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MISSOULA, MT – The Washington Companies (“Washington Companies”) today announced that Patrick “Pat” Merrin has been named Chief Operating Officer – Mining. The newly-created position will provide oversight of existing Washington Companies’ mining operations at Montana Resources in Butte, Montana, and Dominion Diamond Mines in the Northwest Territories, Canada, as well as any potential expansion opportunities in the future.
Washington Companies President and CEO Larry Simkins said, “As part of our ongoing succession planning process, we identified the need for additional expertise in our mining sector to maintain operational excellence and provide leadership for potential expansion opportunities in the future. We were fortunate to identify Pat Merrin – a seasoned executive with deep and global experience in mining and smelter operations, and notable leadership positions at top companies, including most recently as Goldcorp’s SVP of Canadian Operations. Pat’s collaborative leadership style and entrepreneurial drive make him an ideal fit in the long-established Washington Companies’ culture. I look forward to working closely with Pat as we seek to build on our strong track record of safety and operational excellence across our mining operations.”
Mr. Merrin commented, “I am honored and excited to be part of the rich mining history at the Washington Companies and to help build upon the high standards set by the management team. Washington’s focus on identifying high-potential mining assets across North America and investing over the long term aligns perfectly with my own experience and operational philosophy. I look forward to working with the teams at Montana Resources and Dominion Diamonds to help drive outstanding safety performance, productivity and efficiency over many years.”
About Patrick Merrin
Mr. Merrin is a seasoned mining executive with a unique mix of global mining, business and financial experience. Mr. Merrin also has strong operational experience in a variety of mining and metals environments, specifically in applying new mining technologies and integrated data analysis to improve site productivity, safety and performance. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of Canadian Operations for Goldcorp prior to the sale to Newmont. Prior to Goldcorp, he held a variety of positions at Hudbay Minerals, Adex Mining, Lucas Milhaupt Europe and Handy & Harman. Mr. Merrin earned his MBA from the University of Toronto – Rotman School of Business and his Chemical Engineering degree from McGill University. In 2018, he was elected to serve on the Board of Trustees of the American Exploration & Mining Association (AEMA).
About The Washington Companies
The Washington Companies are a group of individual privately held companies headquartered throughout the United States and western Canada and conducting business internationally. Our purpose is to reliably provide equipment, technology, service, and special expertise that aid our customers in more efficient and profitable operations.
The Washington Companies have nearly a half century of experience in operating some of the safest and most efficient and profitable mines in the world. Their mining operations include: Montana Resources (copper and molybdenum), Butte, Montana, USA; Dominion Diamond Mines, Northwest Territories, Canada; Pipestone Quarry (railroad ballast), Pipestone, Montana; and Montana Limestone Resources (limestone mine), Drummond, Montana.
For Media Inquiries:
Jared Levy / Danya Al-Qattan / Nikki Ritchie
Sard Verbinnen & Co
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or
Mike Halligan
Washington Corporations
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