Thomas, who will also be Copperstone mine general manager, was a "key addition to the Kerr Mines executive management team", the company said this week.

An engineer with more than 30 years' experience in the industry, Thomas has overseen construction and commissioning of a number of mines including Kupol in Russia for Bema Gold, Fort Knox and Kubaka for Kinross Gold, Kensington and Palmarejo mines for Coeur Mining, Hope Bay for Newmont and Pogo and Red Dog for Cominco.

"On the heels of the successful 2017 exploration program and the positive results of the 2018 preliminary feasibility study, the addition of David to the team provides a catalyst towards the goal of full gold production by the end of 2019," said Kerr president, Martin Kostuik.

"David's accomplishments in the areas of engineering, procurement and construction management in the mining industry are second to none. [He] also brings an array of experience to complement his capital project skills including permitting, financing, mine operations and business development."