Australia’s largest zinc mine, MMG Century, has a new General Manager.
Karl Spaleck stepped up into the role of General Manager of the mine in early November having been in the role of Deputy General Manager since 2008. Karl, a metallurgist by trade, has extensive experience in the mining and steelmaking industry in Australia and South Africa and joined Century in 2006.
“Century is a world class mine and major contributor to the North Queensland community and economy and I’m very proud to represent it in this role ,” said Karl.
“We have a great team out here, dedicated to the running the operation with the utmost respect for safety, health, environment and community.”
Karl stepped into the role the same week John Lamb, the former General Manager, transferred to the General Manager role of MMG Rosebery – an underground zinc, copper and lead mine on the West Coast of Tasmania.
Joining Karl in the role of Deputy General Manager this week is Jason Whittle. Jason has a long history with Century, being a critical part of the mine start-up team as Senior Plant Metallurgist from 1998 to 2001. Jason’s most recently held senior roles in Project Delivery and Business Improvement for MMG based in Melbourne.
“With his extensive experience and understanding of Century, we are pleased to have Jason return as Deputy General Manager. We welcome he and his family back to the North Queensland community.”
MMG is pleased to have been able to provide John, Karl and Jason these development opportunities.
Karl said that the mine’s short term priority was the repair and recommissioning of the Century pipeline.
“Our dedicated team has been working hard to repair the pipeline and we have already made significant process – the bypass was installed last week and we were able to begin slowly filling the line with water to remove air from the line over the weekend.
“MMG is committed to carrying out the repair and recommissioning work safely and comprehensively and will take whatever time is needed to ensure that this is done.”
Century’s current mine life extends to around 2015 so life of mine planning is an important part of the site’s strategy.
“We’ve recently commenced an exploration drilling program to identify additional sources of ore for the infrastructure at Century,” said Karl.
“Notwithstanding this, we need to ensure our longer term planning considers the impact of mine closure on the environment and community.”
More broadly, Karl’s focus is on strengthening the mine’s safety, environmental and production performance.
“John laid a good foundation during his time as General Manager, and my management team and I plan to continue to focus on the key areas of safety, environment, production and community.”
For further information:
Jillian D’Urso
Stakeholder Relations Officer
T 07 4769 5395 / 0417 117 753
E jillian.d’urso@mmgroupltd.com
Sally Cox
Communications Manager
T 03 9288 0850 / 0417 144 524
E sally.cox@mmgroupltd.com
High resolution photographs available.
Karl Spaleck, General Manager MMG Century