Western Mining names CEO to run Canadian Subsidiary

Australia-based Western Mining Corp. has named a new chief executive officer to run its Canadian subsidiary.

Jim Lalor, Western’s general manager of investment projects, is scheduled to take up his new position as president and ceo of Westminer (Canada) Ltd. in May.

A geologist, Lalor is a former general manager of Western’s mineral exploration in Australia. He was also part of a team which scouted Canada for a number of acquisitions including Northgate Mines and the assets of both Seabright Resources and Grandview Resources.

Western’s Canadian portfolio is expected to increase this week after the company made a formal offer for Norbeau Mines. Western completed the acquisition of Western Goldfields last week.

While no more acquisitions are planned, Lalor will attempt to come to grips with Western’s new properties, says Westminer’s acting ceo Geoff Smith.

Lalor will be assisted by Peter Maloney, Western’s corporate treasurer who become’s Westminer’s executive vice-president finance. With Northgate Mines’ two Chibougamau gold/copper mines as its principal assets, Westminer is the flagship of Western’s Canadian operations.

Separate holding companies were formed to acquire Seabright, Grandview and Norbeau, but Smith says they will eventually be rolled into a more simplified structure.