Newmont Mining Corp. announced that Scott. P. Lawson has joined the company as senior vice president, technical services.

President and chief operating officer Gary Goldberg, who will assume the position of chief executive officer March 1, announced that Lawson will be responsible for driving value creation and delivery through technology and innovation.

“This new organization will build upon our strong track record and continue to provide competitive advantage for Newmont. Scott’s initial focus will be to finalize the integration work with the solutions and innovation and business excellence teams and oversee our business excellence, mining technology, mine engineering, metallurgy, innovation, integrated resource modeling and energy functions,” Goldberg said in a release.

Lawson brings more than 27 years of experience with proven results across international operations management and technical innovation. Most recently, he was senior vice president, engineering services, Peabody Energy Corp. leading a team responsible for strategic programs, technical expertise and support for exploration and geological services, mine engineering, coal processing, HSE and project development across its global operations.

Prior to this role, Lawson spent more than 20 years with Rio Tinto, most recently serving as general manager, bauxite and alumina technology group, Rio Tinto Alcan. He has also held roles as vice president and general manager, engineering and technical services, Kennecott Utah Copper; global practice leader, asset management, Rio Tinto Technology & Innovation; and other positions of progressive responsibility throughout the group, including leadership roles at Barneys Canyon and Ridgeway gold mines. He began his mining career with Barrick Gold at Mercur gold mine where he was a lead plant operator.

Lawson earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the University of Utah, and a master of business administration degree from the University of Phoenix in Salt Lake City, UT. He also holds professional certifications in business and strategic leadership, safety and six-sigma. He belongs to the Society of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers, and is a member of the University of Utah Civil and Environmental Engineering Industrial Advisory Board.

Lawson is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time with his wife Lisa and two children, Tyler and Kaylee