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Vale selects new COO to oversee Canada, UK and Asian operations

Ricus Grimbeek brings vast engineering and technological expertise to Sudbury
Ricus 2 cropped

Nickel miner Vale announced that Ricus Grimbeek has been appointed as its new chief operating officer for Canada, the UK and Asian Refineries.

He’ll be based in Sudbury.

“I’m very excited to take on this new role, and am humbled to be leading some of the most historic and prolific mining operations in the world,” said Grimbeek in a May 15 news release.

“I’m also energized by the enormous potential I see in front of us, and look forward to working with our employees, union partners, regulators and local communities to co-create the future I believe to be possible”.

Ricus, a mining engineering of more than 30 years, has worked in senior management positions for South 32, a global mining company, as its chief technology officer, chief operating officer, and president.

He’s also worked stints in senior operating and safety roles for BHP Billiton and Lonmin in Canada, Australia and his native South Africa.

“I have a true passion for sustainability and mining, and I continue to dedicate myself to creating the industry of the future, which, above all, must be a safe one,” Grimbeek added.

“My desire is to run a business where people’s safety is guaranteed – and by utilizing technology, I believe we will be able to unlock a new level of safety performance in our operations that today is hard to imagine.”