Blair Sergeant is an accomplished executive and financial director with over 20 years of experience in equity capital markets and corporate advisory across a broad range of industries, but with a focus on the coal industry.
Getting a start in the coal industry in 2000, Sergeant has been instrumental in leading companies through their development, growth and acquisitive stages. This includes roles ranging from Company Secretary, Non-Executive Director, Finance Director and Managing Director.
Sergeant was the Executive Director of Finance for Coal of Africa Ltd, a developer and producer of high-quality thermal and coking coal. During his tenure with Coal of Africa, the Company’s market capitalisation rose from $2 million to over $1.5 billion at its peak. Sergeant also played a key part in spearheading the acquisition of over $200 million in assets, $400m in equity capital raisings and negotiating two debt facilities totaling over $70m.
Some of his key accomplishments throughout his career include leading and overseeing the $25m IPO of Lemur Resources Limited in 2011, as founding Managing Director.
Sergeant has lead the start and completion of numerous bankable, definitive and scoping studies for both open pit and underground coal projects in both South Africa and Madagascar. He has been responsible for the construction and development of two operational coal mines (underground and open pit) and associated infrastructure with combined capital budgets in excess of $250m.
Sergeant is also the Managing Director of Evolution Capital Partners, which he founded in 2006. Evolution Capital Partners has built a strong reputation in working with numerous companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). Providing company secretarial services and corporate advisory, ECP also advises companies on ASX initial public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, secondary capital raisings and Exchange and Corporate Law compliance.
In his role at Evolution Capital Partners, Blair has had the opportunity to work extensively with companies listed on the ASX, AIM and JSE. With experience in capital and balance sheet management, IPO processes, and mergers and acquisitions, Sergeant is passionate about using his experience to help companies navigate these difficult challenges.
Sergeant understands the operational and financial challenges of high growth and start up companies. More importantly, he has experienced these challenges first-hand and has the solutions to help companies navigate them. Blair is passionate about implementing processes and helping companies achieve their key objectives and goals. Sergeant brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the companies he advises.
Sergeant holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting), a Post Graduate Diploma in Business (Corporate Administration) is Chartered Company Secretary. In addition, he is a member of the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants (ASCPA), Governance Institute of Australia, and Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.
For more information about Blair Sergeant and to read his blog about the coal industry, visit blairsergeant.net.
Record Value for Australian Coal Exports
Australia is a vast continent that is blessed with an abundance of natural resources. In the Queensland area, one of the most plentiful natural resources is coal. Coal is vital to the economy of Queensland bringing in almost four billion Australian dollars per year in royalty revenue. Estimates are that the coal industry contributes as much as one in every six dollars to the Queensland economy.
Steel Demand Continues to Grow
Although “coal” may seem like a dirty word these days, what many might not realize is how closely related coal and steel are. And, considering the fact that the global steel demand is expected to reach 1.616 billion tonnes in 2018 alone, it seems like an obvious conclusion to say that the world isn’t quite prepared to totally move away from coal as a resource just yet.
Health and Safety Tips for Miners
With each job comes its own set of safety regulations in order to protect its employees. The mining industry, in particular, requires many precautions in place to ensure the safety of those who work within it. Therefore, it is imperative that each mining employee takes these rules seriously.
History of Coal Mining in Australia
Coal had been part of Australia’s history even before James Cook ever set foot on the continent. Although the coal industry did not become fully integrated into Australian society until the 1830s, it soon became a flourishing business as more free settlers made the trek. The success of the coal trade would then give way to more trade opportunities, including salt and lime, iron, copper, brass, foundries, soap and candles, and cloth and flour mills emerged with the introduction of free settlers.