Jerkovic resigns as Wiluna boss

Wiluna Mining boss Milan Jerkovic has resigned after four years at the helm, the first in a series of management changes which follow unforeseen delays at the miner’s namesake gold project.

In a statement to the ASX this morning, the West Perth-based gold miner described the move as a “mutual agreement” between Mr Jerkovic and the company, but stopped short of revealing what prompted the sudden departure.

Wiluna confirmed the change would occur effective immediately, with non-executive director Rowan Johnston to step in as interim chair and Michael Monaghan to act as chief executive.

The shakeup comes just six weeks after Wiluna embarked on a $50 million capital raising in order to counteract unforeseen delays at its gold mine, including labour shortages, inflationary cost pressures and delays in the shipping of key equipment.

The newly-formed leadership team has been tasked with resetting the mine plan and taking advantage of what it believes to be a 5.5 million ounce gold resource.

That team is set to be supported by acting chief operating officer Robert Ryan and site team leader Jon Pluckhahn.

Mr Johnston told the market the focus would be on executing a realistic and executable mine plan over the coming months that would provide a return to shareholders and ensure a focus on cost management. 

Wiluna shares were up 2.17 per cent this afternoon to trade at 24 cents.