JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Aim-listed mineral sands producer Sierra Rutile has appointed Wayne Venter as COO, effective August 1.
Venter would be responsible for all aspects of operations, including overseeing current operations, strategic business planning and the execution of growth projects.
With over 25 years of experience in mining operations, Venter would join the company from Norilsk Nickel, where he served as its Australian operations CEO.
Prior to this, he held senior management positions at Norilsk Nickel operations in Africa, responsible for a $1.2-billion portfolio, employing a workforce of 4 000 people, including overseeing operations at the Tati nickel mine, in Botswana – one of the largest operations of its kind globally – and African Rainbow Minerals joint venture operation Nkomati nickel mine.
"We are delighted to welcome Venter to the COO role. The breadth of his experience in leading mature mining operations in Africa and internationally, plus his experience in delivering projects will be key as Sierra Rutile commences the construction of the Gangama project.
“We look forward to Venter’s contributions with driving further optimisations and efficiencies to realise the full potential of Sierra Rutile's world-class asset,” Sierra Rutile CEO John Sisay said.
Sierra Rutile last month started the first of two development phases at its $77-million openpit Gangama dry mine, in Sierra Leone. Phase 1 would see the construction of a 500 t/h operation, with production to start in the second quarter of 2016.