Black Rock Mining (ASX:BKT) has appointed respected industry veteran, John de Vries, as chief operating officer.
de Vries brings experience from companies including St Barbara and BHP Billiton NiWest.
His primary responsibility is to deliver a construction ready Mahenge Graphite Mine post completion of the company´s Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS).
The Mahenge Graphite Mine PFS optimisation work is expected to deliver a larger initial mine whilst maintaining industry leading pre-production capex.
Steve Tambanis, managing director, commented:
"We are delighted to have secured someone of John´s calibre and it talks to the strength of the Mahenge Graphite Mine that he has chosen this role.
"John's appointment is a critical step in Black Rock Mining's transition from explorer to mine developer and graphite producer.
"Once the PFS is completed, his primary function will be to commence working with our preferred construction partners to push the mine towards the commencement of construction as quickly as sensibly practicable."