Executive Team

Elliott joined First Bauxite in January 2020, bringing over 25 years of experience in technical, commercial, and leadership roles across multiple industries. As head of Government Relations, Communications, and Business Sustainability, he ensures regulatory compliance while fostering strong stakeholder relationships. Elliott holds an Executive MBA from Henley Business School and a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bradford, UK.

James des Cognets joined First Bauxite in November 2023 and focuses on driving efficiency and financial performance across its businesses. He brings significant experience in private equity management and across the natural resources sector. James comes to FBX from Resource Capital Funds where he was responsible for RCF’s global royalty portfolio, as well as investments in energy transition metals and industrial minerals. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering and French from Vanderbilt University and an MBA (high honors) from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. James has also received his ICD.D accreditation from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.

Nathan Wollenburg joined First Bauxite in March 2023 and is responsible for driving FBX’s commercial and sales strategy. He comes to FBX with extensive experience in sales, marketing, business development, and a demonstrated ability to drive product and market growth through technical and commercial development. Nate comes to First Bauxite from Vibrantz Technologies (formerly Prince International Corporation) where he was most recently the Sales Director overseeing Metallurgical, Energy, and Glass markets.

Jason Alli joined First Bauxite in October 2026 as Vice President, Finance, focusing on financial management, operational efficiency and supporting the company’s strategic objectives. He brings extensive finance and leadership experience across the financial services, energy, telecommunications and distribution sectors. Jason comes to First Bauxite from Mobile Money Guyana, where he served as Finance Controller, with responsibilities spanning financial planning and analysis, regulatory reporting, revenue assurance, compliance and data analytics. He holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Liverpool and an ACCA qualification. His career includes senior finance positions at SBM Offshore, DeSinCo Limited, GT&T and Guyana Power & Light, providing a broad foundation in financial oversight and business decision-making.

Effective October 12, 2026, Lakeram joined First Bauxite as Director, Human Resources. He brings extensive HR leadership experience across the mining, offshore services, and hospitality sectors. His expertise includes HR strategy, organizational development, recruitment, employee relations, and regulatory compliance. Lakeram holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Sociology and a Master of Science in Human Resources Management.

With over 15 years of dedicated service, Neville has become a cornerstone of the organization, renowned for his exceptional expertise in bauxite exploration and resource management. His career spans nearly three decades across multiple facets of geology, resource evaluation and mineral exploration, making him an invaluable leader within the company. Neville holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Geology and Exploration of Mineral Deposits, with specializations in bauxite and iron ore, from the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. Before joining First Bauxite, Neville gained significant experience and built a solid foundation in environmental management and mineral resources exploration through various roles within the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and industry collaborations with BHPB World Exploration Inc. His early career experience in the public sector provided him with significant insights into the regulatory and environmental aspects of the mining industry. Throughout his career at FBX Inc., Neville has been instrumental in driving technical excellence, optimizing production processes, and ensuring sustainable resource management. This extensive academic background, paired with a remarkable professional track record, has been instrumental to the success of noteworthy projects like the Bonasika Bauxite Project. Neville’s leadership, technical and institutional knowledge, and unwavering dedication have earned him an exceptional reputation within the company.

Safraz is a seasoned professional with 15 years of dedicated service to First Bauxite Inc., currently holding the dual roles of General Services and Security Superintendent and Chief Port Facility Security Officer. His career at First Bauxite began in procurement, he then took on the responsibilities of camp administration, managing the complex logistical and residential needs of the company's workforce. Today, in his current position, Safraz is responsible for the overall security and operational efficiency of the company's facilities, with a particular focus on the port. His extensive experience and commitment to First Bauxite's mission make him an integral part of the leadership team."

Charles Persad joined First Bauxite in February 2025 as Manager – Quality and Laboratory bringing extensive experience in laboratory management, quality assurance and control and industrial testing. He oversees the company’s main and field laboratory operations, encompassing sampling, testing, grade control, data analysis and reporting, while ensuring that products consistently meet customer specifications and established quality standards. His professional experience spans laboratory management, environmental and oil & gas testing, mining operations, project management, and research & product development. This diverse background, complemented by his expertise in quality management systems, international trade, and standards development, gives him a comprehensive understanding of the technical and operational demands of industrial environments. Prior to joining First Bauxite, Charles served as a Standards Officer at the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards, where he contributed to the revision of national standards in the fields of chemistry and consumer products and the development of regional standards for CARICOM. This experience further strengthened his understanding of regulatory compliance, technical standards, and the importance of maintaining quality across industries. Since joining First Bauxite, Charles has focused on strengthening quality assurance and control processes and improving laboratory performance. His contributions include refining product specifications to better align with client requirements, improving turnaround times for Certificate of Analysis and enhancing laboratory team productivity. He also places emphasis on developing technical capabilities through staff training and knowledge-sharing, recognizing the importance of a skilled and motivated team in maintaining consistent quality standards. Charles holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with minors in Analytical Chemistry and Applied Chemistry, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management, both from The University of The West Indies. Through his technical expertise, collaborative leadership and commitment to continuous improvement, Charles supports First Bauxite’s focus on product quality, operation efficiency and customer satisfaction. He remains focused on strengthening the people and processes that underpin the company’s operations performance. Charles’ personal motto at FBX is “Traceability from Pit to Port.”

Neil has more than twenty years of senior HSSE leadership experience across the maritime, energy, petrochemical, and infrastructure sectors in the Caribbean, Middle East, North Sea UK, and Africa. His strengths include strategic safety planning, regulatory compliance, ISO 45001 implementation, and emergency response. He has worked with global organizations and regulators, including Atlantic LNG TT, BHPbilliton, BP Caspian Technical Training Centre in Azerbaijan, Petrofac UAE, and NiQuan Gas to Liquid Plant. He has led safety initiatives that significantly reduced incidents and built strong, proactive safety cultures. A champion of transformational safety leadership, Neil promotes coaching, training, and mentoring, and lectures in the BSc. OSHE and a Postgraduate Diploma in Trinidad. His qualifications include an MSc. in Environmental Science, postgraduate OSHE qualifications from the UK and USA, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (NAFI USA), Certified Radiation Safety Officer (USA), Mass Casualty Management Coordinator (PAHO/UTT), and Certified PFSO from Lloyds Maritime Institute UK, among others. Neil believes in building capacity by empowering others to do their best.