This week’s Talent Tuesday kicks off with news from Ivanhoe Electric (NYSE:IE) and the appointment of Michelle Lammers as chief operating officer and Daniel Worthy as senior vice president for operations and general manager for the Santa Cruz Copper Project, effective 1 September 2026.
Lammers brings more than 20 years of experience to the role, having worked with the American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO), a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, an integrated copper mining, smelting, and refining company with three copper mining operations, a smelter, and a copper refinery.
She served as general manager of the Ray Mine and project manager for the Mammoth Heap Leach Facility at the Silver Bell Mine in Arizona, US.
Most recently, Lammers served as operations director, responsible for the company’s US mining operations, the Copper Basin Railway infrastructure system, and general development across the company’s assets.
Worthy joins the company from Nevada Gold Mines, a joint venture between Barrick (NYSE:B) and Newmont (NYSE:NEM), bringing more than 20 years of experience across large-scale underground and open-pit operations and project development.
He most recently was general manager for technical services at Nevada Gold Mines, having previously served as general manager of the Cortez Mine in Nevada and the Hemlo Mine in Ontario, Canada.
Worthy will be responsible for all operating activities at the Santa Cruz Copper Project in Arizona, leading the team through construction, commissioning, ramp-up, and operations.
Executive Chairman Robert Friedland says that “it takes exceptional people to build mines”, and says that the leadership expertise of Lammers and Worthy will help to transition the company’s Santa Cruz Copper Project from engineering into construction and, ultimately, production.
“With Michelle and Dan working alongside Glen Kuntz and his engineering professionals, we have a stronger leadership team to advance our Santa Cruz Project.
“Michelle and Dan have demonstrated their abilities to lead large-scale copper operations, bulk underground mining operations, and development projects in the US. They bring a strong track record of successful, operations-focused leadership to guide our team as we build the US’ next large-scale copper producer that will support American energy and technology infrastructure, supply chain security, and national defence.”
Ivanhoe Electric is a US-based, technology-driven minerals exploration and development company with a focus on copper and other critical minerals vital to electric transmission and generation, manufacturing, infrastructure development, technology, and national security.
Vizsla Silver strengthens in-country leadership
Vizsla Silver (TSX:VZLA) has announced the appointment of Luis Lázaro as president for its Mexico operations, effective immediately.
Lázaro will lead and oversee the continued advancement of the company’s flagship Panuco Silver Project through permitting, construction, and potential production.
He will work with the executive leadership team as the company progresses towards a targeted timeline of first silver production in H2 2027.
Lázaro brings 30 years of leadership and operational experience to the role, having most recently served as CEO of Citrofrut, Mexico’s largest citrus juice processing.
In this role, he led a successful business transformation, repositioning the company’s portfolio towards specialty projects while strengthening operational performance and long-term growth. Lázaro has also held senior leadership roles across a range of industries.
President and CEO Michael Konnert says that Lázaro brings a proven track record of leading operations and building successful companies in Mexico.
“As we transition from project development toward construction and ultimately production, his appointment adds further depth to our leadership team and strengthens our in-country capabilities.
“His operational expertise, strategic mindset, and ability to build high-performing teams make him exceptionally well suited to lead our in-country operations during this exciting phase of growth.”
Vizsla Silver is a Canadian development company advancing Panuco, its wholly owned silver-gold project in Sinaloa, Mexico.
Forsys Metals appoints uranium veteran as new CEO, rebrands as Asarian Energy
Forsys Metals (TSX:FSY) has announced John Borshoff as CEO, president, and executive director at a virtual shareholder meeting.
The company notes that Borshoff is ‘one of the world’s most experienced uranium mining executives’, having spent over 50 years building uranium companies from exploration through development to production
Forsys notes that the company will benefit from Borshoff’s expertise and deep understanding of the uranium sector “as he builds a proven team capable of implementing and executing a value creation strategy centred on asset optimisation with the concurrent evaluation for strategic mergers and acquisitions”.
The company is focused on building a diverse project pipeline of development and production options, noting the current strong uranium market, rising demand, and future supply shortages.
Borshoff notes that he is honoured to join the company.
“I am excited about the growth possibilities for Forsys, soon to become Asarian Energy, working in this exceptional energy transition environment where nuclear is going to become increasingly important in satisfying the almost insatiable need for more power,” Borshoff adds.
“After my unique successes with Paladin (ASX:PDN) and Deep Yellow (ASX:DYL), and a highly credentialled team with me, I feel confident what can be achieved with Forsys, with the timing perfect to transform this company into something major by exploiting the rare opportunities for growth that are available and, above all else, having the wherewithal to deliver.”
The company is advancing with its plans to change its name to Asarian Energy and will commence trading under its new symbol ARN, subject to completion of all necessary fillings.
Forsys Metals is advancing a three-pillared growth strategy centred on asset optimisation, new acquisitions, and building a proven team to become a globally significant uranium producer, advancing the wholly owned Norasa Uranium Project in Namibia.
Write to Amy Rotman at Mining.com.au
Images: Ivanhoe Electric, Vizsla Silver, Forsys Metals
