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Kous Kirsten steps in to general manager role at Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s famous Super Pit

Jason MennellKalgoorlie Miner
KCGM general manager Kous Kirsten.
Camera IconKCGM general manager Kous Kirsten. Credit: Supplied

There is a new man in charge at the Super Pit.

Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines today revealed Kous Kirsten started in the role on Monday, just 10 weeks after the last general manager was appointed.

Former general manager Ben Wessely took on the reins at the start of December following Cecile Thaxter’s decision to step down just days after Saracen Mineral Holdings wrapped up a $1.1 billion bid for a half-share in the Super Pit in November.

American-based Newmont Goldcorp then held the other 50 per cent stake in the Super Pit and Mr Wessely, who joined Newmont in 2017, was ushered into the Super Pit’s top job.

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But shortly afterwards Northern Star Resources snapped up Newmont’s stake in the historic Golden Mile.

In a statement KCGM said the appointment of Mr Kirsten had been made by the KCGM joint venture executive committee made up of Saracen and Northern Star representatives.

KCGM said Mr Kirsten had a depth of operational experience in open pit and underground mining and processing after working in various roles throughout Australia and Africa.

Mr Kirsten said he was looking forward to the challenge of being at the helm of one of Australia’s most iconic gold operations.

“This is an exciting time for KCGM and Kalgoorlie-Boulder,” he said.

“KCGM is 100 per cent WA-owned for the first time in 30 years.

We are wholly focussed on continued safe production, realising future growth opportunities and creating shared value with the local community, and our joint venture owners.

“I look forward to meeting more of the community as I settle into this position and life in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.”

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