Black Rock Mining Limited announced that it has appointed John de Vries as its interim Chief Executive Officer as the organisation commences a global search to secure a new CEO. Mr. de Vries will be an Executive Director of the company. Current CEO, Steven Tambanis has agreed to step down and will support the organisation through a transitional period whilst the Company searches for a suitably experienced CEO with construction, production and marketing experience.

Mr. de Vries, was appointed Black Rock's current Chief Operating Officer, 13 March 2017, and in combination with Steve Tambanis commenced the process to identify the company´s preferred construction partner to deliver a construction ready mine. Mr. de Vries has been appointed as an Executive Director and will continue in the role of interim CEO until an appropriate candidate is secured. Mr. de Vries has over 30 years' experience in the mining industry.

In 2003, he joined Orica Mining Services as Global Business Manager, Advanced Mining Solutions before moving to BHP Billiton NiWest in 2007 as the Manager Strategic Mine Planning.