Former Liberty Mines president-CEO Chris Stewart has been appointed Kirkland Lake Gold’s vice-president of operations.
In a May 27 release, Stewart is credited with the successful turnaround strategy implemented at Liberty, now Northern Sun Corp., which resolved major environmental and operational issues that put the Timmins area operation back on the production track, both on time and on budget.
"I have worked with Chris in the past and have a high regard for his business-minded strategic planning skills, proven track record in operational turnaround skills, management capabilities, and commitment to mine safety,” said Kirkland Lake Gold president-CEO George Ogilvie in a statement.
The company started an operational and management shakeup late last year as part of a larger review to cut labour costs and reduce exploration to save money. The Toronto-based mid-tier miner initiated a strategic review of its flagship operation in northwestern Ontario.
Stewart has more than 20 years in the industry as a mining engineer and has served in managerial positions with Lake Shore Gold, BHP Billiton, DMC Mining Services and Dynatec Corp.
“Having spent the last four months on site working with the operations team to develop a new lower tonnage, higher grade mining plan and strategy,” continued Ogilvie, “now is the appropriate time to appoint Chris to lead the operations team in executing these plans successfully to return the company to profitability."
