Stuart-Robertson, who spent 18 years with the AJ Lucas Group, worked in the drilling, pipeline and construction divisions of the company and has a strong operational background in project delivery in oil and gas and infrastructure projects.

In his most recent role at AJ Lucas, Stuart-Robertson assisted in the restructuring of the business before being recruited by Mastermyne in an exhaustive and comprehensive recruitment process, its managing director Tony Caruso said.

"The second half of this financial year and FY2013 are shaping up to be very busy so this appointment was timely," he said.

The COO role was integral to supporting the ongoing sustainable growth of the business and Mastermyne's operations teams should be able to draw on the wealth of contracting experience held by Stuart-Robertson, Caruso said.

The company would continue with its strategy of international recruitment focusing on Poland, South Africa, New Zealand and the UK, where there was a large pool of experienced underground miners, managing director Tony Caruso told its annual general meeting yesterday.

“We are strengthening our management team through up-skilling and recruitment where necessary,” Caruso said.

“This management team has been instrumental in the success of the business to date and we are very confident they, in addition with new staff, will be the driving force behind the ongoing continued success of this business.”

Mastermyne had a workforce of 823 in June 2011 and this number has risen by 20% over the last five months to 1000 people, including contractors. The current manning requirements would see this number increase to approximately 1200 for the full year, Caruso said.