Keep up with the latest executive movements across the mining sector, featuring KGL Resources, Silver Mines, Austral Gold and more.
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KGL Resources has appointed seasoned mining professional Steven Rooney as chief operations officer, who will oversee all site activities from construction into commissioning and then into operations.
With experience in senior operational roles in both open pit and underground mining environments, Rooney worked his way up from a production superintendent to general manager of Glencore’s McArthur River mine in Northern Territory.
He has established a reputation as being a highly capable and respected leader, experienced in building and managing project teams across different technical disciplines.
KGL chief executive officer Simon Finnis said Rooney was a strong fit for the company.
“He (Rooney) is a strong leader with a significant depth of experience in managing all aspects of complex mining operations, and therefore well suited to what we are about to undertake at Jervois.”
KGL aims to finalise the feasibility study for its Jervois copper project in the NT by mid-2022 and achieve a final investment decision this year. The company also aims to commence early development works at Jervois in 2022.
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Kristen Podagiel has joined Silver Mines as a non-executive director, bringing with her more than 20 years of legal experience.
Podagiel has worked as a commercial lawyer on major projects and developments in the mining, technology, agriculture, energy and defence industries. Most recently, she was chief executive officer and managing partner of McCullough Robertson, a leading Australian independent law firm.
Silver Mines chairman Keith Perrett said Podagiel arrived at an important time for the company.
“As the company now transitions from a highly successful mineral exploration company into development and mining, Podagiel’s skill base, integrity and enthusiasm will be a most valuable addition to the company,” he said.
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Austral Gold has announced its former chief financial officer Jose Bordogna will rejoin the company in the same role from the beginning of May.
Austral Gold chief executive officer Stabro Kasaneva said Bordogna will play an important role in raising Austral Gold’s Australian profile.
“Jose’s presence in Australia, where Austral has its primary public listing, presents us with an opportunity to build greater awareness within the Australian investment community,” Kasaneva said.
Austral Gold is a growing gold and silver mining and exploration company, with a strategy to expand the life of its Chile assets and restart its Casposo mine in Argentina.
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US uranium company Okapi Resources has welcomed Jim Viellenave as a consultant and a new member of its advisory committee.
Viellenave has over 40 years of development and operational experience in the US mining industry, especially in the US uranium industry, where he was fundamental to the development and resource expansion of the Reno Creek uranium project in Wyoming for more than seven years.
Okapi managing director Andrew Ferrier said Viellenave brings plenty of expertise to the rising miner.
“His (Viellenave) decades of experience in the US uranium industry will be invaluable to the company, as the team continues to progress and advance its existing high quality projects in the US and continue to identify and review new projects,” Ferrier said.
Okapi recently acquired a portfolio of advanced, high grade US and Canadian uranium assets, including the Tallahassee Creek uranium project in Colorado.