Martiz joins the company with 10 years’ experience in the mining industry including work with South African miner Metorex.

Continental notes that during Martiz’s service as chief financial officer at Metorex, the Johannesburg-based company’s market capitalization grew from $US46.9 million in 2002 to $1.1 billion in 2012.

At Metorex, Martiz was responsible for the financial affairs and funding requirements across a number of operating coal and metal subsidiaries, each with annual revenues in excess of $35.2M.

Continental Coal chief executive Don Turvey said the appointment of Martiz reflected producer’s growth in South Africa.

“I am very pleased with the appointment of such a high-calibre professional and his experience further strengthens our management team,” he said.

Continental’s South African portfolio includes the Penumbra thermal coal mine in the Ermelo coalfield and its Ferreira open cut thermal coal operation.