Ausmex Mining Group Ltd (ASX:AMG) has appointed existing director Geoff Kidd to the position of executive director and new chief operating officer (COO).
The appointment follows a strengthening of the management team as it progresses with studies, engineering and contracting through the vital stages in the development of the Mt Freda Complex at Cloncurry, Queensland.
Managing director Matt Morgan said Kidd’s extensive experience in hands-on roles driving technological and operational efficiencies in new mine developments and managing gold and other mining projects would be invaluable as the company positioned itself to move from explorer to gold producer.
More than 35 years’ experience
“As we gear up to take the Mt Freda Complex into production, Ausmex requires an experienced manager to control all aspects of the design, management and contracting associated with the development of the Project.
“Geoff has over 35 years’ experience at a senior level within the mining, engineering, contracting, power, chemical and petrochemical industries.
“He specialises in risk mitigation together with appropriate economic design and his professional experience in the mining industry has primarily focussed on new mine developments and the expansion or increased efficiency of existing mines.”
Strong background in estimating capital costs for new mines
Morgan added: “Geoff has been directly involved in the design and commissioning of new mines, minerals handling and processing plants and he has broad experience in mine development and approvals, minerals beneficiation and ore handling plants, truck loading and unloading facilities and rail developments, port developments and infrastructure developments for mines.
“He also has a strong background in the estimating of capital costs for new mines, mine upgrades, minerals processing and chemical plants, which will facilitate cost control during the implementation of Ausmex’s Mt Freda Complex.”
Career and experience
Kidd started his work in the mining industry by managing a minerals pilot plant and equipment testing facility.
He worked in Freeport’s Ertsberg Copper Operation in West Irian on two occasions in the early 70s and during the 80s he spent time in Zimbabwe in Lonrho’s platinum and gold operations.
Prior to being one of the founders of Ausmex in company with Morgan, he was chief operating officer at Coalworks Ltd, where he and Morgan worked closely together in executive line positions
This history provides assurances that both can immediately work together to strengthen AMG’s company management, to productively progress and control the Mt Freda Complex and to advance the interests of all shareholders
Morgan concluded: “Geoff’s history of always bringing projects into production on or below budget and meeting or exceeding their designed performance criteria will be invaluable to Ausmex for the Mt Freda Complex and AMG’s subsequent initiatives.
“He has an excellent reputation for his ability to deliver projects on-time and on budget and we are delighted with this high calibre appointment to our management team.”