AMN - NIGERIA: GM appointed for Segilola project

Thor Explorations Ltd has appointed Michael Kelly as general manager at its 100%-owned Segilola Gold Project in Nigeria. He brings a wealth of gold mining project construction and operational experience to the company.

Michael Kelly is a mining engineer with over 30 years of experience and a proven track record in developing mining projects from feasibility through engineering procurement and construction (EPC) to production and also has a proven track record in operations and leadership.

He has achieved success in delivering projects and operating mines in several locations in Africa and Asia with wide-ranging industry experience focused on gold, having managed mining operations, in both production and technical roles.

Michael Kelly has been involved in the planning and optimisation of several open pit mines, more recently as a general manager, mine manager, project manager and chief engineer for open pit gold operations in Ghana, Mongolia, Philippines, Eritrea and Egypt.

He also has significant experience of underground operations, in both production and technical roles, having worked as a lead manager of technical services for AngloGold Ashanti's Obuasi mine where the mine produced gold from both open pit and underground operations and more than doubled its underground production rate during his time there.

Michael Kelly has worked in key senior mining positions for Zara Mining, Centerra Gold, AngloGold Ashanti and as a mining contractor.

Thor's president and CEO Segun Lawson said: "We are very pleased to have Michael join the senior management team at Thor as we enter into the EPC phase at Segilola.

"He is a seasoned and respected mining professional who has worked across Africa, building projects and teams and has a track record of delivering projects on time and under budget, most recently having delivered the Koka Gold Mine in Eritrea, which was commissioned ahead of time and under the budget of USD150 million.

"Michael brings a wealth of gold mining project construction and operational experience and furthermore he has taken a long-term view and will remain with the company, transitioning to general manager operations on commissioning of the plant."

Segilola is considered the most advanced gold project in Nigeria. Thor recently completed a DFS on the open pit reserve and a preliminary economic assessment on the Segilola underground resource.

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