Tim Williams, who until recently was operations chief for Chile project developer Rio2, is joining Marathon Gold as COO with effect from July 13.
Williams is a professional engineer with more than 25 years of experience in mine construction and operation. He will be responsible for the development, ramp-up and operation of the Valentine gold project, in central Newfoundland.
Robbert Borst retired as Marathon COO, following the release of a positive feasibility study for the project.
Between 2011 and 2016, Williams served as VP operations for Rio Alto Mining and subsequently Tahoe Resources, during which time he was responsible for the construction, ramp-up and successful operation of the La Arena gold mine in Peru and the construction of the nearby Shahuindo gold mine.
Prior to Rio Alto, he served in a series of progressively more senior technical and project management roles, including at the El Brocal and Marcona mines, in Peru, for mining contractor Stracon, the Geita mine, in Tanzania, for AngloGold Ashanti, and the Leintster and McArthur River mines, in Australia, for Western Mining and Mount Isa Mines, respectively.
“Tim brings a strong track record in project development and construction, with both La Arena and Shahuindo being established as successful, large scale gold mines under his management. Importantly, he also brings direct, hands-on experience in openpit mining operations as both a geotechnical engineer and mining contractor, key skillsets for success at the Valentine gold project,” said president and CEO Matt Manson.
He added that Marathon would be announcing additional appointments to its mine development team, as the company moved forward with its environmental assessment and feasibility-level engineering studies, with a view to a potential construction decision by late 2021.