Crystal Peak Minerals Inc., Toronto, announced Jan. 3 that it appointed John Mansanti as president and CEO, effective Jan. 2. He replaces Lance D’Ambrosio, who has stepped down from those positions, as well as that of director, though he remains a shareholder. D’Ambrosio served as Crystal Peak’s president and CEO since its listing on the TSX Venture Exchange in 2011.
The company said Mansanti has more than 35 years of experience leading teams in the successful development, construction, and operation of mining projects. He has spent most of his career in precious metals and potash, having worked for Intrepid Potash Inc., Barrick Gold, Placer Dome, Newmont Mining, and Freeport McMoRan. He currently serves on the board of directors for Rye Patch Gold.
He is a graduate of the Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology and holds a B.S. in chemistry and an M.S. in mineral processing engineering.
“I am truly pleased to welcome John to our company,” said D’Ambrosio. “He brings the perfect mix of big company experience, familiarity with potash, and project and operational know-how. This is the skill set that we will need as we move the company forward into construction and finally operations.”
Crystal Peak is targeting the production of specialty fertilizers, initially focused on potassium sulfate, through the use of a solar evaporation process. The company controls, directly or through agreement, mineral leases on more than 124,000 acres on its Sevier Playa property in Millard County, Utah. Minerals at the site include potassium, magnesium, sulfate, lithium, and other beneficial minerals. The company is currently engaged in engineering and analysis designed to support a feasibility study, environmental permitting, and ultimately mineral production.