Horizonte Minerals PLC said it hired an operations manager for the Araguaia nickel project in Brazil.

The London-based nickel development company, which owns two projects in Brazil, said it hired Fernando Marino, who has over 35 years of experience in the resources industry, with a ‘strong track record of ramping up and operating mining operations in Brazil’.

This includes working across a range of mining operations for Vale SA in Brazil, Horizonte Minerals said, including as director of operations at Onca Puma, a ferronickel operation in the Brazilian state of Para around 250 kilometres from Araguaia.

‘During his time at Onca Puma, he managed the initial ramp-up phase and subsequently implemented improvements to the original furnace design in conjunction with Hatch (Araguaia’s furnace vendor),’ the company said.

‘Additionally, he led a comprehensive review of the operational, maintenance and safety procedures, resulting in a record annual production of 25,000 tonnes of nickel, without any lost-time accidents.’

Prior to joining the firm, Horizonte Minerals also noted that Marino was executive manager Vale’s Base Metals South Atlantic operations, alongside previously managing the Salobo copper mine and plant.

‘We are pleased to welcome Fernando as operations director for the Araguaia nickel project, which marks an important milestone for Horizonte as we prepare to bring Araguaia into production given that construction is now around 65% complete,’ said Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Martin.

‘Fernando’s extensive experience in commissioning, production ramp-up, and operating Brazilian nickel operations, coupled with over 20 years of stakeholder engagement experience in the Para state, will be invaluable at Araguaia and we look forward to working with him.’

Shares in Horizonte Minerals were down 3.6% to 133.00 pence each in London on Thursday afternoon.

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