KGL Resources Ltd (ASX:KGL) has appointed experienced mining leader Steven Rooney as chief operations officer, effective from 2 May 2022.
Steven is a seasoned mining professional with a successful track record at senior operational levels at both open pit and underground mining operations, and multi-year experience in metalliferous mining and processing.
Working his way from a production superintendent to general manager of Glencore’s McArthur River Mining, Steven is experienced in building and managing project teams across different technical disciplines and in complex operating environments.
As chief operations officer, Steven will oversee all site activities at the Jervois Copper Project in the Northern Territory from construction into commissioning and then into operations.
He will have responsibility to ensure budgetary and production targets are met in a timely and safe manner.
KGL CEO Simon Finnis said the chief operations officer role is a key addition to the company’s management structure.
He added: “We have been fortunate to secure someone of Steven’s extensive experience and capability to join our team as Chief Operations Officer, particularly given his most recent role has been working in the mining industry in the Northern Territory.
“He 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.
“His passion for safe, environmentally friendly and socially responsible mining operations is a great fit for our philosophies, business model and existing team.
“I believe Steven’s extensive experience operating both surface and underground mines, his technical skills and his commercial acumen will guide all our people to achieve the level of operational excellence we are committed to delivering for our stakeholders.”
“Excited about what the next few years will bring”
Incoming chief operations officer Steven Rooney said: “It’s fantastic to be joining the business at such an important stage and I’m really excited about what the next few years will bring.
“My focus will be setting up our people, our partners and Jervois to deliver operational excellence.
“Having spent most of my career living and working in the Pilbara, north-west Queensland and the Northern Territory, I understand the challenges and opportunities that come with doing business in the most remote parts of the country, and the importance of delivering social performance outcomes through local procurement, gender diversity, community engagement and local Indigenous opportunities in employment and business development.”
Strategic priority for the company
Chairman Peter Hay said he was extremely pleased with the appointment.
Hay added: “Steven stood out to us as the right person with a unique blend of skills, and we are delighted to have him on board to lead Jervois through what will be an exciting and transformational period for the Company.
“This appointment was a strategic priority for the company and we are very much looking forward to his contribution as we progress towards the construction phase.”