JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – TSX-listed advanced-stage exploration and development company Continental Gold has appointed Donald Gray COO of the company, effective February 23.

The company said on Wednesday that its president and COO, Mark Moseley-Williams, would step down immediately as a senior officer for personal reasons, but would continue to provide consulting services through a transition period.

"I am very proud of what has been accomplished over the past four years at Continental Gold and my life was enriched by the people I worked with," commented Moseley-Williams. "I have no doubt that Buriticá [Continental’s project in Colombia] will become an excellent mine and I look forward to supporting management with a smooth transition that positions the company for its next phase."

CEO Ari Sussman thanked Moseley-Williams for his dedication and contribution to the company over the last four years. “Mark is not only a colleague, but a friend, and I am pleased he has decided to remain part of the Continental team in a consulting role."

Meanwhile, Gray would be based at Continental’s office in Medellín, Colombia. He had extensive experience in underground precious metals mining, with a primary focus in Latin America. He worked with operations in Guatemala, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, Mexico, Spain and the US.

“Most recently, Gray was VP of operations for Tahoe Resources, where he was pivotal in constructing, commissioning and operating Tahoe's flagship Escobal mine, in Guatemala,” noted Continental.

Sussman said Gray’s recent experience bringing the Escobal mine into production on time and within budget would be a tremendous asset for Continental and its shareholders.

Gray also had significant narrow-vein mining experience, including the construction and operation of mines sharing geological similarities to Buriticá.

"Large high-grade deposits are becoming rare these days, and Continental's Buriticá project presents a unique opportunity," Gray pointed out, noting that he was keen to work with Continental's Colombian team to advance Buriticá through its engineering and construction phases and then on into production.

“I am also looking forward to working with the company in building and operating the Buriticá project as a world-class underground gold mine, one that will provide long-term benefit, not only for the area communities and the country of Colombia as a whole, but also for Continental shareholders," added Gray.

Gray holds a BSc in mining engineering from the University of Idaho, a Master of civil engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a MBA from Auburn University.

Continental’s executive VP, Gustavo Koch, was appointed interim president of the company's Colombian branch.