Tony Swiericzuk has been tapped to lead VRX Silica into a new era following the company’s succession plan.
Swiericzuk will start with the Western Australian business in February before taking over as chief executive officer in a full-time capacity in July. Swiericzuk will be taking over from Bruce Maluish, who will transition from his current role as managing director to a non-executive director role during this period.
VRX chairman Paul Boyatzis said he was delighted to secure the services of the experienced Swiericzuk.
“Tony is a highly-experienced mining executive,” he said.
“He is the ideal candidate to lead the Company from explorer to producer as we progress development of our Arrowsmith North Silica Sand project.”
Boyatzis paid tribute to Maluish’s impact on the company as a key part of its operations for many years.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Bruce Maluish for his years of service to VRX, recognising his vision to pivot the company into the silica sand industry as opportunities emerged in the Asia-Pacific region, and for steering the company through the challenging regulatory approvals process for Arrowsmith North.
“Given his significant experience in mining, and deep industry knowledge and contacts in silica sand markets, particularly in Asia, I am also delighted that Bruce has agreed to stay on with the company in a non-executive capacity to support the management team as we enter this next exciting phase.”
The transition comes after VRX and Maluish discussed long-term succession planning as the company advances the development of the Arrowsmith North silica sand project.
The company selected Swiericzuk for the top job. The mining executive brings more than three decades of experience across large-scale mines and bulk ports. His experience of developing exploration programs, greenfield and brownfield projects in applications including iron ore, magnetite, coal, nickel, gold, copper and potash proved “invaluable” in VRX’s final decision.
“As general manager of the Christmas Creek Mine for FMG, he oversaw the construction, commissioning and ramp-up of this project from15 [million tonnes per annum] to 60 [million tonnes per annum], then proceeded to optimise the operation and help drive FMG to become the world’s lowest cost iron ore producer,” Boyatzis said.
