Newmont names new Peñasquito mine boss

Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM, TSX: NGT) has announced that Bernard Wessels has been appointed General Manager of the Peñasquito mine, replacing Jim Cooper.

Cooper’s employment has been terminated with immediate effect for violations of Newmont’s Code of Conduct while working for the company in Australia, Newmont said in a media release.

Wessels has managed Newmont’s Ahafo mine in Ghana since 2017. During his time at Ahafo, he delivered the Ahafo Mill Expansion project on budget and is advancing the improved mining method at Subika underground, which will increase production, capture higher efficiencies and lower costs.

Prior to joining Newmont, Bernard managed complex gold and platinum mines across South Africa, balancing difficult technical and community challenges at each operation.

“Despite the challenging circumstances caused by covid-19, the team on the ground in Mexico has continued to deliver solid operational performance at Peñasquito and has been recognized for its industry-leading approach in managing through the pandemic,” said Newmont CEO Tom Palmer.

As previously announced, the Cedros General Assembly recently ratified the definitive agreement reached in April to resolve all outstanding disputes between Peñasquito and the San Juan de Cedros community. The agreement expressly states that any future disputes will be resolved through dialogue and free of blockades.