WEST Leederville-based diamond explorer Paramount Mining Corporation Ltd has appointed Michael Higginson as general manager, ahead of an exploration venture expansion next year. The former Comet Resources NL general secretary has joined the senior management team at a time when the company is looking to expand its exploration ventures in Australia, Ghana and South Africa. Mr Higginson has extensive corporate, legal and financial experience, and has held numerous Australian public company directorships with companies in the resources sector. He has also held board positions with two UK listed public corporations, and was previously an executive officer at the Australian Stock Exchange, in addition to running a corporate consulting practice.