#Canada #Vancouver #Luca Mining #Campo Morado #Nick Shakesby

Luca Mining Corp Enhances Leadership with New COO and Optimization Initiatives

Luca Mining Corp. has made significant strides by appointing Nick Shakesby as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), starting April 1, 2026. This strategic move is aimed at bolstering operational efficiency and spearheading expansion projects like the Campo Morado Expansion (CME).

Appointment of a Seasoned Leader

Nick Shakesby is a well-respected figure in the mining industry, bringing over three decades of operational and project leadership experience, particularly in underground mining across Mexico and Latin America. Prior to joining Luca, Shakesby was the CEO of COMINVI S.A., Mexico's largest underground mining contractor, where he emphasized safety and operational efficiency, capabilities that will no doubt benefit Luca as it moves forward.

Ramón Mendoza, who previously held dual roles as COO and Chief Technical Officer (CTO), will now focus solely on his CTO responsibilities. He will lead the exciting initiatives for growth, including the CME, ensuring a successful execution of plans aimed at optimizing operations at the Campo Morado mine.

The Campo Morado Expansion

The Campo Morado Expansion is an essential project that aims to optimize recovery rates for metals, primarily enhancing gold and silver extraction. Shakesby and Mendoza's collaborative leadership will be crucial as the company delivers a Technical Report—anticipated in the latter half of 2026—that will outline the life-of-mine plans and mineral reserve estimates.

With a total area of 121 square kilometers, the Campo Morado mine features a polymetallic mineralization structure that the company aims to leverage for future growth. The project’s expansion may potentially increase cash flow significantly and optimize the production process concurrently at their other operational sites.

A New Addition in Metallurgy Expertise

In a further enhancement to its technical acumen, Luca Mining recently appointed Dr. Jose Hernandez as Vice President of Metallurgy and Process Engineering. With over 20 years of international experience in mineral processing, Dr. Hernandez is expected to contribute significantly to operational improvements and technical innovations, working closely with both the COO and CTO to achieve Luca's growth targets.

A Focus on Safety and Performance

Luca's new operational structure signifies a commitment to enhancing production performance while maintaining rigorous safety standards. With Shakesby at the helm of mining operations, he will prioritize operational performance, cost management, and safety across the board. This approach not only aims to stabilize production across the Campo Morado and Tahuehueto sites but also to ensure adherence to the highest industry safety standards.

Strengthening the Leadership Team

Shakesby, Mendoza, and Hernandez represent a formidable leadership team poised to drive Luca Mining's growth strategy forward. Dan Barnholden, CEO of Luca, expressed his enthusiasm by stating, "We are very pleased to welcome Nick to Luca at an important stage in the Company’s growth. His oversight of mining operations will enhance our production capabilities significantly."

As Luca Mining prepares to optimize its operations further and capitalize on existing growth opportunities, stakeholders can expect a focused approach that combines technical expertise with operational leadership. This new leadership team aims to not only enhance the company's financial performance but also contribute to setting standards within the mining industry that prioritize safety alongside productivity and sustainable practices.

In conclusion, Luca Mining Corp is gearing up for an exciting phase in its development, and with its newly appointed executive team, it is well-positioned to face the challenges of the mining sector while pursuing substantial growth.