets in Peako’s portfolio,” van Vuuren says.

“I look forward to working with the board to support strategic planning, growth, and the execution of a high-quality exploration and development program in a country that has been my second home for the past decade.”

Peako’s portfolio comprises six projects located within 65km of operating gold mines, including priority positions neighbouring the 2-million-ounce Sukhaybarat and 3.4-million-ounce Bulghah gold mines.

The company expects to commence drilling across multiple high-priority targets in Q3 2026.

Peako is a mineral explorer focused on the discovery and development of gold assets, particularly in the Central Arabian Gold Region.