An award-winning journalist who has been covering the Canadian, Americas and global mining investment markets for more than a decade, Lazenby was most recently deputy editor, North America, for Mining Weekly.

He has been based in Canada for the past six years and has travelled extensively to report on conferences, events, projects, mines and companies.

Prior to his time in Canada, Lazenby worked in South Africa as a mining journalist.

After completing a degree in journalism (majoring in broadcasting) he established himself as a community reporter in Pretoria, then "switched gears" and entered the business-to-business publishing market in Johannesburg, "where I was introduced to the engineering and mining beats".

"Mining journalism picked me," he says.

"I quickly developed a greater interest in the mining side, and proceeded to specialise in this niche field, culminating in a secondment to Canada, which became permanent.

"I enjoy covering the mining and resources beat because it literally touches our daily lives in so many ways. Mining is extremely relevant in modern society since it plays such a profound role in the manufacturing of just about all products we use, from the beds we sleep in, to the transportation we use to move about our daily lives and perhaps more poignantly, it plays an increasingly important part in the technologies we employ to improve our quality of life and to communicate with each other."

Lazenby says he has met and interviewed many interesting mining, political and business leaders.

"My most memorable interview has been with chief owner of McEwen Mining, Robert McEwen - I am just in awe of what this man has accomplished in his life thus far, and that he is still at it, chasing the big dream of being included in the S&P 500 Index.

"He is an extremely wealthy and powerful man, and has a demonstrated record of philanthropy, is humble and accessible."

Lazenby joins Mining Journal at a time of rapid growth for the title in the Americas.

Group editor Richard Roberts says: "We are seeing a strong liking in the market for our high-value, on the ground coverage of key industry events in North and South America, site visit reports, and exclusive interviews with leaders, combined with timely reporting on the market announcements of juniors, mid-tiers and majors. This is all presented via a dedicated daily newsletter, and the global Mining Journal website.

"Industry people are aware that Mining Journal has been around for 180 years. Not everyone knows how much daily news and other high-value information is being produced by our editorial teams in the UK, Australia, and the Americas.

"As newspapers and others continue to wind back serious, consistent coverage of the industry, we are investing more than ever in quality coverage that is delivered through the only genuine global mining investment and finance news platform."