David Pelchen will take over as the general manager of Peak Gold Mines from next month.
The announcement was made yesterday as Aurelia Metals Ltd officially took ownership of the mine.
Mr Pelchen is a mining engineer with extensive operational experience in underground operations in Australia, New Zealand, China and Indonesia.
Bruce Anderson will take the role of acting general manager for the coming weeks until Mr Pelchen commences on site.
In a notice to all staff on Tuesday, Aurelia’s managing director Jim Simpson acknowledged the work of previous acting general manager Michael Zannes “in what has been a difficult and protracted sale process”.
Mr Simpson said the company will be meeting with all employees within the next week.
“Our motivation for purchasing the Peak Gold Mines was based on our view that we have the ability to make operational and administrative changes that will improve the business’ productivity and cost-efficiencies to extend the mine life beyond the current two years to a long term operation.
“This will provide a more profitable business over the long term which will benefit all major stakeholders—shareholders, employees and the local community,” Mr Simpson said.
