Most recently, Holm was a principal adviser in Rio Tinto's Operational and Technical Excellence group. Prior to that he worked as a mining consultant and a project manager with Runge.

Holm has an extensive experience in the mining industry ranging from deep underground gold and platinum mining to underground and opencut coal mines.

Runge also made two other appointments with Scott Henderson joining as general manager of software development, and Michael Scott as general manager of human resources.

“Staff retention and successful recruitment strategy played an integral role in Runge's growth last financial year and these key appointments will strengthen our growth plans for the coming year,” Runge CEO Tony Kinnane said.

“Hiring a dedicated HR manager ensures that we have solid retention and recruitment plans in place to combat the skills shortage in the mining engineering market.

“Also software and consulting will be one of three main areas of opportunity for business growth for Runge in the coming year.”