Balkan Mining and Minerals will leverage the experience of former Sandfire Resources boss Karl Simich to help guide its promising exploration and development programme in Canada’s lithium hotspots.
Between 2006 and September last year Mr Simich guided Sandfire through the discovery, financing, development and successful 10-year operation of the highly profitable DeGrussa copper operations in Western Australia.
He also oversaw the implementation of Sandfire’s international expansion strategy to become a globally significant copper miner, including the US$1.865 billion acquisition of MATSA copper operations in Spain.
At the end of his tenure, Sandfire had mining operations and development projects spanning three continents.
Throughout his career, Mr Simich has overseen the financing and development of more than 10 mines in Australia, New Zealand and Africa.
These have including base, precious and industrial metals spanning small to large-scale open pit, underground and alluvial operations.
Mr Simich will impart vital insights from 15 years at the helm of Sandfire and more than 36 years in the mining exploration industry globally as Balkan expands its exploration and development program in Ontario and its recently acquired Corvette North and Corvette Northwest properties neighbouring Patriot Battery Metals’ now famous Corvette discovery in Quebec.
On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Karl as a Director and strategic adviser,” Balkan Managing Director Ross Cotton said.
“With his proven track record in exploration and mining he brings invaluable skills and experience to our team.
“We look forward to working together as we advance our global lithium portfolio.”
