SYDNEY: Evolution Mining Limited (ASX:EVN) has announced the appointment of industry veteran Mr. Matthew O’Neill as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Mr. O’Neill is set to take charge of all operational aspects of Evolution starting from 1 June 2024.

Bringing over two decades of experience in base metals and gold, Mr. O’Neill’s expertise is expected to bolster Evolution’s operational efficiency and growth.

His impressive resume includes a recent stint as the Australian Regional Lead / COO for Glencore’s Copper and Zinc businesses.

During his time with Glencore, he played a pivotal role in managing the Ernest Henry operation when Evolution first acquired an economic interest in 2016, leading up to its complete ownership in January 2022.

Mr. O’Neill, an alumnus with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, a Graduate Certificate in Mining Engineering, and an MBA, has been at the executive level for the last decade. After leaving Glencore in 2023, he has been running his own consulting business, which notably supported Evolution with the integration of the Northparkes operation.

Evolution’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Lawrie Conway, expressed his enthusiasm about the new appointment, stating, “Matt’s deep understanding of our cornerstone operations, especially Ernest Henry and Northparkes, is a tremendous asset. His technical acumen and leadership have earned our respect, and we are confident he will make an excellent addition to our Leadership Team.”

Mr. O’Neill also shared his excitement about the new role, remarking on the company’s growth and culture, “I am looking forward to contributing to Evolution’s continued success and ensuring a more reliable operational performance.”

The appointment marks a strategic step for Evolution as it continues to strengthen its leadership team and operational capabilities in the mining sector.