Hillgrove Resources celebrates appointment of new non-executive director

Hillgrove Resources has appointed Dr Roger Higgins to the board as non-executive director following a long search process for a candidate who could provide the right skill set.

Higgins, a former chairman of Demetallica prior to its takeover by AIC Mines (ASX:A1M), has been appointed to help drive Hillgrove Resources (ASX:HGO) towards the restart of underground operations at the Kanmantoo copper-gold project in South Australia.

With over 50 years of experience and deep working experience leading mining companies and operations, HGO says his significant governance experience as current non-executive director at Worley and Newcrest Mining will be critical in taking the company forward.

His previous experience includes being a former managing director of Ok Tedi Mining in Papua New Guinea and senior vice president at Canadian metals and mining company, Teck Resources.

Prior to this, he was vice president and chief operating officer with BHP Billiton Base Metals Customer Sector Group working in Australia and also held senior positions with BHP Billiton in Chile.

“I welcome Roger to the board, bringing with him additional experience in mining operations the company sought, which is critical as we begin the Kanmantoo Underground operations,” Hillgrove’s chairman Derek Carter says.

“The company looks forward to utilising his expertise at an exciting juncture for the company.”

What’s next?

With a production start date of Q1 2024, the well-funded HGO is expecting to deliver 43,500t of copper and 11,500oz of gold from 4.5 million tonnes of ore, across an initial mine plan of 45 months.

That’s very likely to increase as well, as ongoing drilling to prove up more copper and gold looks to add further mining inventory.

All major contracts have been executed – including the supply of explosives and other lead items, as well as the supply and maintenance of the underground fleet which is now mobilised.

Hillgrove said it expects to hire an additional 130 staff over the next six months as the mine expands with the preparation of the process plant, in readiness for first copper production.

This article was developed in collaboration with Hillgrove Resources, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.