A general manager for Mount Milligan Mine has been named.
Ownership company Thompson Creek Metals disclosed that their new vice-president and the Mount Milligan GM would be veteran mine administrator Dennis Hoof.
"Dennis brings more than 20 years of management experience across the chemical, petrochemical and mining industries to his new position," said a written company statement. "Dennis says that one of the key reasons he was attracted to Thompson Creek Metals is because of the company's commitment to managing its business against four pillars of corporate responsibility: economic achievement, employee safety and development; environmental stewardship, and community engagement."
Last year, Hoof was living in Tanzania where he was the general manager of the Bulyanhulu Gold Mine owned by African Barrick Gold. There he oversaw not only the mine's operations but also a slate of community development programs like financial contributions to health and education initiatives, and food contributions to crop-stricken regions of the country. In July he personally helped the mine staff and their partners deliver 200 tonnes of maize to aid a consortium of 14 impoverished villages.
"[Thompson Creek Metals] has proven its commitment to corporate responsibility by building these factors into the operating strategy for Mount Milligan," Hoof said in a written statement. "I feel honored to be given this opportunity and to be a part of the leadership team commissioning a world-class operating mine and processing facility. I consider this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And to live and work in one of the most beautiful regions of the world makes it that more special."
While in Tanzania, Hoof was the subject of a real life crime drama. According to African Internet reports dating from 2011, a seven-member crime group plotted to kidnap Hoof and rob the mine of its rendered gold. The plan was thwarted by Tanzanian law enforcement before the criminals got to the mine, ending in the arrest of three and killing of four of the participants.
In addition to Hoof, many other members of the Mount Milligan workforce have been selected. "More than 300 operations personnel have now been hired, and a staff training program and leadership academy is underway," said a Thompson Creek Metals statement. The company said the mine's construction process was 83 per cent complete.
"The Mount Milligan project remains on schedule with commissioning and startup expected in the third quarter of 2013, and commercial production of copper and gold expected in the fourth quarter of 2013," said a company statement. "The mine has an estimated life-of-mine of approximately 22 years."
Mount Milligan Mine is located north of Fort St. James and west of Mackenzie, less than 100 kms from either town.
