core sector communique

SINOSTEEL MIDWEST CORPORATION APPOINTS NEW CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

 

Iron ore miner and developer, Sinosteel Midwest Corporation today announced the appointment of Julian Mizera as Chief Operating Officer with effect from 30 October 2010.

 

Mr Mizera takes over the key role in the Company following the resignation of current Chief Operating Officer, Mr Giulio Casello, who has accepted the position as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sundance Resources Limited.

 

Mr Mizera said taking over as Chief Operating Officer at this critical point in the development of the company’s Mid West projects is a major responsibility and an exciting opportunity.  

 

“My priority is to continue to progress Sinosteel Midwest Corporation into a long term sustainable production company. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Sinosteel Midwest Corporation team and our core focus is to complete the Weld Range project and to support the development of critical port and rail infrastructure at Oakajee,” Mr Mizera said.

 

Mr Mizera has been with Sinosteel Midwest Corporation since 2008, initially recruited to lead the Sinosteel / Midwest Corporation Joint Venture and following the successful acquisition of Midwest Corporation by Sinosteel in 2009. His role included Projects Director responsible for the Company’s development activities including the $2 billion Weld Range Iron Ore Project.

 

Sinosteel Midwest Corporation Managing Director Mr Tony Cheng said the Board and Management of Sinosteel Corporation welcomes Mr Mizera to the position of Chief Operating Officer with great confidence.

 

“Given Mr Mizera’s comprehensive understanding of Sinosteel Midwest Corporation’s operations and project development background, he is well placed to deliver the Company’s rapid growth ambitions and its transition into a major iron ore producer,” Mr Cheng said.

 

Mr Mizera has been involved in the resources sector for more than 20 years across numerous commodities including iron ore, alumina, nickel and gold. Julian has been involved in all areas of project development including strategic planning, feasibility studies, investment analysis, construction and corporate governance.

 

Mr Mizera holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Curtin University and an MBA from the University of Western Australia and has previously held senior roles with a range of organizations including BHP Billiton, Newcrest Mining, Alcoa of Australia, Kaiser Engineers and Worley Parsons.

 

Current Chief Operating Officer Giulio Casello said he was leaving Sinosteel Midwest Corporation in a strong position and with a highly competent leadership team in place.

 

“Sinosteel Midwest Corporation is on track to commence operations from its 15Mtpa Weld Range project in 2014 aligned with the completion of the Oakajee port and rail project as planned,” Mr Casello said.

 

Mr Casello will remain on as Chief Operating Officer until the end of the month providing for a smooth leadership transition to Mr Mizera.  

 

Mr Cheng thanked Mr Casello for his valuable contribution to Midwest Sinosteel Corporation during his time with the company.

 

“Giulio will be missed however we wish him the best with his new appointment,” Mr Cheng said.

 

Mr Cheng said he was delighted Mr Mizera had accepted the offer to take over as Chief Operating Officer and looked forward to working with him to continue to develop Sinosteel Midwest Corporation’s assets in the Mid West region.