Kilbride has more than 35 years’ experience in diversified mining, including senior management positions responsible for various mines primarily associated with bulk commodities.

Prior to joining Continental, Kilbride held the position of executive director and chief operating officer at South African resource company Exxaro Resources upon its Johannesburg Stock Exchange listing in 2006.

During his time at Exxaro, Kilbride was appointed as chairman to the boards of Sishen Iron Ore Company, Kumba and Exxaro Coal, as well as Ticor SA during a period of substantial growth for each of the companies.

Continental chief executive officer Don Turvey said Kilbride’s appointment was a significant step towards achieving the company’s growth strategy.

“Mike’s role and in particular his experiences as chairman of Exxaro’s coal business from 2001 to 2008, a period where he oversaw production increase from 17 million tonnes per annum to the current 47Mtpa, is extremely important to Continental Coal as we now look to grow our business,” Turvey said.

“The growth at Exxaro was achieved through acquisitions, new mines commissioned and brownfields expansions and required obtaining increased allocation at RBCT [Richards Bay Coal Terminal] and new supply agreements with Eskom.

“All of these areas will be key to the success of growing our business in the future.”

Continental has a portfolio of advanced mine operations, including its Penumbra mine in the Ermelo coalfield and its Ferreira open cast mine.

The company exports about 40,000 tonnes a month of thermal coal from the RBCT.