South Pacific Metals Corp. has announced the appointment of Mr Timo Jauristo as Chief Executive Officer, effective 30 June 2025, as the company prepares to commence its maiden drilling campaign in Papua New Guinea.
Jauristo brings more than 40 years of global mining leadership experience to the role, having previously served as Executive Vice President of Corporate Development at Goldcorp Inc., where he played a key role in the company's international growth strategy. His background also includes senior executive roles at Placer Dome and advisory work with Canaccord Genuity Corp.’s Metals and Mining Investment Banking Group. He currently sits on the board of Integra Resources Corp. as an independent director.
“As we kick off our maiden drill programme this month at Osena, I am looking forward to leading South Pacific Metals at such a pivotal time,” said Jauristo in a statement.
“SPMC maintains a robust portfolio of gold and copper assets adjacent to some of the most productive mines in the region. Michael and I visited Papua New Guinea this past week. I was excited to meet our impressive team and see firsthand the quality and potential of the portfolio, particularly in the Kainantu area. I look forward to working closely with the Board and our in-country team to demonstrate the potential of our assets,” he added.
Executive Chair Michael Murphy welcomed the appointment, noting the strategic importance of Jauristo’s expertise. “We are thrilled to welcome Timo as CEO. His deep operational and capital markets experience, strategic insight, and global industry relationships will be instrumental as we advance our Osena and Anga Gold-Copper Projects and mobilise for drilling at our Ontenu Target—our most important milestone yet,” Murphy said.
Alongside the leadership transition, the company announced the granting of stock options and restricted share units (RSUs) to directors and officers under its Omnibus Compensation Plan.
A total of 200,000 stock options were issued at an exercise price of USD0.49 per share, vesting in three equal tranches over three years. Additionally, 1,000,000 RSUs were awarded, also vesting in thirds on the first, second, and third anniversaries of the grant date.
South Pacific Metals Corp. is an emerging gold-copper exploration company operating in Papua New Guinea’s established mineral belts. With a 3,100 km² land package and four prospective projects adjacent to producers such as K92 Mining, PanAust, and Barrick/Zijin, the company is focused on discovery-driven, technically sound exploration across its Anga, Osena, Kili Teke, and May River projects.
