EDMONTON, Dec. 20, 2011 /CNW/ – Mervyn Hempenstall, CEO of Nuna Logistics Limited, announced the sudden passing of John Zigarlick, Nuna Logistics’ Chairman, on December 17, 2011. “As founder and Chairman, John Zigarlick was the pillar of the Company. John’s passion about the North and its development was an inspiration to us all.
He will be missed by many of us who saw him as a mentor and friend,” said Mervyn early today. Amongst his numerous achievements, John will be best remembered for the pioneering spirit he demonstrated in 1980 in the concept, planning and execution of placing Echo Bay’s Lupin gold mine into production. Echo Bay developed from a small silver producer with a net worth of $7 million in 1979, to a corporation with a 1995 market capitalization of approximately $2 billion. Mr. Zigarlick spent 21 years in the employment of Echo Bay Mines Ltd., including 16 years as President and CEO.
In 1993, John Zigarlick was one of the first to create a partnership with Inuit birth organizations and jointly found Nuna Logistics Limited, a federally registered company. Today, Nuna is the key provider of support to Canada’s northern mining industry. Some of the early success stories include the building of the 568-km Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road which has become an annual project. Nuna also provided early support to both BHP Billiton and Diavik Diamond Mines’ early exploration teams. Today, Nuna’s projects extend to Nunavut’s Baffin Island with work at Baffinland Iron Mines and in the Kitikmeot region with Newmont Mining in Hope Bay.
John Zigarlick was born in Winnipeg and followed in his father’s footsteps as a miner and a manager. John also spent 11 years in the Canadian Armed Forces Security Branch including a four-year tour (1961-1965) in France with a NATO contingent. His lifetime achievements have been recognized several times over the years including: Nunavut Mining Award, sponsored by The Royal Bank, for 25 years’ contribution to mining exploration and development in the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut; Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy’s John Campbell Sproule Award; Alberta Chamber of Resources “Resource Man of the Year”; Northern Miners Press “Mining Man of the Year”; Prospectors and Developers of Canada “Distinguished Service Award” and the Transport Association of Canada “Achievement Award – In Recognition of Significant and Enduring to Development of Winter Roads
Together with Nuna’s Management Group, Mervyn Hempenstall wishes to offer John’s son, Rory Zigarlick, as well as his sisters, Lorena and Natalie Zigarlick, his most sincere condolences for the loss of their father. A celebration of John’s life will be held in the New Year where family, friends and business associates can come together and pay respects to John.
For further information:
Johanne Johnson
Nuna Logistics Limited
e-mail: johannej@nunalogistics.com
Cell phone: 780-235-6774
Office: 780-408-5377
www.nunalogistics.com